How to Clean Earrings at Home – A Complete Guide

Why Cleaning Earrings Matters

Earrings brighten every look — but with daily wear, they collect oils, dirt, and bacteria. Over time, this buildup can dull their shine and even irritate sensitive skin. Regular cleaning keeps your earrings not only sparkling but also safe to wear.

✨ A little care today keeps your keepsakes radiant for years to come.

What You’ll Need

Most cleaning can be done with items you already have at home:

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Soft toothbrush
• Microfiber cloth
• Baking soda & vinegar (for tarnish)
• Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol (for disinfecting)
• Cotton swabs or balls

For more care tips, visit our Jewelry Care & Maintenance guide.

Step-by-Step Cleaning

1. Prepare Your Earrings
Wash your hands first to avoid transferring bacteria. For second-hand or very dirty pieces, wipe gently with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.

2. Soak in Soapy Water
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Soak earrings for about 20–30 minutes to loosen dirt and buildup.
(Avoid soaking pearls and soft stones like opals.)

3. Gently Scrub
Use a soft toothbrush for crevices and backs of earrings.
For delicate areas, dip a cotton swab in the soapy solution.

4. Rinse and Dry
Rinse under warm water using a strainer or by carefully holding the earrings.
Pat dry with a microfiber cloth, then let them air-dry completely before storing.

Cleaning Different Types of Earrings

Durable and easy to maintain. Soak in soapy water, polish with a microfiber cloth, and use a gold or diamond polishing cloth for extra brilliance.
Explore our Earrings Collection to see timeless gold and silver designs.

Silver Earrings
More prone to tarnish.
Make a paste with baking soda and water, rub gently with a cloth, rinse, and dry. For heavier tarnish, try baking soda mixed with vinegar.

Pearls & Soft Gemstones (Opals, Turquoise, etc.)
Require extra care — never soak. Wipe gently with a damp microfiber cloth and store separately to prevent scratches.

How Often Should Earrings Be Cleaned?

• Daily wear: clean once a month
• Occasional wear: every few months
• New or second-hand: disinfect before first use

Tips to Keep Earrings Clean Longer

• Store properly in a jewelry box or soft pouch.
• Avoid chemicals — remove before swimming, showering, or applying perfume.
• Put them on last after makeup or hair products.
• Wipe with a microfiber cloth after each wear.

Conclusion

Clean earrings aren’t just about sparkle — they’re about comfort, safety, and care. Whether gold, silver, or pearls, gentle cleaning keeps every keepsake beautiful.

When you’re ready to create a design that carries your story, start your journey with Create Your Keepsake — a piece made to shine for years to come.