Your diamond ring is one of the most precious pieces of jewelry you’ll ever possess. So, when cleaning it, it is normal to wonder how to clean the ring while maintaining its original sparkle and without getting it scratched. Is a toothbrush a good option to clean your diamond ring?
You can use a toothbrush to clean a diamond ring. However, the toothbrush should be labeled ‘ultrasoft’ or ‘soft.’ Cleaning a diamond ring with a toothbrush works best after soaking it in a solution of water and mild dish soap. This loosens the dirt and limits the amount of scrubbing needed.
Knowing that you can clean your diamond ring with a toothbrush is only some of what you need to know. You must also learn how to clean your diamond ring with a toothbrush. We’ll go through all the details below!
How To Clean a Diamond Ring Using a Toothbrush
When you wear your diamond ring, it comes into contact with the body oil around your ring finger and can lose its sheen. Additionally, perfumes and lotions can stick to your ring and block the light of the diamond, making it dull and lifeless. Dust and debris in the air or from things you touch are also culprits of dulling your elegant ring.
A toothbrush appears to be a universally accepted tool to clean your diamond ring, but you need to use it correctly.
Here are the 9 steps to take when cleaning your diamond ring with a toothbrush:
- Determine if the ring is fit for home cleaning with a toothbrush by assessing it for any loose settings. If that is the case, opt for professional cleaning and repair. If not, proceed to clean the ring.
- Prepare a homemade degreasing solution by adding a few drops of kitchen soap into a bowl of water. According to the Gemological Institute of America, a mild solution with an ammonia-based household cleaner can also be used as long as the jewel is not treated with a non-permanent coating.
- Put the ring in the solution to soak it for 20-30 minutes, depending on how dirty it is.
- Use a toothbrush with an “extra-soft” or “soft” designation to remove remnant dirt on the surface or between design crevices and prong settings. It’s best to use a new brush or one already dedicated to cleaning your ring. A brush with stiff bristles should be avoided entirely. A toothpick could pair with the toothbrush if you have stubborn dirt between the prongs.
- Dip the ring back into the solution to soak for a few more minutes.
- Rinse the ring thoroughly with warm running water. It is best if the rinsing water is at the same temperature as the soaking water. This prevents damage from sudden temperature changes.
- Blow or shake off the remaining water from the ring, then dry it with a chamois or a lint-free cloth.
- Place the ring on the cloth to air dry completely.
- Use a polishing cloth to shine the gold, silver, or platinum ring cover.
To ensure your ring keeps its sparkle, repeat this procedure at least once every few months, and more if you wear your ring every day!
Additional Tips for Cleaning Your Diamond Ring
Cleaning your diamond ring with a toothbrush comes with accompanying cleaning solutions and a bit of scrubbing. The following additional tips for cleaning a diamond ring will help you make sure you do not cause damage to your ring, even when using other cleaning methods.
- Be super gentle every time you clean your diamond ring. Especially if the prongs or setting are old, rough handling or scrubbing can cause irreparable damage.
- Do not clean your diamond ring above an open sink drain. Your ring could accidentally fall into the drain.
- Avoid salty water when cleaning your diamond ring. Salty water dulls diamonds and can cause corrosion to any coating metals.
- Do not dry your diamond ring with paper towels. These can accidentally hold rough objects that could scratch your ring. If a soft cloth is not available, place the ring on a clean surface and allow it to dry slowly.
- Never clean your diamond ring with hand sanitizer. The alcohol in hand sanitizers will dull the gemstone and the metal setting. Always remove the ring before sanitizing your hands.
- Although most diamond rings can be cleaned with commercial jewelry cleaning products, bleaching agents and other harmful chemicals like chlorine and acetone should be avoided. These can cause damage to the gemstone and any coating on the ring. Toothpaste and metal polishes should also be avoided – if a substance has lots of harsh chemicals, it’s best avoided!
- When cleaning a diamond ring with multiple gemstones, use a cleaning method that is safe for the most delicate gemstone. For example, if your ring has diamonds and emeralds, ensure the method is safe for the emeralds as they are more delicate than diamonds.
- While professional diamond cleaners can safely use ultrasound cleaners, it’s best not to use them for diamond ring home cleaning. Ultrasound cleaners send low-frequency wavelengths through the cleaning liquid to get rid of the dirt, especially in hard-to-reach places. However, the wavelengths can damage the gemstone if you don’t know what you’re doing.
- Have your diamond ring professionally cleaned and inspected every 6-12 months. Professional jewelry cleaners will use steam or ultrasonic cleaners for thorough jewel cleaning. Besides, the jewel pro will check the jewel for any loose gems or metal settings and act on it before the gem is lost.
Final Thoughts
You can definitely use a toothbrush to clean your diamond ring. However, it is important to know how to use this daily oral hygiene tool to keep your ring sparkling.
First, ensure the toothbrush is branded ‘ultrasoft’ or ‘soft,’ and keep those rated ‘medium’ or ‘hard’ away from your jewel.
Second, go for the safest solution to clean your diamond; a mixture of water and mild dish soap.
Lastly, you should avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine when cleaning your pricey diamond ring.
If you found this article useful, make sure you save this pin below to your Jewelry board.
