Class rings are a long-standing tradition for high school and college students. Your ring is a tangible reminder of all the work you put into your schooling throughout the years.
Your class ring should last your lifetime if you take care of it properly. Lack of maintenance can cause scratches in the metal or gemstones to fall off. Lucky for you, we can help you keep yours in tip-top shape.
Keep reading to learn how to avoid the classic class ring cleaning mistakes.
1. Using Toothpaste or Lemons
You may have heard that toothpaste and lemons are a godsend for jewelry cleaning. We all have these staples in our homes so it couldn’t be more convenient.
While toothpaste may work for some types of jewelry, it isn’t ideal for all. Some softer metals damage easily so avoiding abrasive toothpaste is your best bet.
If you’re not sure what metal your ring consists of, you need to find out. Learn more about class rings and the most common metal types before investing in yours.
Lemons are another common DIY jewelry cleaning solution. Citrus fruits are very acidic which can spell disaster for soft or plated jewelry. It can also discolor and scratch your rings.
Our Solution
Use a few drops of Dawn dish detergent in warm water. Be sure not to use water that’s too hot as it can damage the metal.
Let your ring sit in the solution for several minutes before using a brand new baby-size soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub. Put the ring into a fresh bowl of lukewarm water to rinse.
2. Disinfecting with Boiling Water
We use boiling water around the house to disinfect many different surfaces. So, why wouldn’t the same be true for our class rings?
While it’s true that some rings fare well in boiling water, it’s not right for every piece. Solid gold class rings are safe to clean with boiling water since the metal is hard. Other styles, like those with gemstones, will not tolerate the heat well.
Our Solution
Steam is a great way to sanitize your ring. You can find ring cleaning tools like steam cleaners on Amazon. The high pressure of the machine works to remove grime, oil, and dirt from your jewelry.
A steaming wand on your home espresso machine can work, too. Be sure to wear gloves when working with steam to prevent burns.
3. Showering With Your Ring On
Many people choose not to clean their rings at all. They shower every day and assume that their time in the shower is enough to clean their jewelry.
It’s okay to get your rings wet on occasion but don’t make a habit of it. Hard water and soap scum can take a toll on your rings and are very hard to remove. Your shampoo and body wash can get stuck behind mountings and damage the metal over time.
Our Solution
Take all jewelry off before you get in the shower. Don’t put it back on until after you have put on your skincare products. These products may contain chemicals that can damage the metal of your rings.
Avoid The Common Class Ring Cleaning Mistakes
Regular class ring maintenance doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. Your jewelry can last a lifetime by avoiding the above class ring cleaning mistakes.
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