How to Clean a Diamond Ring: 10 Proven Methods for a Brilliant Shine

How to Clean a Diamond Ring?

Cleaning your diamond ring at home is simple and can make a big difference in how shiny it looks. Dirt, lotion, soap, and even natural oils from your skin can build up on the diamond and the metal, making it look dull. Luckily, you can clean your ring at home using simple items most people already have. It’s quick, gentle, and doesn’t require any special equipment.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl
• Warm water
• A few drops of mild dish soap
• A soft toothbrush
• A lint-free or microfiber cloth

Start by mixing the warm water with a few drops of dish soap in your bowl. Place your diamond ring in the solution and let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes. This loosens dirt and grime stuck in hard-to-reach spots. Then, take the soft toothbrush and gently scrub the ring, paying close attention to the back of the diamond and under the setting where buildup is common. Use light pressure to avoid damaging the setting or scratching the metal. When you’re done, rinse the ring under warm running water, just make sure to plug the sink or use another bowl so it doesn’t slip away. Dry it with a clean, soft cloth, and avoid using paper towels, as they can leave tiny scratches. If you clean your ring regularly, about once a week, it will stay shiny and beautiful for years to come.

9 Expert-Approved Methods to Clean a Diamond Ring

1. Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner (At-Home or Professional)

Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to shake off all the grime from your jewelry. These machines can reach places your toothbrush can’t, making them great for deep cleaning. You can buy one for home use, but the same machines are also used at professional jewelers. Just remember — this method is powerful, so if your ring has any loose stones, or if it’s an antique or delicate setting, it might not be the best choice.

What you need:

• An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner
• Warm water
• Jewelry cleaning solution (or a few drops of mild soap)
• A soft cloth for drying

To use it, fill the machine with warm water and a few drops of cleaning solution. Place your ring inside the basket and turn on the machine,  most run for 3 to 5 minutes. When it’s done, take out the ring, rinse it gently with water, and dry it. It’s fast and effective, but be cautious and maybe double-check with a jeweler if your ring is extra special.

2. Jewelry Cleaning Solution (Non-Abrasive, Ammonia-Free)

Jewelry cleaning solutions are specially made to clean diamonds and precious metals without causing any damage. You can find them in jewelry stores or online, and many come with a small brush and cleaning tray. The key is to pick a solution that’s labeled as non-abrasive and ammonia-free, especially if your ring has any other gemstones like opal or emerald that are more delicate.

What you need:

• Jewelry cleaning solution
• A soft-bristle brush (often included)
• A clean, lint-free cloth
• Warm water (for rinsing)

To clean your ring, follow the instructions on the bottle. Usually, you’ll dip the ring in the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently brush it and rinse under warm water. Dry it off, and your ring will look refreshed. It’s a great option if you want something a bit stronger than soap and water, but still gentle and safe.

3. Professional Cleaning at a Jeweler

If you’re ever unsure or your ring just needs some expert TLC, take it to a professional jeweler. Most jewelry stores offer complimentary cleanings, especially if you bought the ring from them. They use high-end tools like ultrasonic machines and steam cleaners to get deep into every nook and cranny — and they’ll also check the prongs and setting to make sure your diamond is secure.

What you need:

• Just bring your ring
• (Optional) Schedule a visit with your jeweler

This method is 100% safe, and it’s the best choice if your ring has a lot of buildup or it’s been a long time since your last cleaning. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your ring is being checked by a professional. Aim to get it cleaned professionally at least once or twice a year.

4. Steam Cleaning (Professional or At-Home Device)

Steam cleaning uses high-pressure steam to blow away dirt, oils, and buildup from your ring, no chemicals needed. It’s commonly used in jewelry stores, but there are also smaller steam cleaners you can buy for home use. It’s very effective, especially for hard-to-reach areas in the setting, but it can be too harsh for some types of stones or fragile designs.

What you need:

• Professional steam cleaner or at-home version
• Clean water (distilled is best)
• A cloth for drying

To use an at-home steamer, fill it with water, wait for it to heat up, then point the steam jet at the ring. Use tweezers or gloves because the steam is hot! After steaming, just dry your ring with a clean cloth. It’s super satisfying to see all the grime literally blow away, but again — skip this method if your ring has any loose parts or sensitive stones.

5. Alcohol-Based Cleaner (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%)

Rubbing alcohol is another safe and effective way to clean diamond rings, especially if you want to disinfect it at the same time. It works great for cutting through oils and leaving the metal shiny. Just make sure you use isopropyl alcohol (70%) and not anything with added scents or ingredients.

What you need:

• A small bowl
• Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
• A soft toothbrush
• A cloth for drying

Drop your ring into the alcohol and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then use a soft toothbrush to clean it gently, especially around the prongs and under the diamond. Rinse it off with warm water and dry. It’s quick, cheap, and very effective — just avoid it if your ring has softer stones like pearls or opals.

6. Baking Soda Paste (Gentle Scrub for Gold & Diamonds)

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can safely clean diamonds and gold if used carefully. It’s great for lifting surface dirt and restoring some shine. This method is only suitable for solid gold and diamonds — avoid it if your ring has soft gemstones or plated metals.

What you need:

• Baking soda
• Water
• A soft toothbrush
• A lint-free cloth

Mix a small amount of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. Gently apply it to the ring with a soft toothbrush, scrubbing lightly. Be especially gentle around any detailed settings. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. It’s a nice DIY method, but always go light on the scrubbing.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap Soak (Deep Clean & Disinfect)

This combo is not only great at removing grime but also kills bacteria — perfect if you wear your ring daily. The hydrogen peroxide helps break down oils and dirt, while the soap lifts them away.

What you need:

• ½ cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• ½ cup warm water
• A few drops of mild dish soap
• A bowl, soft toothbrush, and cloth

Mix the ingredients in a small bowl and soak your ring for 15–20 minutes. Gently scrub with a toothbrush, rinse well, and dry with a clean cloth. This method works well if your ring feels dull or if you’ve been using a lot of hand lotion or sanitizer lately.

8. Club Soda Soak (Quick Shine Boost)

Yes, the same fizzy drink you mix with your cocktails! Club soda can help lift dirt from diamond rings due to its carbonation. It’s gentle and fun — though not as deep-cleaning as other methods.

What you need:

• A glass of club soda
• A small bowl
• A soft cloth

Place your ring in a bowl of club soda and let it soak overnight. The bubbles help loosen dirt and grime, giving your ring a gentle cleanse and a bright little sparkle boost. After soaking, rinse and dry as usual. It’s not magic, but it’s a harmless way to refresh your ring once in a while.

9. Vinegar & Baking Soda Soak (For Gold & Diamonds ONLY)

This method creates a fizzy reaction that can clean up tarnish and dirt on solid gold rings with diamonds. Do not use this method on silver, plated rings, or with soft stones like pearls or opals.

What you need:

• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• A bowl, soft brush, and cloth

Add the baking soda to the vinegar and stir — it will fizz! Drop your ring in the mixture and let it soak for 2–3 hours. After soaking, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse, and dry. It’s a powerful natural cleaner, but should be used carefully and only on rings that can handle it.

How to Clean Different Types of Diamond Rings?

1. How to Clean a Gold Diamond Ring?

Cleaning a gold diamond ring at home is very easy. Just take a small bowl of warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Let your ring sit in the soapy water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt, lotion, or oil stuck to it. After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean around the diamond and under the setting. Be gentle so you don’t scratch the gold. Once you finish scrubbing, rinse the ring under clean warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Try not to use strong cleaners like bleach or chlorine, as they can damage the gold.

2. How to Clean a Platinum Diamond Ring?

Platinum is a strong metal, but it still needs good care to keep its shine. To clean a platinum diamond ring, fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak the ring for 20 to 30 minutes. Then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush, especially around the diamond. Platinum doesn’t tarnish like silver, so this gentle cleaning is usually enough. Rinse the ring under warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Over time, platinum may look a little dull, but a jeweler can easily polish it to bring back the bright shine.

3. How to Clean a White Gold Diamond Ring?

White gold rings are coated with a metal called rhodium, which makes them look bright and shiny. To clean one, use warm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap. Soak your ring for 15 to 20 minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to clean around the diamond and setting. Rinse the ring with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or anything rough like baking soda or vinegar, because they can wear away the rhodium coating. If your ring starts to look yellow or dull, a jeweler can re-coat it to make it look new again.

4. How to Clean an Opal Ring with Diamonds?

Opals are soft and delicate, so you have to be very careful when cleaning them. Do not soak an opal ring in water. Instead, take a soft cloth or cotton swab, dip it in lukewarm water with just a drop of mild soap, and gently wipe the surface of the opal and the diamond area. Do not scrub or use hot water, as that can damage the opal. After cleaning, gently dry the ring with a soft cloth. Store it in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight to keep the opal from drying out or cracking.

5. How to Clean a Silver and Diamond Ring?

Silver can tarnish over time, so it needs a bit of extra care. To clean a silver and diamond ring, use warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. If the ring looks really dull, you can also add a little bit of baking soda to the water. Soak the ring for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse it well with clean water and dry it completely with a soft cloth. Try not to use toothpaste or anything rough because it can scratch the silver. When you’re not wearing the ring, keep it in a pouch or box to help prevent tarnish.

If you want to calculate your ring size with ease, use our simple Ring Sizer Tool online. You can also download our Printable Ring Sizer and follow the step-by-step guide to measure your finger at home. Then, match your measurements with our Ring Size Chart to find your perfect fit—quick, accurate, and hassle-free.