July 16, 2024
Wedding Band Care Guide How to Clean & Maintain Your Band
Wedding Tips
You did it! You found the wedding band and partner of your dreams. But a few years later, your ring isn’t looking as sharp as the day you said, “I do.” So, to help you put the bling back in your badass ring, we’ve compiled a no-nonsense mens wedding band care guide.
Inside, we’ll show you how to properly clean, maintain, and store your wedding band to preserve its shine and durability for years to come. Get the care basics and material-specific instructions for your unique mens wedding band.
Gents, it's time to slip off your ring and give it some well-deserved TLC. Want to skip the read and watch our very own YouTube star, Archie, give you the cleaning 101? Click here.
The Three Ring Care Basics
Before you bust out the baking soda and start scrubbing away with your partner's toothbrush, take a few tips from the experts. Here are our general guidelines for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your wedding band.
Cleaning
When cleaning your wedding band, we recommend keeping it simple. Most Manly Bands wedding bands can be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap*. We recommend cleaning your ring once every few months. Weekly is overkill.
Here’s a handy ring cleaning checklist:
Do’s
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Know what your ring is made of before you clean it (see more below)
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Use mild soap like Dawn dish soap
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away dirt
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Rinse and dry your ring thoroughly after cleaning
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Polish with a soft microfiber or jewelry cloth to make it sparkle
Don'ts
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Soak your wedding band for an extended period – it’s not necessary
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Use harsh chemicals – it damages the metal and materials
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Use hard-bristled brushes – it scratches the surface
*Read our material-specific cleaning instructions below to ensure your ring qualifies for the standard soap and water treatment.
Maintenance
Like any Manly beard and sleek ride, your ring needs a bit of daily TLC to keep it looking its best. In addition to the occasional spit shine, you’ll also want to follow a few maintenance guidelines to ensure your ring stays in tip-top shape.
Here’s a handy ring maintenance checklist:
Do’s
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Follow our material-specific care instructions below
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Regularly inspect your ring for any loose stones, cracks, dents, or damages
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Get maintenance done by professionals like us!
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Purchase insurance – it’s worth protecting your investment
Don'ts
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Wear your ring while swimming or showering – fancy soaps, chlorine, and saltwater can damage certain metals and materials
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Expose your ring to extreme heat – it can change the shape, size, and color
Storage
Occasionally, you’ll need to slip off your ring and store it in a safe, dry place. We recommend removing your ring during any hands-on activities like DIY house projects, lifting heavy stuff, playing with chemicals, chopping wood…you get the point.
Here’s a handy ring storage checklist:
Do’s
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Remove your ring at home on soft surfaces – avoid bathroom tile!
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Store your ring in a fabric-lined pouch or jewelry box
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Store your ring in a temperature-stable environment
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Store your ring in the same safe place every time
Don'ts
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Take your ring off in public – you’re more likely to lose it
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Store your ring wet – it can cause the ring to tarnish
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Store your ring in direct sunlight – it can cause discoloration and fading
The Material Care Guide
As the curators of unique mens wedding bands made with all sorts of unconventional materials, we know a thing or two about caring for your signature bling. Below, we’ll show exactly how to care for your ring based on its material.
Gold Wedding Bands
Ah, gold wedding bands—history’s most beloved wedding band material. But, like most metals, gold has its flaws. Gold is a soft metal, making it more prone to scratches and dents. It also requires regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its signature shine.
Follow the instructions below for everyday cleaning and maintenance. If you notice significant scratches, take your ring to a local jeweler to get them buffed out.
How to clean a gold wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Place your ring in the solution and let it soak for 30 min or less – don’t overdo it.
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Remove the ring from the solution using your fingers, not tongs or a spoon.
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Rinse with cold water.
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Use a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to dry and polish your ring.
Titanium Wedding Bands
Titanium wedding bands are among the toughest rings on the market. Their natural oxide protective layer makes them corrosion and tarnish-resistant. This shield also means you don’t have to worry as much about saltwater or chlorine. However, we still recommend removing them before diving in to avoid any accidental slip-offs.
While their protective shield prevents tarnishing or cracking, titanium bands do show the occasional scratches. Depending on your vibe, you can keep the scratches as battle scars or get them buffed out by a professional.
How to clean a titanium wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Wash in solution using an old, soft toothbrush to remove any nasties.
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Rinse in cold water.
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Hit it with a spritz of Windex and polish with a soft microfiber cloth for the perfect shine.
Tungsten Wedding Bands
Like their shiny and strong counterpart titanium, tungsten wedding bands are durability superstars. These bad boys hold up to the elements, resisting scratching, tarnishing, oxidizing, rusting, or fading.
But they're not perfect. Harsh chemicals like bleach or Lysol can irreversibly damage the finish of your tungsten ring. Tungsten rings are also prone to cracking when dropped on hard-surface floors like tile. So, remove it in the bedroom, not the bathroom.
How to clean a tungsten wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Wash in solution using an old, soft toothbrush to remove any nasties.
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Rinse in cold water.
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Dry and polish with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth.
Cobalt Chrome Wedding Bands
Cobalt chrome is the only alternative metal ring closely resembling white gold, minus the precious metal price tag. We love cobalt chrome wedding bands because they’re a hardy, low-maintenance kinda guy. Cobalt chrome rings are more scratch-resistant and durable than solid gold and don’t require any special care instructions.
Follow the instructions below to clean your ring and keep it shining bright. If you get the occasional scratch, no worries. Take it to a local jeweler for a buffing.
How to clean a cobalt chrome wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Wash in solution using an old, soft toothbrush to remove any nasties.
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Rinse in cold water.
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Dry and polish with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth.
Black Zirconium Wedding Bands
Black zirconium wedding bands are gaining popularity, and for good reason. A high-heat treatment process gives this durable metal a bold, badass-looking charcoal-gray finish. Over time, a silver shade tends to shine through, giving it a unique and textured finish. You’ll also be happy to know that this ring holds up well to large quantities of common cleaning chemicals like hand sanitizer, so pump away.
While black zirconium might have a rugged and mysterious vibe, it’s not the most scratch-resistant metal. When cleaning and storing, avoid hard-bristled brushes and surfaces that might rub this ring the wrong way.
How to clean a black zirconium wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Wash in solution using an old, soft toothbrush to remove any nasties.
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Rinse in cold water.
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Dry and polish with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth.
Tantalum Wedding Bands
Tantalum wedding bands are tough as nails. Tantalum is a highly durable metal that doesn’t flinch at the site of tile floors (sorry, tungsten) or harsh chemicals. This ring requires minimal maintenance and upkeep, making it the perfect choice for the low-key, no-frills gent.
Scratches and wear over time are normal and likely not a problem if you choose this ring style. But if you want to polish it up for a special occasion, you can do so at home with the simple steps below.
How to clean a tantalum wedding band:
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Wash with mild soap and water.
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Rinse in cold water.
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Dry the ring completely with a soft cloth.
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Apply a cream metal polish to your cloth to polish out any scratches.
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Rinse again under cold water to remove any residue.
Wood Wedding Bands
Like the trees they originate from, wood wedding bands are strong but not entirely immune to the elements. We seal all our wood wedding bands with durable resin, but unfortunately, this doesn’t protect this ring completely. Wood is naturally porous, making it susceptible to damage from too much water exposure or harsh chemicals. Its organic material is also vulnerable to scratching and cracking, so avoid taking this ring to the job site or gym.
Following the instructions below to a T, you’ll preserve this natural beauty for years.
How to clean a wood wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Instead of submerging the ring, use a soft brush to scrub the ring with the solution gently.
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Rinse the ring under cold water.
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Dry the ring completely with a soft cloth.
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To season and protect the ring, consider using a wood conditioner*.
*Not all Manly Bands wood rings require conditioning. Consult with our support team before applying anything to the exterior of your wood ring.
Carbon Fiber Wedding Bands
Carbon fiber rings are one of our most futuristic options for mens wedding bands. Characterized by its distinctive woven texture, glossy finish, and lightweight feel, carbon fiber rings are cutting-edge in both style and substance.
However, despite their durability, carbon fiber rings have a few special considerations to keep in mind. While resistant to scratches and corrosion, these rings lose their luster and integrity if exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasive substances. But fear not, the simple cleaning method below will make your carbon fiber wedding band look as cool as the day you bought it.
How to clean a carbon fiber wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Soak the ring in the solution for a few minutes to loosen the grim.
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Gently scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
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Rinse with cold water.
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Air dry or pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
Damascus Steel Wedding Bands
Damascus steel wedding bands are built for battle. Characterized by its distinctive patterned surface and exceptional durability, this ring is as resilient as it is stylish.
As its namesake implies, Damascus steel rings are made from stainless steel, meaning they won’t tarnish or corrode. That said, chlorine can seriously damage or even destroy a Damascus steel wedding band, so leave it in your ring box when you head to the pool.
Care-wise, these rings are low maintenance, requiring the occasional scrub and shine.
How to clean a Damascus steel wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away any grime.
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(Optional) Use a spot of mild toothpaste to buff out minor scratches.
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Rinse with cold water.
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Dry thoroughly using a soft microfiber cloth.
Dinosaur Bone / Antler Wedding Bands
Like our wood wedding band collection, we seal all our dinosaur bone and antler wedding bands with a special jewelry resin. While these unique and natural materials are inherently durable, following proper care instructions for these little treasures is key.
If you opted for a dino bone or antler inlay, avoid prolonged exposure to water. Additionally, the sealant or resin on the outside of the ring can scratch and wear down, so try not to lift heavy stuff or play with chemicals while wearing this ring.
How to clean a dinosaur bone/antler wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Instead of submerging the ring, use a soft brush to scrub the ring with the solution gently.
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Rinse the ring under cold water.
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Dry the ring completely with a soft cloth.
Meteorite Wedding Bands
Your meteorite wedding band made it from the depths of space onto your finger, so it’s indestructible, right? Not quite. All our rings with unique inlays like meteorite are treated with a strong, heavy-duty sealant to protect them from the damages of day-to-day wear. But that doesn’t make them impervious.
Meteorite is composed mainly of iron, so oxidation and rusting are possible. Exposure to oxidation agents like chlorine, bleach, or salt water can change the meteorite's pH and increase rusting. Prolonged exposure to water can do this, too.
That said, there are some workarounds. You can use a little baking soda and a toothbrush to clean up any rust that appears. Just make sure you rinse and dry it thoroughly. If some oxidation occurs, you can also contact us, and we will refinish it for you.
How to clean a meteorite wedding band:
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Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
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Instead of submerging the ring, use a soft brush to scrub the ring with the solution gently.
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Rinse the ring under cold water.
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Dry the ring completely with a soft cloth.
Silicone Wedding Bands
As you can see above, all wedding band metals and materials have weaknesses. No material is 100% safe from the occasional scratch or tarnish. That is why we send a silicone band—the Best Man—with every ring purchase for free. It is a low-cost, resilient ring alternative that doesn’t mind the occasional drop or bump.
Slip this super-durable and flexible wedding band on your hand whenever you head to the gym, beach, or job site. If it gets lost, damaged, or broken, you’re only out $30 to replace it. Even better, these rings aren’t picky when it comes to care. Just toss it in the dishwasher (seriously) and let it air dry – skip the heated dry, just to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my band has multiple materials?
A: If your band has multiple materials, you should clean it according to the care instructions for the most delicate material to prevent damage to any material or inlay.
Q: What’s your warranty policy?
A: We proudly offer a lifetime manufacturing warranty on any purchased ring for all manufacturing defects–FREE of charge. Check out this article to read all about it.
Q: If my Manly Band cracks or scratches, do you guys fix it?
A: While we offer a killer lifetime manufacturing warranty, damage caused by normal wear and tear is not typically covered under our warranty policy. Contact our customer support team for assistance regarding warranties and repairs.
Q: How can I prevent tarnishing?
A: To prevent tarnishing, we recommend storing your band in a dry, temperature-controlled space. You’ll also want to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or abrasive substances and regularly clean it using gentle methods, as recommended above.
Q: Are there any cleaning products I should avoid?
A: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners like Lysol or bleach that could damage the surface of your wedding band. Stick to mild detergents like standard dish soap or specialized ring cleaning solutions recommended for your specific material.
Q: How do I know if my wedding band needs professional maintenance?
A: If your wedding band shows signs of significant wear and tear, like deep scratches, loose stones, or structural damage, it may require professional maintenance. Contact our customer support team to learn more about your maintenance options.
Please be advised that any repair or service on your ring performed by anyone other than Manly Bands will void the lifetime warranty.
Q: I have a diamond wedding band. What should I do if a stone becomes loose or falls out?
A: If a stone becomes loose or falls out of your diamond wedding band, avoid wearing it to prevent further damage. We recommend contacting a local jeweler as soon as you notice to have the stone re-secured or replaced professionally.
Our goal is to ensure that your wedding band lasts forever. That is why we’ve crafted some of the toughest, strongest, and downright coolest wedding bands on the market. If you have specific questions about cleaning, repairing, or maintaining your Manly Band, contact our customer support team, and we’ll be happy to help.
