How to Clean a Moissanite Ring

Your moissanite ring is a treasure! To keep its brilliant shine, simple cleaning is key. This guide shows you easy ways to clean your ring at home and keep it looking its absolute best.  You'll learn why cleaning matters, when to do it, and the best methods for a dazzling moissanite.

Why Clean Your Moissanite Ring? Sparkle & Shine!

Just like anything you wear daily, your moissanite ring can get dull.  Cleaning regularly is important to maintain its beauty. Here’s why:

•      Oils and Lotions Dull Sparkle: Skin oils and lotions build up, making your moissanite look cloudy.  If you've noticed this cloudiness, you might be wondering, do moissanite rings get cloudy?  The answer is yes, but thankfully, it's usually just surface buildup and easily remedied with cleaning.
•       Everyday Dirt Collects: Dust and grime from daily life reduce your ring's brilliance.
•      Product Build-up Diminishes Shine:  Hairspray, makeup, and cleaning products leave a film, hiding its fire.
•      "Oil Slick" Appearance: Harsh chemicals or lotions can cause a greasy, rainbow stain ("oil slick") on your moissanite. Cleaning removes this.

The result of cleaning? Your moissanite ring will reflect light beautifully, showing off its amazing sparkle and even appearing larger and brighter! And if you're curious to understand more about the beauty and value of your ring, perhaps you've asked yourself,what does moissanite ring mean?  Understanding its unique properties can deepen your appreciation.

When to Clean: Signs Your Ring Needs a Refresh

Wondering when to clean?  Clean your moissanite ring whenever you notice it's lost its sparkle. Watch for these signs:

•      Dull or Cloudy Look: The stone appears less vibrant.
•      Reduced Shine:  It doesn't sparkle like it used to.
•      Oily or Rainbow Film:  You see a greasy or rainbow-colored sheen.
•      Visible Dirt or Build-up:  You spot grime around the stone or setting.

Pro Tip:  Regular cleaning is best!  Aim for a routine to keep your ring consistently radiant.

Easy Home Cleaning: Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning your moissanite ring at home is simple! You'll need just a few things. Here's how:

1. Gather Supplies: Get a small bowl ready.

2. Warm Water: Fill the bowl with lukewarm water (not too hot).

3. Mild Soap: Add a couple of drops of gentle dish soap (like original Dawn) or baby shampoo. Important: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive soaps. Steer clear of "soap" in ingredients lists, as they can leave residue.

4. Mix Gently: Stir the water and soap lightly to create a soapy solution. Bubbles aren't necessary.

5. Soak Ring: Place your moissanite ring in the soapy water for about 10 minutes. Soaking loosens dirt and oils. For very dirty rings, soak for 15-20 minutes.

6. Gentle Scrub: Use a soft toothbrush (an old one works great). Gently scrub the moissanite stone and metal parts. Pay attention to the underside of the stone where dirt collects. Be gentle around the prongs. Scrub from different angles to remove all grime.

7. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your ring very well under warm, running water. Ensure all soap is gone to prevent dullness. High water pressure can help remove soap.

8. Pat Dry: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently pat your ring completely dry.  No water spots! A cool-setting hairdryer can aid drying.

9. Polish (Optional): For extra shine, gently polish with a soft jewelry polishing cloth.

Weekly Cleaning: For best sparkle, clean your moissanite ring using this method weekly.

Jewelry Cleaners: When You Need Extra Power

For deeper cleaning, commercial jewelry cleaners can help.

•      Choose Moissanite-Safe Cleaners:  Select cleaners safe for moissanite and your ring's metal (like gold). Diamond and gold cleaners are usually safe for moissanite.  Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, acetone, or ammonia, which can harm the metal.
•      Follow Instructions Carefully: Always read and follow the product directions.
•      Cleaner Types:

    ○  Cleaning Pens: Great for quick, on-the-go touch-ups. Apply, brush gently, and wipe clean.

    ○  Foam Cleaners: Easy for weekly home cleaning. Gentle and effective    

    ○ Liquid Cleaners:  Require soaking (usually up to 30 mins). Rinse, dry, and buff afterwards.

    ○ Polishing Creams: For tough build-up or "oil slicks," try a polishing cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Apply, rub gently, let sit if needed, and scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly after use.

Other Home Solutions:  For Deeper Cleans (Use with Caution)

Beyond soap and commercial cleaners, these can also clean your moissanite ring at home, but use them carefully:

•      Ammonia Solution (Ventilate Well): Mix one part ammonia with one to two parts warm water. Soak for 10 mins. Scrub gently, rinse well, and dry. Work in a well-ventilated area.
•      Baking Soda & Vinegar (Test First): Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda with ½ cup white vinegar (it will bubble). Whisk until dissolved. Soak jewelry for 2 hours. Rinse well with cold water and pat dry. Vinegar might not be suitable for all metals. Test a small, hidden area first.
•      Rubbing Alcohol (Surface Cleaning):  70% rubbing alcohol is safe for moissanite and good for removing oils. Use an alcohol wipe gently or soak earrings to kill bacteria. For earrings, soak in alcohol for an hour, then brush posts and moissanite, rinse, and dry. Caution: Alcohol may wear down gold plating over time.

AVOID These: Things NOT to Use on Your Moissanite Ring!

Protect your ring! DO NOT USE these cleaning agents:

•      Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, acetone, high-concentration ammonia cleaner – these can corrode metal settings.
•      Abrasives: Toothpaste, baking soda paste, abrasive brushes, rough microfiber cloths. These can scratch the metal. Moissanite is hard, but the metal is not.
•      Windex (Use Sparingly on Metal ONLY): Not ideal for moissanite itself. If used on metal, rinse very thoroughly.
•      Ultrasonic Cleaners (For Certain Rings):  Generally safe for moissanite, but avoid if your ring has fragile settings or softer gemstones. If unsure, skip it at home.

Gentle cleaning is always best!

Professional Cleaning & Check-ups:  Annual Sparkle Boost

Besides home cleaning, professional cleaning once a year is recommended.

•      Benefits: Jewelers use ultrasonic and steam cleaners for deep cleaning, removing stubborn dirt. They also polish the metal, removing minor scratches and restoring shine.
•       Inspections: Jewelers check for loose stones, bent prongs, or band damage. Prongs can loosen over time, especially in gold settings. Regular checks prevent bigger issues. Some recommend inspections twice a year.
•       Zen Moissanite & The Moissanite Company:  Both offer professional cleaning services (check their specific terms and costs, like shipping for Zen Moissanite).  Using a local jeweler usually won't void warranties.

Cleaning Schedule: How Often is Enough?

No strict rules, but frequency depends on wear and activity.

•      Routine Weekly Cleaning: For everyday rings (like engagement rings), clean weekly at home with mild soap and water. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils.  Alcohol wipes every two weeks can also help.
•      Deeper Monthly Cleaning: Do a more thorough clean every 1-2 months with a jewelry cleaner or ammonia/baking soda (cautiously). This removes build-up in settings.
•      Annual Professional Cleaning: Get a professional clean at least once a year, or twice a year for daily wear.
•      Listen to Your Ring's Sparkle: If it looks dull or oily, it's time to clean!

Care Tips: Keep Your Moissanite Ring Cleaner, Longer

Good care minimizes cleaning needs and maintains sparkle.

•      Remove for Certain Activities: Protect your ring from harsh conditions:

○ Showering, Swimming, Hot Tubs: Soaps, chlorine, saltwater can dull stone and damage metal.

○ Exercise, Manual Labor: Avoid bumps and scratches.

○ Cosmetics, Lotions, Hairspray, Perfume: These leave films. Apply these before putting on your ring.

○ Hand Sanitizer: Chemicals can harm metal.

○ Household Cleaning: Harsh chemicals are damaging.

○ Cooking, Gardening:  Dirt and damage risk.

•      Minimize Touching the Stone: Finger oils dull the moissanite.
•     Jewelry On Last: Put your ring on after applying makeup, hairspray, and perfume.

Storage Matters: Protect Your Ring When Not Wearing It

Proper storage prevents damage and scratches.

•      Separate Storage: Store your moissanite ring in its own compartment or soft pouch in your jewelry box.  Moissanite can scratch softer jewelry.
•      Original Box: The original box is often designed for safe storage.
•      Cool, Dry Place: Keep jewelry away from direct sun and extreme temperatures.

Jewelry Insurance: Peace of Mind Protection

Cleaning and care are important, but insurance protects against loss, theft, or damage.

•      Coverage: Jewelry insurance covers repair or replacement for loss, theft, damage, or mysterious disappearance.
•      Insurance Options: Add coverage to homeowner's/renter's insurance or get a separate jewelry insurance policy (e.g., Jewelers Mutual).
•      Reduce Worry: Insurance offers peace of mind for your valuable ring.

Zen Moissanite and Lily Arkwright recommend insuring your moissanite ring.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Sparkling Moissanite!

Keeping your moissanite ring sparkly is easy with regular cleaning! Follow these simple steps at home, use appropriate cleaners, and consider annual professional cleaning and inspections.  Good care and storage will keep your moissanite ring shining beautifully for a lifetime. Enjoy its brilliance!  And if you're ready to find the perfect moissanite ring or perhaps expand your collection, be sure to shop our moissanite rings to discover a stunning array of styles.