Your wedding ring is one of the most meaningful pieces of jewelry you’ll ever own. Whether it’s made of wood, gold, diamond, or tungsten, it deserves proper care. This complete guide walks you through cleaning a wedding ring based on its material, so you can keep it gleaming for years to come.
Cleaning a Wood Ring
Wood wedding rings are full of natural beauty, but they’re also delicate. We finish almost all of our wood wedding rings with a protective, sealant coat, but they can still use a cleaning from time to time. And our spinner ring collection uses natural lubricants to help with keeping the spinning action.
How to clean it:
• Wipe gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water and wipe again.
• Never soak a wood ring, prolonged moisture can cause swelling or separation even in sealed woods.
• Use a natural beeswax balm or wood oil occasionally to keep the wood hydrated and protected, particularly with any natural wood ring with minimal or no finish.
• Always remove before extended exposure to water, like washing dishes, showering, or swimming.
Explore our handcrafted wood wedding rings
Cleaning a Diamond Ring
Diamond rings may be durable, but they attract oil and residue easily. Depending on the setting, dirt and oil can make it easier to lose a diamond from a channel or individual setting, so regular cleaning can help prevent lost diamonds.
How to clean it:
• Soak in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Gently brush the setting with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• If you notice any lose settings, you should visit your local jeweler or bring it back to the store you bought it. Many national brands offer extended protection plans that often at least partially cover loose or missing settings.
Learn more from Southern Living’s diamond care guide
Cleaning a White Gold Ring
White gold is coated in rhodium, which can fade over time. This diminishes its shine but with proper cleaning, you can get the gleam back.
How to clean it:
• Use mild soap and water with a soft cloth.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or anything that could scratch the rhodium plating.
• Consider professional rhodium replating every few years.
Brides.com shares more expert tips for cleaning white gold.
Cleaning a Gold Ring
Classic yellow or rose gold rings are soft and can scratch easily. You’ll want to use care when cleaning them to avoid creating dings and scratches, and, in some cases, wiping off a thin veneer if they are gold plated, not solid gold.
How to clean it:
• Soak in a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
• Brush gently and rinse thoroughly.
• Dry with a soft cloth, never paper towels.
See Vogue’s gold ring care tips for more tips and gold cleaning tips.
Cleaning a Silver Ring
Sterling silver tarnishes naturally, especially with air exposure. Storing silver in an air tight or limited air environment can help slow the tarnishing process. Cleaning can also remove any built up tarnish that occurs.
How to clean it:
• Use a silver polishing cloth regularly.
• For heavier tarnish, soak the ring in warm/hot water with baking soda and a bit of aluminum foil. The combined baking soda and aluminum foil create a chemical reaction, making it easier to remove tarnish.
• Dry and store in an anti-tarnish pouch.
Cleaning a Titanium Ring
Titanium is strong and low-maintenance, but it can still use regular maintenance to keep it shiny and bright.
How to clean it:
• Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
• Dry completely to avoid water spots.
• Polish with a microfiber cloth if needed.
Cleaning a Tungsten Ring
Tungsten carbide is highly scratch-resistant but can be brittle. You likely do not have too much at your home that can actually scratch tungsten.
How to clean it:
• Wash with warm water and dish soap.
• Avoid ammonia, bleach, or abrasives.
• Dry thoroughly, but be careful not to drop the ring, as tungsten can crack on impact.
Shop our collection of tungsten wedding rings
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Wedding Ring
Can I use jewelry cleaner on all types of rings?
No. Many commercial jewelry cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage wood, silver, or plated rings. Always check if a cleaner is safe for your ring’s specific material.
How often should I clean my wedding ring?
Once a week for diamond, gold, or silver rings is ideal. Wood rings should be wiped regularly but deep cleaned less frequently (every 1 to 2 months), using only natural products. Cleaning a wedding ring can also occur quickly each night before bed, using a microfiber cloth to wipe off the grim from the day.
Is ultrasonic cleaning safe?
Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for diamonds and some metals but avoid using them for wood rings, tungsten with inlays, or any ring with delicate settings. It’s best to ask your jeweler before using one.
What’s the safest method for cleaning all ring types?
Warm water + mild dish soap + a soft cloth or brush is the safest universal method, especially for rings with mixed materials. When cleaning wood, just make sure to thoroughly dry the ring once you are done cleaning it to help avoid warping or damage from the water.
Should I take my ring off before sleeping or showering?
Yes. To extend the life of your ring, especially wood, silver, or plated designs, remove it before showering, swimming, exercising, or applying lotions. When not wearing, store the ring in a dry, safe location.
Take Away
No matter what your wedding ring is made of, it deserves mindful care. By using safe, material-specific methods for cleaning a wedding ring, you’ll help preserve its beauty and meaning for decades to come.
Whether your ring is a custom wood band, a polished tungsten piece, or a shimmering diamond solitaire, regular cleaning is one small act to keep your ring looking good for years to come.