How to Clean Your Rings at Home with Household Items

Cleaning restores luster to your special ring.

Oxidation is a foe when it comes to your beloved jewelry. If that were not enough, your rings may become clouded by oils on your hands and body. Wedding rings, heirloom rings, promise rings -- these are precious. Do not entrust them to someone who may use harsh chemicals to clean them when you can use natural, environmentally friendly means to take care of your own rings at home. This may be simpler than you think. Items generally found in your home get the job done at your convenience with techniques that are tried and true.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp. baking soda
• Soft toothbrush
• Cold water
• Soft lint free cloth
• Salt
• Aluminum foil
• Saucepan
• Heat resistant spoon
• Dishwashing soap
• Bowl

Instructions

Cleaning Silver Rings

1. Place silver rings in 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tbsp. baking soda. Allow to sit for two to three hours. Lightly brush with a soft toothbrush. Rinse under cold water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

2. For severely tarnished rings, apply a paste made of baking soda and water. Allow the paste to sit on the ring for sixty minutes. Remove the paste with hot water and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

3. Fill a saucepan with water and 1 tbsp. of salt. Loosely wrap the ring in aluminum foil. Place in a saucepan half filled with water. Bring the water to a boil. Boil for several minutes. Remove with a heat resistant spoon. Allow to dry.

Cleaning Semi-Precious Stones

1. 

   Avoid harsh cleaners on semi-precious stones.

   Use dish washing detergent and warm water to loosen dirt and oils. Allow ring to soak in a bowl for thirty minutes.

2. Use a soft toothbrush to remove dirt and particles. Children's toothbrushes are good to use for this purpose because they have soft bristles. Soft bristles will not scratch the metal on the ring.

3. Rinse with water. Dry the ring with a soft lint free cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Store silver rings in a cool, dry place.

• Wearing your jewelry allows body oil to help prevent tarnish and decrease cleanings.

• Precious stones are cleaned by various methods. A one-size-fits-all approach will not suffice.

• Do not dry silver with paper towels or tissues.

• Do not use toothpaste on semi-precious stones.

References

• Youtube; How to Clean Your Jewellery at Home; November 2009

Resources

• Reader's Digest Version; Home and Garden 12 Home Products For Jewelry Cleaning;