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70 % Alcohol Wipes to Clean Ring?

whatamilookingat

whatamilookingat

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 7, 2019
Messages
86
I bought some 70% alcohol wipes to quickly clean my rings when they get gross. I had read about someone doing that on here. I like the results, but am starting to worry if this will eventually damage the rings or metal (platinum). I've done some reading and it seems like people think it's safe, but others are saying it will leave a residue. I'm not so worried about the residue, but am worried about actual damage. If I do it a few times a day (I can get obsessive) will it eventually damage the metal or somehow weaken the diamonds? Thank you for any help.
 
I'm not sure about the alcohol, but you could also clean your ring with a glasses cloth!
 
Do your rings have diamonds or gemstones? If it’s diamonds only then I think you’re okay. I’ve soaked my platinum and diamond ring in 90% isopropyl alcohol after going to the hospital, and it’s fine.
 
Yes, the rings have diamonds, no other stones. I've heard of soaking them, which makes me nervous. I know it would make them really shiny though.

I guess I just want to be really sure that it's safe to use the wipes frequently, and that I'm not somehow slowly harming the diamonds or metal over time.
 
alcohol is safe on diamond rings and some gemstones. Opal and any commonly oiled stone like emerald are a huge no-no.
A cloth of any kind is always a threat of catching and lifting a prong.
 
Thank you everyone for your help. I'll continue to use the wipes and just be sure to watch that I don't snag the prongs or use them on any other kind of stone.
 
I think 90% and above of isopropyl alcohol is best vs the 70% due to evaporation.

Here is @TreeScientist 's excellent post to me about this in another thread. FYI

Ultrasonic cleaner recommendation please

I know it would happen to me! Did you ever see the episode of Lucille Ball at the straw factory? My brother use to say I was just like her! :lol-2: ROFLMOA Me too! I am Lucy Ricardo. Not kidding. Just ask my dh and my closest friends. The Chocolate factory scene. Classic Lucy and totally...
www.pricescope.com

TreeScientist said:
another method for streak-free drying is to use 90% rubbing alcohol and KimWipes. Fill a small squirt bottle with 90% rubbing alcohol (not 70%. The 70% has too much water and doesn't evaporate quickly enough. Search for the 90% at the drug store) and squirt it all over the jewelry after removing from the ultrasonic. Then take a KimWipe and wipe away the excess, although the 90% rubbing alcohol should dry away on its own almost instantly.
Click to expand...
 
missy said:
I think 90% and above of isopropyl alcohol is best vs the 70% due to evaporation.

Here is @TreeScientist 's excellent post to me about this in another thread. FYI

Ultrasonic cleaner recommendation please

I know it would happen to me! Did you ever see the episode of Lucille Ball at the straw factory? My brother use to say I was just like her! :lol-2: ROFLMOA Me too! I am Lucy Ricardo. Not kidding. Just ask my dh and my closest friends. The Chocolate factory scene. Classic Lucy and totally...
www.pricescope.com
Click to expand...

Thanks. I have 90% in a bottle at home. I'll check if that concentration is available in wipes too :).
 
whatamilookingat said:
Thank you everyone for your help. I'll continue to use the wipes and just be sure to watch that I don't snag the prongs or use them on any other kind of stone.
Click to expand...

And remenber not to flush them
Wipes are a plumber's worst nightmair
I feel horribly guilty for the odd wipe ive flushed over the years
 
wipes work on the top of a diamond.
The real grime is on the pavilion.
No value from wipes unless the stone is loose.
 
Polabowla said:
How to clean that then -safely?
Click to expand...
For tough gems like diamond ruby and sapphire, put some ammonia and dish dtergent into a cup of boiling water. place the rings etc into the water that is now just off boiling.
Swirl around a little with a stiff tooth brush and pick out each piece and scrub the stones from under and on top.
put back in
then put plug in sing and tip cleaning solution out. Floww hot water into cut. Good rinse. take out each piece and dry - tissue cloth etc then hair dryer if easy
 
whatamilookingat said:
Thanks. I have 90% in a bottle at home. I'll check if that concentration is available in wipes too :).
Click to expand...

90% probably isn't available in wipes - 90% and above is for cleaning without leaving residue, whereas 70% is for sterilization (there needs to be a certain amount of water for the alcohol to penetrate cell barriers or something). However you can get it in spray for cleaning circuit boards and such. I have a 99% spray at home. You need to clean it first with water and residueless dish soap or ammonia (I would not use ammonia regularly if it is a gold ring) or specialized jewelry cleaner, then dry it a little, then spray with alcohol for a streak-free finish.
 
Stiff toothbrush won't scratch?
 
I started using the alcohol wipes at work after learning that lapidaries/gem sellers use them . I like my stones clean! I've done this for ages now, no damage. Not a replacement for a good cleaning, but quick way to keep daily grime from hindering sparkle.
 
distracts said:
90% probably isn't available in wipes - 90% and above is for cleaning without leaving residue, whereas 70% is for sterilization (there needs to be a certain amount of water for the alcohol to penetrate cell barriers or something). However you can get it in spray for cleaning circuit boards and such. I have a 99% spray at home. You need to clean it first with water and residueless dish soap or ammonia (I would not use ammonia regularly if it is a gold ring) or specialized jewelry cleaner, then dry it a little, then spray with alcohol for a streak-free finish.
Click to expand...

Yes, I googled it this morning and couldn't find any in that concentration :(2. I was looking for the tiny wipes that nurses use before giving you a shot. I saw the tech sprays though. Thank you for the tips!
 
Garry H (Cut Nut) said:
For tough gems like diamond ruby and sapphire, put some ammonia and dish dtergent into a cup of boiling water. place the rings etc into the water that is now just off boiling.
Swirl around a little with a stiff tooth brush and pick out each piece and scrub the stones from under and on top.
put back in
then put plug in sing and tip cleaning solution out. Floww hot water into cut. Good rinse. take out each piece and dry - tissue cloth etc then hair dryer if easy
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice!
 
CHRISTY-DANIELLE said:
I started using the alcohol wipes at work after learning that lapidaries/gem sellers use them . I like my stones clean! I've done this for ages now, no damage. Not a replacement for a good cleaning, but quick way to keep daily grime from hindering sparkle.
Click to expand...

Good to know. No damage in the long term was a concern. That and somehow having the alcohol suddenly crack the stone.

I'll admit that now I'm less nervous. @JPie I've soaked the rings in 91% alcohol and the bottom of the diamonds look super clean when I look through the tiny holes on the underside of one of my rings. No damage :).
 
Polabowla said:
Stiff toothbrush won't scratch?
Click to expand...

I've wondered about this too. I used to use an adult toothbrush on my other diamond before switching to a soft baby one. I don't think it would scratch the diamond (someone please correct me if I'm wrong), but I did wonder if it scratched my setting. I don't recall any horrendous damage, but I'm not always the most observant. The ring is platinum if that matters.
 
whatamilookingat said:
Good to know. No damage in the long term was a concern. That and somehow having the alcohol suddenly crack the stone.

I'll admit that now I'm less nervous. @JPie I've soaked the rings in 91% alcohol and the bottom of the diamonds look super clean when I look through the tiny holes on the underside of one of my rings. No damage :).
Click to expand...

Glad to hear it!
 
@mission1 Thanks, I just might buy that. I like that you can clean between the prongs.
 
whatamilookingat said:
I've wondered about this too. I used to use an adult toothbrush on my other diamond before switching to a soft baby one. I don't think it would scratch the diamond (someone please correct me if I'm wrong), but I did wonder if it scratched my setting. I don't recall any horrendous damage, but I'm not always the most observant. The ring is platinum if that matters.
Click to expand...

A long time ago now i endured a very long dental hygene lecture care of the NZ army
So i do what i was told and only ever use a soft toothbrush on my pearly whites
 
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