Ever notice how a sparkly ring can instantly lift your mood and your outfit? Keeping your rings clean is key to maintaining that wow factor, but it’s not as simple as dunking them in a cleaner and walking away. How long is too long? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of jewelry cleaning—from the best types of cleaners to use, to how long you should really leave your ring soaking. Get ready to learn some factors that influence cleaning time for leaving a ring or any piece of jewelry in a jewelry cleaner.

1. Type of Jewelry Cleaner

Jewelry cleaners come in various forms, each designed for specific materials and levels of dirt. Here’s a closer look at the most common types:

• Ultrasonic Cleaners: These high-tech devices use ultrasonic waves to create microscopic bubbles that dislodge dirt from your jewelry. They are incredibly effective but can be harsh on delicate stones and metals. For example, a diamond ring typically needs just 1-2 minutes in an ultrasonic cleaner. However, a softer gemstone like an emerald should be cleaned for no more than 1 minute to avoid internal fractures.
• Liquid Jewelry Cleaners: These solutions are designed to soak your jewelry, often containing mild detergents and cleaning agents. Some are formulated for specific metals or stones. For instance, the Connoisseurs Jewelry Cleaner might suggest a 1-minute soak for gold rings. Silver rings might need up to 5 minutes to effectively remove tarnish, but always check the product instructions.
• Cleaning Cloths and Wipes: These are ideal for quick touch-ups and polishing, impregnated with cleaning agents. They are less intensive than soaking or ultrasonic methods but perfect for routine maintenance. You can use a silver polishing cloth to gently rub a silver ring for 1-2 minutes to remove tarnish and restore shine.

2. Material of the Ring

The material of your ring significantly influences the appropriate cleaning method and duration. Different metals and gemstones have varying levels of durability and react differently to cleaning solutions and methods. Here’s a detailed look at how to approach cleaning based on the material of your ring:

2.1 Gold Rings

Gold rings, especially those made of higher karat gold (18K or 24K), are relatively soft and can be easily scratched. However, gold is also quite resistant to tarnish. You can safely soak a gold ring in a liquid jewelry cleaner for up to 2 minutes. For instance, using a mild cleaner like Connoisseurs Precious Jewelry Cleaner, a 1-2 minute soak followed by a gentle scrub with a soft brush can effectively remove dirt and oils.

2.2 Silver Rings

Silver rings, particularly those made of sterling silver (typically 92.5% silver), are prone to tarnishing, which can dull its shine over time. You can opt for products like Hagerty Silver Clean, designed specifically for silver jewelry. Begin by soaking the ring in the cleaner for no more than 5 minutes. This allows the cleaner to penetrate and dissolve tarnish without causing damage to the metal. To prevent tarnishing between cleanings, store your silver rings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Consider placing anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in your jewelry storage to absorb excess moisture and inhibit tarnish formation. Avoid exposing your silver rings to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or household cleaners, as these can accelerate tarnishing.

2.3 Stainless Steel Rings

However, stainless steel is a durable metal and can withstand longer exposure to cleaning solutions compared to more delicate materials like silver or gold. Generally, you can typically leave a stainless steel ring in a jewelry cleaner for about 5 to 10 minutes. This duration allows the cleaner to effectively penetrate and dissolve any dirt, oils, or residues adhered to the ring's surface without causing damage to the metal.

2.4 Various Gemstones

Gemstones vary widely in their hardness and porosity, necessitating different cleaning approaches:

• Diamonds: The hardest natural material, diamonds can withstand ultrasonic cleaning and more aggressive cleaning agents. A diamond ring can be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner for 2-3 minutes. For regular maintenance, a soak in a mild detergent solution for about 5 minutes followed by a gentle brushing will keep it sparkling.

• Sapphires and Rubies: These stones are also quite hard and durable. Sapphires and rubies can be safely cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner for up to 2 minutes or soaked in a liquid cleaner for 3-5 minutes.
• Emeralds: Softer and often treated with oils, emeralds require more delicate handling. An emerald ring should only be soaked in a gentle cleaner for no more than 1 minute and never placed in an ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibrations can cause internal fractures.
• Pearls: Extremely delicate and porous, pearls can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning methods. Clean pearl rings with a damp cloth. If necessary, a quick dip (no more than 30 seconds) in a very mild soap solution, followed by immediate rinsing and drying, can help remove oils and dirt.

• Opals and Turquoise: These porous stones can absorb liquids, leading to discoloration and damage. Wipe with a damp cloth rather than soaking. If a deeper clean is needed, a very brief dip (a few seconds) in a mild soap solution is safest.

3. Level of Tarnish or Dirt

The amount of tarnish or dirt on the ring may also influence the soaking time. If the ring has only light tarnish or dirt, a shorter soaking time of 1 to 3 minutes may be sufficient to restore its shine. For rings with moderate to heavy tarnish or dirt buildup, you may need to extend the soaking time to 5 to 10 minutes to ensure thorough cleaning. However, be cautious not to exceed the recommended soaking time to avoid potential damage to the ring.

As a general guideline, it's best to start with the manufacturer's recommended soaking time provided with the jewelry cleaner. If the ring is heavily tarnished or dirty, you may choose to extend the soaking time slightly, but always monitor the ring closely to ensure it doesn't become damaged or discolored. Additionally, if you're unsure about the appropriate soaking time for your specific ring, it's a good idea to err on the side of caution and start with a shorter soaking period before gradually increasing as needed.

What Happens if Leave My Jewelry in the Cleaner too Long?

If you leave your jewelry in the cleaner too long, it can damage the metal, making it dull and more prone to scratches. Porous gemstones like turquoise and opal can absorb chemicals, leading to discoloration or cracking. Furthermore, heat-sensitive stones like emeralds may develop cracks. The settings holding gemstones can weaken, increasing the risk of stones falling out. Harsh chemicals can cause discoloration or residue buildup, dulling your jewelry's appearance. Therefore, always follow the recommended soaking times to avoid these problems.

Thank you for reading. If you're hungry for more tips on cleaning different types of jewelry, read here. Or you can read our previous posts here.