How to Clean a Tungsten Ring

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 06/13/22
Reviewed by
Katie Berry
Katie Berry
Reviewed by Katie Berry
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Cleaned tungsten ring in deep red box holder next to cleaning materials

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Total Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Tungsten rings have gained popularity because of their durability, stylish appearance, and affordability. Jewelers also use tungsten carbide to create bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that are much more affordable than silver, gold, or platinum. The metal will not tarnish, is rust-resistant, and is easy to clean.

Tungsten carbide jewelry is formed from 80 percent elemental Tungsten and 20 percent Carbon alloyed with other metals. The process begins with fine gray powder that is heated, pressed, and formed into shapes for jewelry, industrial machinery, and plates for armored vests.

Learn how to keep your tungsten ring and other jewelry clean with a few products you already have on hand.

Fun Facts

A diamond rated a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness is the only substance that can scratch tungsten which is rated at nine on the scale. Tungsten jewelry is naturally hypoallergenic, and the ring finishes can be highly polished, hammered, or brushed.

How Often to Clean a Tungsten Ring

The cleaning schedule for a tungsten ring is highly dependent on the work you are doing with your hands. The ring should be cleaned as soon as possible after any exposure to harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, or motor oils. Even body oils, bathing, and cleaning products can leave the finish looking dull. If your ring has lost its luster, it's time to give it a thorough cleaning. This can be done monthly or as needed.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Two small bowls
  • Soft toothbrush
  • Microfiber cloth

Materials

  • Mild dishwashing liquid
  • Warm water

Instructions

Materials and tools to clean a tungsten ring

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    Add one cup of warm water and about three drops of a mild dishwashing liquid to a small bowl. Do not use any type of cleaning product that contains ammonia or chlorine bleach.

    Cleaning solution of dishwashing liquid and water mixed in bowl

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Remove and Inspect Your Ring

    Remove your ring and inspect it for any loose stones or other issues. If you see a problem, do not continue and take your ring to a jeweler for repair.

    Tungsten ring inspected before cleaning

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Add the Ring to the Cleaning Solution

    Place the ring in the cleaning solution. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes. If the ring has engraving or mounted stones, let it soak a bit longer to help loosen the soil that has accumulated in those areas.

    Tip

    Several tungsten rings, bracelets, or necklaces can be cleaned in the same cleaning solution. Adjust the size of the bowl and the amount of solution to accommodate the jewelry you are cleaning.

    Tungsten ring soaking in shallow dish with cleaning solution

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  4. Remove the Ring From the Cleaning Solution

    After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any visible soil. Pay close attention to engraved areas or the nooks and crannies around mounted stones. If some of the grime will not come off, return the ring to the soaking solution for another 10-15 minutes and try again.

    Soft-bristled toothbrush scrubbing tungsten ring with cleaning solution

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  5. Rinse and Buff Dry

    After scrubbing, dip the jewelry in a bowl of clean warm water to rinse away any residue or hold the ring under a soft running stream of warm water. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry and buff the ring.

    Warning

    While tungsten is an extremely hard metal, it is not impervious to damage. Chemicals like chlorine bleach, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and ammonia can damage the finish of your ring.

    An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner solution may contain chemicals that, if used regularly, can cause microscopic fractures in your ring which can trap dirt and weaken the ring.

    Tungsten ring dried and buffed with white microfiber cloth

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Tips to Keep Your Tungsten Ring Clean and Looking Great Longer

  • Remove your tungsten ring when going swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub.
  • Remove your ring when working with household bleach, ammonia, or motor oils.
  • Store tungsten rings in a soft, cloth bag to protect them from scratches from diamond jewelry in your jewelry box. Storing them separately also protects your stainless steel, silver, gold, gold-plated, and platinum jewelry from scratches caused by the tungsten.
Tungsten ring stored in soft cloth bag

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

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