How to Clean Your Smart Ring, According to Experts and Jewelers

SMART RINGS HAVE become one of the more popular fitness tracking options in the past few years. These discrete gadgets allow you to keep tabs on your health data without being obvious. They’re also perfect if you’re just not into having something on your wrist all day and night, but still want to get data on your energy output and sleep. But, like anything you put on your body, these devices get dirty. Knowing how to clean your smart ring the right way can make the difference between having accurate, reliable data and not getting the most out of your investment.

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There are a few reasons to keep your ring nice and clean, and some are more obvious than others. One is that your ring can pick up gunk—and germs—that you regularly interact with. “There can be all sorts of things on it,” points out Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York.

The good news: Russo says those germs are unlikely to make you sick, especially if you’re an otherwise healthy person who leans into good hand hygiene. Still, you’re putting that ring next to your face all the time. If it’s covered in pathogens, that’s pretty gross.

Something else to consider: These rings work best when they’re clean. So, if your ring is caked with hand cream, sunscreen, or general life build-up, you’re doing your health tracker—and ultimately yourself—a disservice. While it’s not common, Russo says there’s even the risk of skin irritation if you skip too many cleanings.

The process of cleaning smart rings is different from what you’d do to take care of other jewelry, says Jonathan Goldberg, CEO of custom jewelry company, Kimberfire. “Smart rings need extra care,” he says. “Sensors and electronic components can be damaged by excessive moisture, chemicals, or scrubbing.” Meaning, specialized jewelry cleaners or products with harsh abrasives aren’t going to fly here.

Because every smart ring is different, it’s important to read the brand’s instructions carefully to make sure you’re cleaning your device properly. But you probably tossed those a long time ago and just want quick advice. This step-by-step process works for all smart rings, whether you’re using Oura Ring, Galaxy Ring, or a different product.

Read More: Oura Ring vs. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring

A lot depends on how much you wear your ring and what you’re doing with it on. In general, most smart rings should be cleaned once a week. Of course, if your hands are regularly caked in dirt or germs, you’ll probably want to give it a solid cleaning more often than that.

Most smart rings are water-resistant, which means you can wear them in the shower and while washing your hands. That should help bridge the gap between “official” cleanings.

Before Cleaning Your Smart Ring

1. Start by removing your ring and gently placing it on a soft surface. That can be a paper towel, microfiber cloth, or something similar.
2. Fill a bowl with warm water. “Use a material other than glass or metal,” says David Alan, co-owner of David Alan Jewelry. Those materials run the risk of scratching or dinging your ring.
3. Add a mild soap or detergent to the bowl and stir it to create a sudsy solution.
4. Get a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, ready to go.
5. Have paper towels or a microfiber cloth handy.

During Cleaning

You have two choices when it comes to cleaning your smart ring: You can do a more intensive cleaning with a mild detergent of soap and water or something quick, like using your T-shirt, when you’re under a time crunch.

Using Mild Detergent and Water

1. Gently place your smart ring into the bowl.
2. Allow it to soak for a moment. (Again, these are usually water resistant, so there’s no need to stress about them getting wet.)
3. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub all areas of the ring. “Pay special attention to the small sensors, which may collect dirt,” Alan says.
4. Rinse your ring with warm water.
5. Place it on a clean cloth.

Using a T-shirt

1. Make sure you’re standing or sitting somewhere you’re unlikely to lose your ring in case of butter fingers. Meaning, avoid cleaning near grates, over drains, or near gaps in floorboards.
2. Remove your ring.
3. Use the inside of a clean t-shirt to gently wipe down your ring, paying close attention to the sensors. This will help to remove dirt or dust that could interfere with the signal between the sensors on your ring and the arteries on the palm side of your finger.

Removing Sunscreen or Lotion

There’s a difference between needing to get rid of everyday gunk and something more stubborn, like lotion or sunscreen. Given that a hard scrubbing can damage those delicate sensors, you still need to approach this cleaning with care.

1. Gently place your smart ring in a bowl filled with warm water and a mild soap or detergent.
2. Let it soak for several minutes, or until the buildup is loosened.
3. Use a soft toothbrush, cotton swab, or microfiber cloth to remove the debris.
4. Repeat steps two and four, if needed.
5. Rinse your ring with warm water.
6. Place it on a clean cloth.

After Cleaning

Once your cleaning is done, you can let the ring air dry for a few minutes or gently rub it dry with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. While neither technique is right, going the extra mile with a cloth lowers the risk of lingering streaks and water marks. “Your ring can then be worn as usual,” Goldberg says.

Keep These Cleaning Agents Away From Your Ring

Again, every smart ring has specifics on what you should and shouldn’t use while cleaning your ring. If you’re not sure, it’s best to look up the information on your brand’s website. In general, though, Goldberg recommends keeping these cleaners away from your ring to lower the risk of scratches or damage to the sensors:

• Baking soda
• Toothpaste
• Ammonia
• Bleach

Some brands also recommend steering clear of compressed air, so take a pass on using your keyboard cleaner here.

You can do some serious damage if you clean your ring incorrectly, making it crucial to approach this the right way. While the best way to clean your ring is still to read (and follow) the manufacturer’s instructions, you’re unlikely to screw yourself over if you use mild detergent and water, or a clean t-shirt.

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