The area under your ring is a prime place for bacteria to flourish, according to a recent study done by Georgia State University. The CDC has also noted that there are studies suggesting that your skin under your rings can have more germs than the fingers without rings.
How Long Can a Virus Live In My Engagement Ring?
We know that viruses can live on metal surfaces for up to 72 hours. Keeping your rings clean is important for more than just appearance and good maintenance. In addition to rings, think about watches, bracelets, and necklaces. It's a step that is easy to overlook with all the other things going on now but cleaning the jewelry that's on you for most of the day is important for your health.
Are Hand Sanitizers Bad for My Rings?
Extra hand washing and some chemicals in certain hand sanitizers are also bad for your rings. You may not be able to get your jewelry professionally clean right now, but it's important to clean your jewelry...and clean it in a way that won't damage them.
The Best Way to Clean Your Jewelry at Home:
- Good old mild dish soap and water. It's probably the most foolproof way to clean your jewelry at home to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses...and it's safe for the metals and gems.
- For a deeper clean, you can make a solution of mild dish soap and water and let your jewelry soak for a while. Soon, you'll notice tiny bits of debris floating to the surface.
- If you really want to get in there, we recommend a soft bristle toothbrush. By scrubbing very gently with the toothbrush you'll be able to get at the grime that can hide behind your stones.
- Once you have cleaned your jewelry, consider removing them before you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. You want to be especially careful with gems like pearls, coral, opal, and turquoise. The alcohol in hand sanitizer can dry them out and cause them to crack.
Most importantly, keep yourself and your family safe and healthy. If you have any questions about taking care of your jewelry, you can always contact us via phone call, text, and email. Sometimes the tiniest steps can make the most difference!