Do Silicone Rings Stink?

If you are thinking about getting your first silicone ring you may have learned that one of the main complaints people experience is an unpleasant odor in the area where the ring comes in contact with the skin. It can certainly happen, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to happen. Taking a few measures to keep your ring and your skin clean can help avoid the worst of stinky silicone rings.

Why Does it Stink?

Silicone rings are made of silicone rubber, a material that has some distinct benefits over metal; it’s non-conductive and heat resistant, very durable and eliminates some of the safety risks of metal rings. However, it has some drawbacks as well, one of which is that rubber doesn’t “breathe”, so when it’s next to your skin it can cause you to sweat. When your body sweats, the combination of bacteria, yeast, and protein from the skin can lead to some unpleasant smells, skin irritation and itching, especially if it’s not cleaned regularly.

How Can You Prevent It?

Cleaning your silicone ring regularly is the best way to prevent any odors. Wash it with warm water and soap, and scrub it with a soft toothbrush or cloth a couple times a week. You can deep clean every couple of months with a mix of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (in approximately a 2:1 ratio), soaking it for 20 to 30 minutes and scrubbing with a toothbrush or cloth to remove any lingering bacteria. You can also toss the ring in a pot of boiling water for 20 minutes (they’re heat resistant, remember?) or put it in the dishwasher. If you do the latter, make sure you put it inside a small container so it doesn’t get lost or fall and come in contact with the heating element.

You can also consider purchasing a silicone ring with grooves on the inside next to your finger, allowing better airflow and reducing the amount of trapped sweat under your ring.

Skin Allergies

It’s also important to note that if you experience irritation and itching, it could be an allergy to silicone. This allergy is rare, which is part of the reason silicone rings have become so popular, but if you notice irritation that won’t go away even after you clean the ring thoroughly, it could be a sign of another problem. Choosing a ring that is hypoallergenic and isn’t made with any harsh chemicals should help the vast majority of people avoid irritation issues.

Now that you know how to prevent stinking silicone rings, check out the huge selection of breathable silicone rings available online at Enso Rings and order yours today.