Your engagement ring is no doubt one of your most prized possessions. Show it love—and maintain its sparkle—by keeping it in tip-top shape.Dish soap, shampoo, and lotions can build up on your engagement ring, and everyday activities like holding your phone can trap dirt and grime, dimming the diamond's sparkle and compromising its beauty. To make matters worse, unkept jewelry can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to discoloration and degradation of the metals and even scratches on the stones (not to mention unsightly skin irritations). So how often should you clean your engagement ring? Chances are you can—and should—be cleaning your engagement ring more often than you think.

Keep scrolling for our suggested engagement ring maintenance tips.

Every other week

Since diamonds are more resilient than other precious metals, you can clean them more often without fear of wear and tear from washing. If you wear your engagement ring daily, a quick, gentle cleaning every other week is enough maintenance to restore its sparkle and keep bacteria at bay. When cleaning your engagement ring, use a soft toothbrush and dish soap to gently scrub the gold and diamonds. These regular at-home cleanings will help minimize the cleaning process over time.

Once a month

Once a month, it’s worth spending some extra time on a more thorough cleaning. Though diamonds are resilient, they're not indestructible. Avoid overly rigorous scrubbing and harsh chemicals when cleaning, and do not leave your engagement ring submerged in liquids longer than necessary. It's also important to learn the precise care methods for your particular setting, metal, and stone.

Twice a year

Every six months, it’s recommended to take your ring in for a professional cleaning and inspection. A professional will ensure that no stones have come loose and no prongs have been bent out of shape. Committing to a professional service twice a year, supplemented by your bi-weekly and monthly at-home cleanings, should keep your engagement ring looking gorgeous year round and reduce the risk of damage.

Have more of your engagement ring questions answered here.