Sparkle Your Steel Band: Easy Cleaning Guide

Stainless steel wedding bands are tough, but they do require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. Over time, your ring can collect dirt and grime, especially if it has a complex design. To retain its shine, you should regularly clean your ring. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Firstly, avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, or acetone. These can damage the metal and any gemstones in your ring. You should also avoid abrasive substances like baking soda and toothpaste, as these can scratch the metal. Instead, use a mild soap and warm water to clean your ring. You can soak your ring in this mixture for around 30 minutes and then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the ring with warm water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also finish by polishing with a soft jewellery cloth.

Another method is to use alcohol to remove greasy spots from the ring's surface. You can also try using salt and lemon (or vinegar) to gently scrub dull stainless steel.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away dirt and imperfections

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is a great way to scrub away dirt and imperfections on your stainless steel wedding band. This method is recommended for most types of wedding bands, including those made of stainless steel, gold, platinum, titanium, cobalt chrome, and black zirconium.

Prepare a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water:

Add a few drops of mild liquid dish soap to a small glass of warm water. Stir the mixture gently to create soapy water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the metal and any gemstones or diamonds in your ring.

Soak your stainless steel wedding band:

Place your ring into the soapy water and let it soak for about 30 minutes. This step will help loosen any dirt, grease, or grime that has built up on your ring.

Scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush:

Remove the ring from the soapy water and gently scrub it with the soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay extra attention to intricate designs, engravings, or areas with built-up dirt. Remember to brush in the direction of the grains or engravings to avoid scratching the metal.

Rinse and dry:

Rinse the ring under warm running water to remove any remaining soap or dirt. Ensure you rinse thoroughly, especially if your ring has gemstones or diamonds, as soap residue can affect their appearance. Finally, dry your ring with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also let it air dry completely before wearing it again.

By following these steps and using a soft-bristled toothbrush, you can effectively remove dirt and imperfections from your stainless steel wedding band, restoring its shine and sparkle. Remember to be gentle and avoid harsh cleaning methods to maintain the integrity of your precious jewellery.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Stainless steel is a durable and attractive metal that is commonly used for wedding bands. While stainless steel jewellery is resistant to corrosion and rust, it can become dull over time due to scratches and accumulated dust. To maintain the shine of your stainless steel wedding band, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and follow proper cleaning methods.

• Keep your wedding band away from bleach and chlorine, as these chemicals can stain and corrode the steel's surface.
• Avoid using commercial jewellery cleaners, as they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the metal.
• Do not use toothpaste, paper towels, ammonia-based cleaners, or baking soda when cleaning your wedding band. These abrasive substances can scratch and damage the metal.
• Protect your wedding band from strong detergents and bleach. Remove your ring while cooking to prevent exposure to steam and oily molecules.
• Avoid spraying perfumes directly onto the wedding band, as perfumes contain chemicals that can dull and erode the finish.
• Remove your ring before applying lotions and creams to prevent the build-up of residues that may be difficult to clean.
• Store your stainless steel wedding band in a soft cloth pouch or a separate fabric-lined jewellery box to minimise contact with other jewellery pieces, especially those made of metal.
• Always try to clean your wedding band after each use, using a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or debris.
• If your wedding band has intricate designs or gemstones, consider using an ultrasonic cleaner specifically designed for jewellery. However, always follow the user manual's recommendations, as ultrasonic cleaners can damage certain types of gemstones.

Avoid soaking the ring

While it is recommended to clean your stainless steel wedding band regularly, it is important to avoid soaking the ring for extended periods. Here are some reasons why you should avoid soaking your ring:

Firstly, prolonged submersion in water can be detrimental to certain metals and gemstones. While stainless steel is a durable material, excessive exposure to water can, over time, lead to corrosion and discolouration. This is especially true if the water contains chlorine, as is often the case with pool water. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your stainless steel ring away from pools and avoid soaking it in water for extended periods.

Secondly, soaking your ring for too long may cause the water to seep into crevices and settings, potentially loosening the stones. This is a concern especially for intricate ring designs or those with multiple gemstones. A quick dip in water is unlikely to cause this issue, but as a general rule, it is best to minimise the ring's exposure to water to reduce the risk of stone settings becoming loose.

Additionally, while soaking, the ring is more susceptible to damage from external forces. For example, if the ring is accidentally knocked off its surface or dropped on the floor, the impact could cause dents or scratches. By avoiding soaking, you reduce the time the ring is in a vulnerable state, minimising the risk of accidental damage.

Lastly, soaking your ring for an extended period may not be necessary for effective cleaning. A quick dip in a mild soap and warm water solution is usually sufficient to loosen dirt and grime, and you can then proceed to gently brush the ring with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Over-soaking the ring may not provide additional cleaning benefits and could instead increase the likelihood of potential issues as mentioned above.

Dry with a soft cloth

After you've cleaned your stainless steel wedding band, it's important to dry it properly to prevent water spots and ensure that it's ready to be worn again. Using a soft cloth is the best way to do this.

First, make sure you have a suitable cloth to hand. It should be made from a soft fabric such as cotton, linen or microfibre. It's also important that the cloth is clean, so consider using a new cloth or washing it before you use it to dry your ring.

Once you have your cloth, gently pat the ring dry. You may need to pay particular attention to the areas around the setting and ensure that you dry the inside of the band as well as the outside. If the cloth becomes saturated, use a different part of the cloth or switch to a new one.

If your wedding band has intricate details or engravings, you may want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any remaining moisture from the crevices. Simply dip the toothbrush in clean water, shake off any excess, and gently brush the ring. Then, use the soft cloth to give the ring a final polish.

Finally, leave your wedding band to air dry for a short time before wearing it again.

Clean regularly

It is important to clean your wedding band regularly to ensure it stays in good condition and retains its shine. Your wedding band is in constant contact with your hands, which are exposed to grease, dirt, and lotions throughout the day. Over time, these substances can build up and dull the appearance of your ring, so it is a good idea to incorporate ring cleaning into your regular routine.

You should aim to clean your ring at least once a week. This can be done while you are cooking dinner or watching TV. It is a simple process that only requires a small glass of hand-hot water and a few drops of mild liquid dish soap. Stir the soap into the water, then place your ring into the soapy water and leave it to soak for around 30 minutes. After soaking, gently scrub your ring with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse it under warm running water. Finally, dry your ring with a soft, lint-free cloth.

If your ring has stones set into it, you need to be extra careful during the cleaning process to avoid loosening or damaging them. Do not leave a ring with stones in water for any length of time, as this can loosen the setting. Instead, dampen a soft toothbrush with warm water and apply a small amount of mild dish soap to the bristles. Gently work the soapy bristles around the stones and along the band, being careful not to use force. Rinse the ring and repeat the process until it is clean, then dry with a lint-free cloth and allow it to air-dry completely.

To keep your ring in good condition, it is recommended to take it off before bed to let your skin breathe and give it a break. This is also a good opportunity to give it a quick clean.

Frequently asked questions