There are several great qualities of silicone rings, and one of these is how durable and damage-resistant they are. For instance, there are those who mistakenly worry that products like hand sanitizer or other common hand/arm chemicals may interact poorly with a silicone ring -- this is not the case at all, and should not be even a slight consideration if you're choosing between silicone rings and other options. 

At Enso Rings, we're here to provide clients with a massive range of silicone ring options, with choices ranging from our elegant Contour selection meant for comfort through numerous other styles and designs. In addition, we'll keep you informed on all the basics of how to wear and care for your ring, including what you can and can't do while wearing it (this latter list is quite short, part of the attraction of these rings to begin with). Why is hand sanitizer totally okay for those wearing silicone rings, and what else do you need to know in this area? Here's a basic primer.

Hand Sanitizer and Isopropyl Alcohol

Likely the single most common ingredient used for hand sanitizer today, especially given the current global pandemic situation, is isopropyl alcohol. This is a type of alcohol that's different from ethanol (the kind used in alcoholic beverages) but which shares many qualities with it. However, one major quality it doesn't share is solubility in water -- which means that it won't dry out your hands as quickly.

In addition, isopropyl alcohol sits at room temperature when it's in its normal liquid state. This means that there's zero risk of it melting your silicone ring (more on that in a moment). And because silicone rings are also polymers, they will not dissolve or be altered in any way based on exposure to this chemical.

Now, we should note that there are some types of hand sanitizer that don't use isopropyl alcohol as their primary active ingredient. However, these tend to be found in "natural" versions of the product, and will likely not work as well against various bacteria and other contaminants. Even so, all of these products would be entirely safe to use while wearing a silicone ring as well.

Should You Use Hand Sanitizer ON Your Ring?

If you already have one or more silicone rings, what about using isopropyl alcohol or related hand sanitizer products specifically as a cleaner for the ring itself? While this won't be necessary very often, as silicone rings naturally resist contamination, you can go this route -- or one of a few others.

For instance, if you don't have any such products around, some simple soap and warm water will work nicely as a cleaning agent for your ring. Just lather it up and give it a minute or two to soak, then rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

In still other cases, you might choose to boil your ring for a few minutes. This will work as an excellent sterilization method, and also help to loosen any dirt or debris that might be clinging to the ring. As with the other methods, simply rinse your ring well after boiling and dry it off before putting it back on your finger.

Caring for Your Silicone Ring

Of course, the best way to keep your silicone ring clean and in good condition is to take some basic precautions while wearing it. First, avoid coming into contact with any chemicals or other substances that you know could damage or alter the ring. These might include things like paint thinners, acetone, and other common solvents.

In addition, take your ring off before engaging in any activities where there's a strong risk of the ring being damaged. This could include things like rock climbing, weightlifting, and other athletic pursuits. You'll also want to remove your ring before going to bed, as it could become twisted or otherwise damaged during sleep.

Finally, avoid exposing your silicone ring to excessive heat or cold. While these extremes won't damage the ring, they can cause it to become misshapen or otherwise altered in appearance. If this happens, simply soak the ring in warm water for a few minutes, then shape it back into its original form with your hands.

Common Uses of Silicone Rings

Based on how easy they are to clean, how affordable they are and many of their other qualities, what are some common ways silicone rings are utilized? Here are a few:

• As an alternative to a pricier ring: Many people own a much more expensive ring that they only wear on special occasions. For day-to-day use, however, they might not want to risk losing or damaging this ring. In such cases, it's not unusual for people to purchase a less expensive silicone ring to serve as a stand-in during more mundane activities.

• As a "thinking" ring: This is a term that's sometimes used to describe a ring that's worn on the middle finger of the dominant hand. The thinking is that, since this finger isn't used for much else, it can serve as a reminder to stay present and not get lost in thought throughout the day. Obviously, this is entirely up to each individual, but it's an option.

• As a work or activities ring: For some people, it's simply not practical to wear their nice ring to work every day. In such cases, they might opt for a silicone ring that they only wear while at their job or during other activities. This helps them to avoid exposing their more expensive ring to potential damage.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our silicone rings or other quality products, speak to the team at Enso Rings today.