How To Clean Earrings Safely- 9 Methods

clean earings

It’s extremely important to clean earrings regularly, both for your personal hygiene and also for the longevity of the earrings.

Almost all other jewelry, excluding rings, is subjected to less dirt and grime than earrings. Due to the nature and placement of earrings, earring dirt will stay inside for a much longer period of time than it does on fingers (and rings), which are frequently cleaned.

Why Cleaning Your Earrings Is So Important

It’s crucial to clean your earrings frequently, and not just for the reasons you keep hearing. The following are some of the most significant justifications for cleaning your earrings frequently.

  • Grease and Dirt. Earrings are constantly covered in natural oils, accumulated creams, other grease and dirt from fingers, improperly rinsed-off shampoos and soaps, hair products, and more.
  • Keeping the Shine. Additionally, the shape of most earrings makes them a haven for tiny particles, which collect and literally remove the shine. The distinction between neat earrings and filthy earrings. unclean is usually extremely pronounced.
  • Keeping infections and bacteria at bay. Preventing bacteria and infection is the main justification. Keep in mind that an earring actually inserts into one area of your body and emerges at another. You can wear clip-on earrings, of course, but they are less popular now than they once were because pierced ears are the majority.
clean earings

How To Clean New Earrings

Even if you’ve had your ears pierced for many years, you should always clean any earrings you just bought. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands before beginning the procedure for cleaning new earrings. That shouldn’t be a surprise at all, right? Use jewelry cleaner, soap, water, or cleaning agents like hydrogen peroxide to sanitize your new sparklers. Don’t worry; we’ll talk more about those helpful household tricks later. After a brief soak in your weapon of choice, rinse your earrings in warm water and completely dry them. Now that your new jewelry has been thoroughly sanitized, you can wear it with confidence.

The most crucial part of the entire piercing procedure for newly pierced ears is aftercare. Your starter studs should remain in for six weeks as a general rule. Do not forget to use the supplied solution to clean twice daily. Be sure to carefully adhere to your piercer’s instructions because there can be variations in methods.

How To Clean Stud Earrings

One of the most popular types of earrings is the classic stud, which will always be a simple everyday option. Because they are frequently small, sterilizing them may slip your mind, especially if you don’t change them frequently. Safekeeping is essential when learning how to clean stud earrings. To prevent them from slipping through your fingers, our best advice is to clean them in a small dish. Nobody wants to make a last-minute call to the plumber to have them fish out their diamond dazzlers from the drain.

How To Clean Earring Backs

Don’t overlook the backs of your earrings when cleaning them. Your favorite sets often include fasteners to keep them fixed and in place, from studs to chandeliers. These should be cleaned with the same care as the main attraction. Go ahead and quickly soak the backs to clean them the same way you would your stud earrings. Even better, wash them in the same container while they are being washed together. You might see the gunk that you can’t get to because these backs are so small. To remove dirt, thoroughly rinse with warm water after using a handy toothpick to reach those small crevices.

How To Clean Different Earrings

If you’re like us, you’re constantly looking for quick and simple cleaning techniques. It should be the same with jewelry. Looking for a cleaning method for earrings using supplies you already own? You might be surprised by some of the other solutions, in addition to baking soda and dish soap. Be aware that not all cleaning solutions are suitable for all jewelry. Read on to learn how to clean the right metal with the right product before grabbing any bottle.

Caring For Your Metals, Gems, And Stones

Most likely, your earring organizer is packed with a variety of hoops and studs made of sterling silver, gold, and of course, pearls. Unexpectedly, there isn’t just one straightforward way to clean earrings. To achieve the best results, different metals, gems, and stones call for different approaches and fixes. Don’t forget to store items properly as well. For maximum longevity, this may be equally crucial to cleaning.

Silver Earrings

Earrings made of silver are one of the most widely used metals for jewelry. When it comes to this metal, you commonly hear the terms silver and sterling silver. Have you ever wondered, what’s the difference? It seems to be pretty important to us, too. Since pure silver has a silver content of 99.9%, it is very malleable. Most jewelry cannot be made with it due to its softness. Instead, to give it a little more heft, pure silver is frequently combined with other kinds of metal. Introducing sterling silver. The addition of about 7% copper distinguishes sterling silver from pure silver. Hardness and strength are improved by doing this. The drawback is that copper is easily tarnished by oxygen reactions in moist or humid environments.

Let’s look at your sterling silver earrings now that you are knowledgeable about all things silver. To keep them shining brightly, they need only simple but frequent cleaning and maintenance. We advise running them under warm water after each use to quickly remove any dirt. Dry the silver completely before storing it by rubbing the cloth along the silver’s grain. Never let them air dry as this will result in water stains.

Your sterling silver earrings may occasionally appear dull and require a more thorough cleaning. Use a microfiber cloth to polish them if you notice any minor tarnishing. Avoid using paper towels or tissue because they can leave scuff marks. Instead of polishing in circles, move quickly back and forth.

Despite your best efforts, your sterling silver earrings may still appear a little drab. After polishing, you have a few DIY options to consider. You can clean sterling silver earrings the most effectively with baking soda, it turns out. Stir together two parts baking soda and one part warm water. Onto your sterling silver earrings, make a paste, and then gently massage the mixture in place. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a soft cloth after letting the paste completely dry to aid in removing any tarnish.

Gold Earrings

Baking soda works well for cleaning gold earrings, just like it does for sterling silver. Use the same cleaning solution for both silver and gold jewelry, and don’t hesitate to mix the two. But if you’re wondering how to clean gold earrings, you should try a little different approach. Add a dash of salt along with the baking soda and warm water. Ten to fifteen minutes should be enough time for your gold earrings to soak in this solution. After that, gently pat dry.

Lacking baking soda? Look no further than the reliable dish soap in your kitchen if you’re worried. Place your gold earrings in the solution for about 30 minutes in a small bowl with warm water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub for an even deeper clean. As always, thoroughly rinse before pat drying with a lint-free cloth.

Pearl Earrings

All types of pearl jewelry are stunning investments that are frequently passed down from generation to generation. The best part is that pearls are currently very fashionable. Pearls are particularly delicate and simple to damage, in contrast to other types of jewels. Your pearl earrings will last longer if you know how to clean them properly, making them eligible to become heirlooms.

Keep a jewelry cloth on your dresser for daily maintenance, and use it to polish your pearls after each wear. Oil and another residue buildup will be less likely as a result. Please don’t be concerned if you can see stains on your pearls. Wipe your pearl earrings gently using a damp cloth dipped in lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Never fully immerse pearls in water, and make sure they are completely dry before storing them.

Pearls are easily damaged by scratches because they are soft. Knowing this, separate them and put them in bags or compartments with fabric lining. But you shouldn’t store them for an extended period of time. Wear your pearls frequently to prevent them from drying out since they perform best in a moist environment. Once your pearls are in place, refrain from using anything on your face or body, such as hairspray or makeup. Just before you leave the house, put them on as the finishing touch to your ensemble. Do you have any ideas for an outfit to pair them with? For work or formal occasions, pair them with your go-to little black dress.

Never put pearls in a steam or ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, stylist tip. The outer pearl layer will be harmed, despite the fact that it might seem simple and quick.

7 Ways To Clean Earrings

clean earings

1. Hydrogen Peroxide

We briefly touched on it earlier, but now let’s go into more detail about how to properly clean earrings with hydrogen peroxide. You can clean any jewelry with this safe and effective cleaner, including your costume earrings and silver and gold jewelry. This cleaning tip is perfect for you if you have sensitive ears because it effectively kills bacteria. All you need to do is put your earrings in a dish or bowl and cover them entirely with hydrogen peroxide. After soaking for twenty minutes, carefully rinse and dry.

2. Rubbing Alcohol

You probably have a bottle of rubbing alcohol hidden in a cabinet’s back. Having rubbing alcohol on hand already makes today lucky for you. For cleaning cuts and shining jewelry, this antiseptic hero works wonders. Are you as thrilled as we are?

Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean earrings made of gold, sterling silver, or even diamonds. A cotton ball or swab should be dipped into a capful of rubbing alcohol for the best results. Put it on the front and back of the earlobe and the earrings while they are on. To get the earring clean from all sides, be sure to carefully rotate it. You have a second choice: you could give your earrings a brief soak in rubbing alcohol. Either approach will assist in removing dirt, oils, and grime. Be aware of the type of earrings you wear. For pieces that are plain, rubbing alcohol is a fantastic option, but stay away from it for earrings that have embellishments. Alcohol may cause the glue holding them in place to melt.

3. Vinegar

For a very long time, vinegar has been regarded as a simple and effective natural cleaner for a wide range of products. Even better, you probably already have some in your pantry, so what’s not to love? The next time you want to freshen up your prized jewelry, reach for it. Any earrings can be cleaned and revived with a brief soak. Do you desire a deeper clean? Mixing vinegar and baking soda is an additional method for cleaning earrings with vinegar. Absolutely, the mixture needs to bubble. For a maximum of three hours, dangle your earrings. Evidently, remove, rinse, and dry.

4. Microfiber Cloth

Jewelry can be cleaned with a soft microfiber cloth, similar to the one you use to wipe your sunglasses. Microfiber cloths will gently buff out any product residue without harming the actual earring, unlike paper towels or towels with loops that can easily get caught in the prongs of an item and leave tiny fibers on your earrings.

5. Silver Wipe

Founder and CEO of at-home piercing business Rowan, Louisa Schenider, explains that sterling silver is sensitive to oxygen and water. She, therefore, suggests that you try to stay away from spraying perfume or hair products close to them. But if your earrings oxidize, don’t be concerned. “Sterling Silver is a precious metal and is easily cleaned to its original shiny state,” she says. The formula used to make sterling silver cleaning wipes is both gentle enough not to harm your earrings and powerful enough to restore their clean appearance and a brilliant shine.

6. Dish Soap

Despite the fact that diamonds are extremely durable, you still need to be cautious when cleaning them to avoid discoloration. Anu Raman, a gemologist who works for high-end jewelry manufacturers like Chopard, suggests combining 3–5 drops of dish soap with 1 cup of hot tap water. Let the mixture cool until it is touchable. To remove any remaining residue, take the items and scrub them with a soft toothbrush. On a piece of paper or clean cotton cloth, allow to air dry.

A soft, clean toothbrush should be used to gently rub your diamonds after soaking them in the solution for three to four minutes. After another one to two minutes of soaking, rinse them off in a bowl of cold water, then let them air dry.

To enhance the diamond’s shine, you can also try out this novel jewelry cleaning pen.

7. Hot Water

A simpler solution would be nice. Your earrings should soak for about 20 minutes in a mug of boiling water after which they should be removed. Use a fresh toothbrush to gently scrub. Although this approach won’t be quite as efficient as a cleaning solution, it will undoubtedly be helpful.

8. Toothpick For Hard-to-reach Spots

Particularly if they’re small or have an intricate design, earrings can be a little difficult to clean. For those challenging-to-reach areas, grab a toothpick!

9. Jewelry Cleaner Machine

Consider buying a jewelry cleaning device like an iconic or SparkleSpa if the aforementioned advice seems like a little too much work. Be aware that the ultrasonic waves used by these powerful cleaners could dislodge any loose diamonds. However, they are easy to use, multi-purpose, and a surefire way to get a thorough cleaning.

FAQs

How to do Frequent And Regular Cleaning Of Your Earnings

You’re probably nodding your head now in agreement that it’s time to clean your earrings. You might clean out your jewelry box in a fit of cleaning after reading this article, thinking you’re all set for a while. How soon, though, will the procedure need to be repeated? The posts of your earrings, in particular, are advised to be cleaned as frequently as possible by experts. Before or after each wear, if you can, give them a gentle cleanse. Even though it seems difficult, we assure you that it will be worthwhile to avoid the need for further cleaning and medical attention in the future. To learn how to clean earrings of any kind, including some practical do-it-yourself tricks, keep reading.

How To Clean Earrings That Turned Green

Some of your earrings may have turned a little bit green upon closer inspection, as you may have noticed. Hey, curious as to why it occurs. Sometimes additional metals like copper or zinc are used in jewelry, including earrings. The additives corrode and turn green over time as a result of reactions between oxygen, oils, and sweat. There is usually a simple solution for how to clean green earrings, despite the fact that it is not appealing. Salvation from vinegar. 20 minutes should be spent soaking your earrings in at least 1/4 cup of vinegar. Use that soft toothbrush once more to remove any last bits of dirt for a slightly deeper clean. Prior to putting them back in your jewelry box, make sure to thoroughly rinse and dry them. As good as new.

Are you looking to expand your collection of earrings? To help you fill your jewelry box, our style specialists are available. Order a Fix, take your style quiz, and don’t forget to ask your stylist about the newest earring trends. Receive five items that you can comfortably try on at home while you relax. Always free shipping and returns.