Sparkle Your Wedding Band: Tips & Tricks

Wedding bands are often worn at all times, so it's no surprise that they can get scuffed, dirty, and lose their shine over time. Luckily, there are several ways to clean and restore your wedding band's original shine. The best method will depend on the type of ring you have, but a general rule of thumb is to treat your wedding ring with care and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

If you have a plain wedding band made of gold or platinum, a simple method is to soak it in warm soapy water for 30-40 minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse the ring with warm water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. This process can be done weekly to keep your ring looking its best.

For engraved wedding bands or those with stones, a more gentle approach is needed. Again, soaking the ring in warm soapy water is recommended, but instead of scrubbing, use a soft toothbrush to gently run over the engraving or stones. Rinse and repeat if necessary. This process is also suitable for diamond wedding bands.

It's important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning your wedding band, as these can damage the metal and stones. This includes household cleaners, bleach, baking soda, toothpaste, and powdered cleaners. Instead, opt for mild dish soap or a specialised jewellery cleaning solution.

In addition to regular cleaning, preventing damage is key. Remove your wedding band during high-impact activities, such as sports or manual labour, and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. It's also a good idea to have your ring professionally inspected and cleaned at least once or twice a year, especially if it has stones or intricate details.

Cleaning a plain wedding band

Wedding bands are often worn every day, meaning they are exposed to dirt, grease, oils, and lotions that can build up over time. This can cause the ring to lose its shine and even cause permanent scratching. Therefore, it is recommended to clean your wedding band regularly.

If you have a plain wedding band, it is likely to be made of gold or platinum, and you can use the following method to clean it:

• Fill a small glass with hand-hot water and add a few drops of regular liquid dish soap. Stir the mixture gently to create suds.
• Place your wedding band in the soapy water and let it soak for 30-40 minutes.
• Remove the ring from the water and rinse it under warm running water. Be careful not to drop it down the drain!
• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the ring gently. This will help remove any remaining dirt or residue.
• If necessary, repeat the process with fresh soap and water.
• Allow the ring to air-dry completely before wearing it again.

This method is safe for gold or platinum plain wedding bands and will help restore its shine. It is simple and quick, so you can easily do it once a week to keep your ring looking its best.

If your plain wedding band has any scratches that bother you, consider taking it to a jeweler for a professional polishing service. While this may not restore it to its original factory settings, it can help buff out shallow scratches and revive some of the shine.

Additionally, remember to treat your wedding band with care and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or activities that may cause damage, such as manual labour or contact sports.

Cleaning an engraved wedding band

Keeping your wedding band clean is important to retain its shine and lustre. Over time, your wedding band can collect dirt and grime, especially if it has a complex design. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning an engraved wedding band:

Step 1: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Fill a small bowl or cup with warm water (not hot). Add a few drops of gentle liquid dish soap that cuts grease, such as Dawn, and mix it well. Avoid using hot water as it can be too harsh on the metal and cause the soap to become too sudsy.

Step 2: Soak the Ring

Place your engraved wedding band into the soapy water and let it soak for about 30-40 minutes. If the ring is extremely dirty or hasn't been cleaned in a long time, you may let it soak for a bit longer. This step helps to loosen and remove any built-up dirt, grease, or grime on the ring.

Step 3: Gently Brush the Ring

After soaking, remove the ring from the cleaning solution and rinse it under warm running water. Be careful not to drop the ring down the drain! Then, use a soft-bristled, unused toothbrush to gently brush the ring all over, paying extra attention to the engraved areas. Do not scrub vigorously, as gold and platinum are soft metals that can be scratched easily. Simply run the toothbrush along the direction of the engraving to remove any remaining dirt or soap residue.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the ring again under cool running water to remove any remaining soap or dirt. Gently pat the ring with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove excess water and then let it air-dry completely. Make sure to use a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving any fibres stuck on the ring.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your engraved wedding band using this method about once a week to maintain its shine and prevent dirt buildup.
• If your ring has gemstones or diamonds, be extra gentle during the brushing step to avoid loosening or damaging the stones. Avoid soaking the ring for an extended period if it has stones, as heat and hot water can loosen the settings.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive toothpastes, or ultrasonic jewellery cleaners, as they can damage the metal and stones.
• To prevent dirt buildup, consider removing your ring before engaging in activities that may leave residue, such as gardening, baking, or handling raw meat.

Cleaning a wedding band with stones

Wedding bands with stones require a lot more care during cleaning to avoid loosening or damaging them. If your ring has anything other than diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, it is recommended to take it to a jeweler for cleaning. If you don't have other stones, follow the steps below:

• Avoid leaving any band with stones in water, even for a short time. Heat and hot water can quickly loosen a set stone.
• Use hand-hot water, dishwashing soap, and a very soft toothbrush.
• Dampen the toothbrush and apply a drop or two of soap to the bristles.
• Gently work the soapy bristles in and around the stones and along the band. Avoid using force to prevent the stones from coming out.
• Rinse the ring and repeat the process until it is clean.
• Dry with a lint-free cloth and allow time for air-drying.

Toothpaste should not be used to clean the wedding band as it is abrasive and can damage the base metal. Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners should also be avoided as they can loosen the settings of precious stones.

Avoiding harmful chemicals

To keep your wedding band shiny and new, it's important to avoid harsh chemicals and other abrasive substances that can damage the metal and stones. Here are some tips to help you avoid harmful chemicals when cleaning your wedding band:

• Avoid using household cleaners such as bleach, chlorine, and acetone. These chemicals can break down the metal in your band, causing irreversible damage.
• Stay away from abrasive cleaners like powdered cleaners and toothpaste. These can erode the metal and discolour your ring.
• Be cautious when using specialised jewellery cleaners. Choose a cleaner without chemicals or abrasive components. Even certain chemicals that won't harm your ring could discolour the stones.
• Avoid using paper towels, napkins, or paper products to clean or dry your ring. The paper fibres can get stuck in the prongs of any diamonds or stones set in the band. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth or soft fabric made of cotton.
• If your wedding band has a gemstone setting, do not use ultrasonic jewellery cleaners. Ultrasonic machines use sound waves to create tiny vibrations to shake loose dirt, but this can also cause your stones to become loose and dislodge.
• Avoid leaving your wedding band to soak overnight, even if it is very dirty. If it is extremely dirty, take it to a professional jeweller for cleaning.
• Avoid using products like toothpaste to clean your wedding band. Toothpastes are abrasive by nature and can damage the base metal.
• If possible, avoid using any chemicals or acids to clean your wedding band. While products like Windex may be effective, they are probably unnecessary for the plain nature of wedding bands.

By avoiding these common mistakes and taking a gentle approach to cleaning your wedding band, you can keep it looking shiny and new without causing any damage to the metal or stones.

Safe practices during activities

Wedding bands are meant to be worn at all times as a symbol of your commitment. However, there are situations where removing your ring is the best option for safety reasons. Here are some safe practices to follow during activities to keep your wedding band in good condition and avoid accidents:

• High-Impact Activities: Engaging in high-impact activities, such as playing basketball or lifting weights, can put your ring at risk of damage or cause injury, such as ring avulsion. This is a serious risk, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, it is recommended to take off your ring before any vigorous physical activity.
• Working with Machinery: When working with machinery or performing any task that involves your hands, it is advisable to remove your ring. This precaution will protect your ring from potential damage and reduce the risk of accidents.
• Chemicals and Moisture: Many chemicals, including solvents and common household cleaning agents, can harm your wedding band. Additionally, prolonged exposure to moisture can be detrimental. To prevent any potential damage, it is best to remove your ring when working with chemicals or when engaging in water-related activities, such as swimming. Consider wearing a silicone band instead during such activities.
• Everyday Grooming: Your everyday grooming routine may involve products like cosmetics, cologne, or deodorant, which can contain harsh chemicals that can tarnish your ring over time. To avoid buildup and potential damage, put your ring on after completing your skincare and grooming routine.
• Gardening and Sports: Gardening, playing sports, and other similar activities can pose a risk to your ring. The term "ring avulsion" describes a frightening injury where the ring gets caught and can cause severe damage to the finger. To prevent such accidents, always remove your ring before engaging in any activity that could potentially damage it or cause injury.

By following these safe practices, you can protect your wedding band and ensure it remains a symbol of your commitment for years to come.

Frequently asked questions