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Can we talk cleaning again?

P: 12/22/2008 6:26:08 PM
hoofbeats95 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 891 Last Post: 10/8/2009 Member Since: 11/23/2008	I have one of those little containers of cleaner (with the tiny basket and brush) from a mall store. But I swear when I clean my ring it just doesn't look right. I don't know if it dries correctly under the diamond. Maybe I'm just super picky. So christmas is coming and lots of my family hasn't seen my ering yet. I want it to be brilliant on xmas. How can I do that? I've searched on here but I'm overwhelmed. Is dawn dish liquid and a baby brush the best option? Does it have to be dawn or any dish liquid? Do you guys clean your rings every day? If so is there any harm in that? I want to clean mine every day but I don't want more long term wear. My ring seems to get dirty pretty quickly. Now for long term I want a cleaning machine. Is Ultrasonic or a Steam clean one (I saw one posted on here the other day) the best way to go? A local jeweler cleaned my ring this past week with steam. It was hot when he handed it to me, but it looked fabulous! They recommened Mr Clean as a cleaning option also. But they said as well that you have to be careful with both the ultrasonics and the steamers. And not to leave the jewelery in there too long. Sounds like it could wear away really easily. So I'm nervous if this is something I should mess with at home. I want my ring to be clean all the time, but what is the best and most gentle direction to go? Also my local jeweler told me ammonia was ok for white gold as long as I didn't let it sit in there. True?
Posted: 12/22/2008 6:26:08 PM

There are 44 replies to this message. There are 30 replies on this page.

P: 12/22/2008 6:44:03 PM
bebe Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,998 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/20/2007	I've used many different combinations for cleaning. Right now I'm using one of those containers from Wal-Mart. But in the past I've used warm water, a tiny drop of Dawn and a splash of ammonia. I've used Windex, diluted some. I also have an Ultrasonic, but honestly I never had good results with it. I have a household steam cleaner that works pretty good. So I might clean with a liquid concoction, then use the steam, rinse and then dry. I use a very soft toothbrush, clean, rinse, clean rinse. Then I use a hair dryer on high to dry it. It seems to help with water spots. I think a few years back, someone here on PS posted about dipping the piece in alcohol after cleaning, then drying. I don't know anything about that - though I wonder if it's safe.
Posted: 12/22/2008 6:44:03 PM

P: 12/22/2008 6:46:10 PM
Stone-cold11 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 6,911 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 9/9/2008	Try using those can of compress air that electronics/PC people use to clean their stuff to. That might remove the drying spots by blowing it away.
Posted: 12/22/2008 6:46:10 PM

P: 12/22/2008 6:51:19 PM
hoofbeats95 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 891 Last Post: 10/8/2009 Member Since: 11/23/2008	I wonder if my biggest prob is the drying or the cleaning? The hairdryer and the can of air are both good ideas. I once had a salesperson at a mall store tell me about alcohol too. That seems to dry a bit quicker than water. Does anyone know anything about that? I'd like to get a cleaning machine. I've read a couple threads where people have said that they haven't noticed a difference. But my ring looks amazing when the jeweler cleans it. I need to duplicate that at home. I just don't know the best way.
Posted: 12/22/2008 6:51:19 PM

P: 12/22/2008 6:54:39 PM
Kelli Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,581 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 5/27/2008	Date: 12/22/2008 6:46:10 PM Author: Stone-cold11 Try using those can of compress air that electronics/PC people use to clean their stuff to. That might remove the drying spots by blowing it away. I do this and it works brilliantly! I also use a blow dryer when I run out of it, but I'm always nervous about the heat, even though I'm pretty sure it's ok...
Posted: 12/22/2008 6:54:39 PM

P: 12/22/2008 6:56:46 PM
MissGotRocks Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,593 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 6/23/2005	In my opinion, the rinsing is just as important as the cleaning. That may be why you're not satisfied after it's cleaned. Regardless of whether I use the US or just a soak in Top Job with a squirt of Dawn, I run it under very warm water and use the toothbrush to brush under the stone and between the prongs. If any of the cleaner is left, it can make the ring look dull. I think someone posted about running the ring through the IS machine again with clean water after cleaning to remove any cleaner residue. I have also boiled water in a teapot on the stove and held my ring over the steam with a pair of long tweezers. I also clean my ring everyday so it really doesn't get alot of built up dirt and grease on it. You may want to take it to the jeweler and have it cleaned real good and then keep up the cleaning everyday - at least until all the family sees it!
Posted: 12/22/2008 6:56:46 PM

P: 12/22/2008 7:07:05 PM
kindred Cut Rock Total Posts: 140 Last Post: 10/10/2009 Member Since: 12/3/2008	Date: 12/22/2008 6:26:08 PM Author:hoofbeats95 I have one of those little containers of cleaner (with the tiny basket and brush) from a mall store. But I swear when I clean my ring it just doesn't look right. I don't know if it dries correctly under the diamond. Maybe I'm just super picky. Do you rinse off the cleaner? You should rinse it off with water once it's clean. I am on an ultrasonic kick. I cleaned some of my rings the other day and today I cleaned some of my mom's jewelry for her. I used the ammonia solution it came with and I rinsed the jewelry off with water and it looks fantastic. Now I just need to find a lint free cloth for drying. edit MissGotRocks beat me to it.
Posted: 12/22/2008 7:07:05 PM

P: 12/22/2008 7:35:26 PM
hoofbeats95 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 891 Last Post: 10/8/2009 Member Since: 11/23/2008	Yes I rinse it under running water. I have a cloth - like a polishing cloth that a jewelery store gave me. I use that to dry. But I certainly can't dry underneath the stone. I might get some canned air and try it that way. Is Dawn the only dish liquid that is safe to use? Not sure I know a difference in the brands.
Posted: 12/22/2008 7:35:26 PM

P: 12/22/2008 9:08:01 PM
MissGotRocks Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,593 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 6/23/2005	We use Dawn as it is such a great grease cutter. I think any dish soap would be safe to use but Dawn gets results!
Posted: 12/22/2008 9:08:01 PM

P: 12/22/2008 10:13:08 PM
LittleGreyKitten Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,025 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/27/2007	Anything with grease cutting agent is great. Dawn, shampoo- all work well. I soak in hot water & Dawn, then dip a toothbrush in the water & scrub, then rinse. I can access the entire pavilion of my stone with a toothbrush, so it gets nice & clean. I do think the drying is important, but I am too lazy to blowdry it. It might be psychological but I think Dawn works best of all the dish washing detergents I've tried. Ammonia is good too if you have yellow gold or platinum. Windex or Mr. Clean (OK I think Mr. Clean, not positive), or grocery store jewelry cleaner usually is ammonia basically. I have a small US cleaner but I don't think it works any better than the toothbrushing, so I don't use it that often. You can clean to your heart's content, won't hurt the stone. I usually clean my jewelry every day. I've found some settings drive me batty trying to clean them- usually the typical 6 prong head with culet nestled into the bottom. Those, I can't seem to get properly clean and it's annoying. It's actually something I think about when deciding on settings- if I can get at the pavilion to clean the stone properly. Which is ridiculously anal, of course!
Posted: 12/22/2008 10:13:08 PM

P: 12/22/2008 10:29:13 PM
LisaRN Cut Rock Total Posts: 299 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/1/2007	For the ultimate WOW I use an ultrasonic cleaner with ammonia based cleaner and a really good rinse followed by a quick polish with a polishing cloth. For daily wow, I use a quick spritz of scrubbing bubbles (ammonia based) and quick rinse before work or out. Lisa Friends come and go, but enemies accumulate.
Posted: 12/22/2008 10:29:13 PM

P: 12/23/2008 12:59:37 AM
marcyc Ideal Rock Total Posts: 7,829 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 2/27/2007	I soak mine in jewelry cleaner then soak it in purified water for a few minutes and dry it with a lint free cloth. They look great. Sometimes I will use a brush underneath. On weekends I pull out my steam cleaner. I would hesitate to use canned air - sometimes it can leave a film. Sparkle On My Friends!
Posted: 12/23/2008 12:59:37 AM

P: 12/23/2008 4:13:23 AM
mjlover Rough Rock Total Posts: 20 Last Post: 3/17/2009 Member Since: 10/12/2008	does anyone know whether any US cleaner will do (ie are they all pretty much the same)? There are some cheapish ($22) ones on ebay from hong kong and i just want to be sure that they'd actually do something ... with the aussie dollar so low right now i cant buy from US ebay ... sob ...
Posted: 12/23/2008 4:13:23 AM

P: 12/23/2008 7:43:23 AM
coconutpig Rough Rock Total Posts: 29 Last Post: 1/21/2009 Member Since: 2/20/2006	The late RockDoc worked with me on getting my stone and he recommended dipping my stone in alcohol since I have a bruted girdle. My setting is platinum by Mark Morrell. He gave me a (cheapy) ultrasonic when the ring was finished and suggested a mixture of Simple Green and water. It took me forever to find Simple Green. I was able to find it in the automotive department of Walmart. When I clean, I use a combination of Simple Green/warm water and scrub the stone with one of those tiny, tiny (denture?) brushes that you find in the oral care aisle, they are perfect for getting on the sides and under the stone. Mark also said I can leave the solution in the US and use it several times but I don't do that. I haven't tried the alcohol method only because I have the ultrasonic. I have a white gold 5-stone and clean them the same time with the same method. When I first got the ring, I cleaned every day now I'm lazy and do it 1x week. Works great - you see the difference immediately!
Posted: 12/23/2008 7:43:23 AM

P: 12/23/2008 8:14:48 AM
Wink Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,034 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 5/4/2001	All of the petroleum based cleaners will leave a film on the diamond which enables it to get dirty again quickly. Many of our clients use the Gem Care Products which are vegetable based. Not only do they not leave the film, but the products help to remove the tarnish that builds up on the metal of your jewelry. Your local Jeweler may have it or can get it if you ask him to. Wink Wink Jones GG Winfield's/High Performance Diamonds
Posted: 12/23/2008 8:14:48 AM

P: 12/23/2008 8:48:54 AM
strmrdr Ideal Rock Total Posts: 23,296 Last Post: 10/9/2009 Member Since: 11/1/2003	zest bar soap works good to. work up a lather on your hands then rub it all over the ring. Let sit for a couple min. Then rinse in hot water. If that don't do it then work up a lather and move the lather to a small plastic cup of hot water then carefully put the ring in. Gently swirl the glass and when the water is cool enough to put your finger in fish out the ring and rinse in hot water. ........... Karl has joined the diamond trade and is now posting as Karl_K
Posted: 12/23/2008 8:48:54 AM

P: 12/23/2008 8:58:10 AM
MMT Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,565 Last Post: 7/14/2009 Member Since: 6/24/2008	I love my Ultrasonic, I clean my ring almost everyday. Everytime I take it out it looks brand new.
Posted: 12/23/2008 8:58:10 AM

P: 12/23/2008 2:14:30 PM
Judah Gutwein Cut Rock Total Posts: 271 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 12/16/2008	Cheap solution that works well = dedicated toothbrush and warm water! Judah Gutwein Excel Diamonds
Posted: 12/23/2008 2:14:30 PM

P: 12/23/2008 2:54:41 PM
hoofbeats95 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 891 Last Post: 10/8/2009 Member Since: 11/23/2008	Is there anything that can harm my ring? I mean I keep hearing ammonia in regards to the white gold. But anything else? I'm going to buy some dawn and a toothbrush tonight. Does it have to be a baby brush or will any kind do?
Posted: 12/23/2008 2:54:41 PM

P: 12/23/2008 3:02:29 PM
EricaR Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,110 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 12/4/2007	Just make sure the toothbrush has soft bristles. One with firm or extra firm bristles might scratch the metal. I use a regular size toothbrush wtih soft bristles. I put a few drops of dishwashing soap in a small cup with some hot water. Once the water is cool enough to touch I dig out the ring and scrub-a-dub-dub with the toothbrush. Finish with a rinse in cool water, dry it off and I'm good as new.
Posted: 12/23/2008 3:02:29 PM

P: 12/23/2008 3:27:54 PM
hoofbeats95 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 891 Last Post: 10/8/2009 Member Since: 11/23/2008	So when you guys say hot water do you mean too hot to touch? Like steaming hot water?
Posted: 12/23/2008 3:27:54 PM

P: 12/23/2008 3:48:40 PM
ChargerGrrl Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,490 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 8/17/2005	i actually heat up water in the microwave for like 30 seconds before i use it in my ultrasonic
Posted: 12/23/2008 3:48:40 PM

P: 12/23/2008 4:23:59 PM
bebe Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,998 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/20/2007	Date: 12/23/2008 3:48:40 PM Author: ChargerGrrl i actually heat up water in the microwave for like 30 seconds before i use it in my ultrasonic I did this too. Except I heat my entire cleaning solution up, let it cool some, then clean away.
Posted: 12/23/2008 4:23:59 PM

P: 12/23/2008 4:34:55 PM
musey Ideal Rock Total Posts: 11,163 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 9/30/2006	I'm glad so many of you posted about rinsing/soaking in purified water post-cleaning, instead of tap water. That makes total sense but it NEVER occurred to me! I always just ran it under the faucet post-scrub.
Posted: 12/23/2008 4:34:55 PM

P: 12/23/2008 6:13:56 PM
bebe Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,998 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/20/2007	Date: 12/23/2008 4:34:55 PM Author: musey I'm glad so many of you posted about rinsing/soaking in purified water post-cleaning, instead of tap water. That makes total sense but it NEVER occurred to me! I always just ran it under the faucet post-scrub. Purified?
Posted: 12/23/2008 6:13:56 PM

P: 12/23/2008 6:22:19 PM
Stone-cold11 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 6,911 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 9/9/2008	Maybe distilled water will be better? :P
Posted: 12/23/2008 6:22:19 PM

P: 12/23/2008 8:24:45 PM
blinkydoll Ideal Rock Total Posts: 924 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 7/5/2006	I LOOOve cleaning my jewelry!...saddly... it is more fun to clean other peoples jewelry bec they actually let their rings get dirty.---lol I never use a cleaning solution anymore..... just water... sometimes in the sonic.... but i usually just steam it with my jem jet I use a hair dryer on low..or sometimes on cool after rinsing-- so it is dry before and after steaming. -->for those who use a jewelry polishing cloth ---Dont get the polishing cloth wet--- it will looose its magic. I use a polishing cloth on gold stuff not touching the diamonds. i don't like using it on my plat stuff for some reason. I def need to get some gem care cleaner--- i hear its great. I would say--- for the quickest clean--- I just steam everything it works the best! I have a brookstone sonic-- and it works great. I don't do my e-ring in there bec of the pave... i don't want to loosen any stones any sonic would be ok ..except the battery powered ones--- those seam chinsy. Have fun cleaning! *********** 9/20/08********* OMG!!! We Are Married!!
Posted: 12/23/2008 8:24:45 PM

P: 12/24/2008 12:19:24 AM
musey Ideal Rock Total Posts: 11,163 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 9/30/2006	Date: 12/23/2008 6:13:56 PM Author: bebe Date: 12/23/2008 4:34:55 PM Author: musey I'm glad so many of you posted about rinsing/soaking in purified water post-cleaning, instead of tap water. That makes total sense but it NEVER occurred to me! I always just ran it under the faucet post-scrub. Purified? Yes....? I'm referencing other threads as well, because only one person mentioned it here...
Posted: 12/24/2008 12:19:24 AM

P: 12/24/2008 12:46:16 AM
february2003bride Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,100 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 1/18/2005	Date: 12/23/2008 8:24:45 PM Author: blinkydoll I LOOOve cleaning my jewelry!...saddly... it is more fun to clean other peoples jewelry bec they actually let their rings get dirty.---lol I never use a cleaning solution anymore..... just water... sometimes in the sonic.... but i usually just steam it with my jem jet I use a hair dryer on low..or sometimes on cool after rinsing-- so it is dry before and after steaming. -->for those who use a jewelry polishing cloth ---Dont get the polishing cloth wet--- it will looose its magic. I use a polishing cloth on gold stuff not touching the diamonds. i don't like using it on my plat stuff for some reason. I def need to get some gem care cleaner--- i hear its great. I would say--- for the quickest clean--- I just steam everything it works the best! I have a brookstone sonic-- and it works great. I don't do my e-ring in there bec of the pave... i don't want to loosen any stones any sonic would be ok ..except the battery powered ones--- those seam chinsy. Have fun cleaning! Yes! My neighbor begged me to bring my ultrasonic to book club to clean everyone's rings. Ugh, they ALL had caked on grime! Their rings looked so much cleaner after a spin in the u/s!!
Posted: 12/24/2008 12:46:16 AM

P: 12/24/2008 10:18:17 AM
hoofbeats95 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 891 Last Post: 10/8/2009 Member Since: 11/23/2008	Pardon my ignorance, but what's the diff between purified and distilled water? Which should be used? I cleaned my ring with tap water and dawn this morning. I heated the water up for 30 secs. It was definitely HOT. But it wasn't boiling. How hot is too hot? I did dry it with a can of compressed air. It seems that some water collects under the stone, because I can see something - like a cloud in my diamond until I blow it away with the air. I hope the air is safe to use? It's kind of fun. :) I don't know why/how it would create film. . . my diamond looks pretty dang nice today. :)
Posted: 12/24/2008 10:18:17 AM

P: 12/24/2008 10:32:13 AM
denverappraiser Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,615 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 7/21/2004	The first key to cleaning is the back side of the stone. A toothbrush works just fine. I use straight windex with it but the free stuff they give you at the mall works ok too. Anything that breaks down the grease bond will do. Glass cleaner, dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, even draino works (Drain cleaner is actually really effective but it's not something you want to get on your hands and it's poisonous to boot so I recommend against this as a choice). The second key is in the rinse. If theres a soap film left on the top of the stone, obviously that prevents the light from both getting in and getting out. I use distilled water because the water here has lots of minerals and such and it leaves water spots when it dries. Sure as shooting there always seems to be one right in the middle of the table. In some places this is more of a problem than others and you surely know if youre in one of them simply by looking at your dishes. Im a big fan of the small home steam cleaners like the jeweljet. They're easy to buy for about $100 (self promotion disclaimer: I sell 'em). I use one on almost every appraisal I do although I still go at it with the toothbrush and windex first. As with the above, I put distilled water in mine because I dont want there to be waterspots for the pictures but its really only necessary if you live in a place with hard water. Neil Beaty GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA Professional Appraisals in Denver There's never a crowd when you go that extra mile.
Posted: 12/24/2008 10:32:13 AM

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