How to Clean Tungsten Rings?

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It is easy to see why tungsten rings are rising in popularity as the top choice when it comes to wedding bands. Tungsten rings are incredibly durable and hard. They are the perfect choice for people who are involved in physical work because they are scratch-resistance and do not easily fade, tarnish, or oxidize.

Tungsten rings are also much more affordable than rings made of traditional metals like gold, silver, and platinum. They will definitely last you a long time.

You might want to know, though, that despite its durability, tungsten rings are not resistant to grime and dirt buildup. Fortunately, your tungsten ring just requires minimal maintenance and only a little cleaning. Your tungsten ring will be new and shiny again in no time.

How to Clean Your Tungsten Ring

1. Wash with soap and water.

Tungsten is water-resistant, and when your tungsten ring has become dirty, you can simply soak it in a solution of warm water and a few drops of household detergent or mild liquid soap. Let the ring soak for around 15 minutes.

2. Scrub lightly.

If your ring still appears dirty after soaking, use a soft cloth or a toothbrush to scrub off any of the remaining buildup of grime or dirt. If your ring has grooves, engravings, or stones, make sure to scrub them more thoroughly. 

3. Remove greasy stains.

If your ring feels greasy, which is typically due to residue left by lotion or oils, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to remove the grease stains. Then, wash the ring as described above.

4. Rinse with clean water.

Rinse your ring with clean water and wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth. 

5. Store your tungsten ring properly.

Store your tungsten ring properly by keeping it in a fabric lined container or pouch as it may scratch your other jewellery. Conversely, avoid keeping it with jewellery containing diamonds as diamonds can scratch tungsten.

6. Avoid using ultrasonic jewellery cleaners.

Using ultrasonic jewellery cleaners is a quick and easy way to clean jewellery, but it is not advisable to use them with tungsten jewellery as the vibrations of the cleaners can affect the integrity of the metal and cause tiny fractures in it.

7. Do not use harsh chemicals.

Aside from ultrasonic jewellery cleaners, it is also not advisable to use harsh chemicals to clean your tungsten ring. These chemicals, which include bleach, ammonia, and other commercial cleaners, can damage your tungsten jewellery and cause permanent stains and spotting. They may also weaken the structure of the metal.

Tungsten rings are popular due to many reasons, and these reasons include ease of cleaning and maintenance. As you can see, maintaining a tungsten ring and keeping it clean involves a very simple process. You don’t even have to take your jewellery to a professional!

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

  1. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water
  2. Add 2-3 drops of mild washing-up liquid
  3. Soak the ring for 5-10 minutes to loosen dirt and oils
  4. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, paying attention to any grooves or textured areas
  5. Rinse thoroughly under clean running water
  6. Dry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth

What to Avoid When Cleaning Tungsten

  • Ultrasonic cleaners: The vibrations can damage inlays and loosen settings
  • Steam cleaners: Unnecessary and can damage wood or resin inlays
  • Harsh chemicals: Bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, and ammonia are not needed and may affect inlays
  • Abrasive materials: Steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive pastes can dull the finish
  • Toothpaste: Despite being a common home remedy for jewellery cleaning, toothpaste is mildly abrasive and unnecessary for tungsten

How Often Should You Clean Your Ring?

For everyday maintenance, a quick wipe with a damp soft cloth after wearing is sufficient. A full soap-and-water clean once a week keeps the ring in top condition. If you work with your hands, clean more frequently to prevent buildup in grooves and textured areas.

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