Cleaning your earrings and keeping your earrings clean is a simple yet important task that can make a big difference in their appearance and longevity. Whether you wear earrings daily or save them for special occasions, they can accumulate dirt, oil, and other debris over time, dulling their shine and even leading to irritation or infection.
By cleaning your earrings regularly, you can keep them looking their best and avoid any potential health hazards. In this article, we share how to clean earrings at home and include some jewelry-cleaning hacks. So, get ready to give your earrings the TLC they deserve!
How to Clean Sterling Silver Earrings
Sterling silver earrings are widely favored due to their timeless charm and durability. However, they can also tarnish over time, detracting from their shine and beauty. The good news is that cleaning your sterling silver earrings is a straightforward process that can restore their original luster and keep them looking their best. Here is how to clean earrings made from silver:
Method One: Silver Polishing Cloth
Using a silver polishing cloth is a straightforward approach to clean your sterling silver earrings. These specially designed cloths contain micro-abrasives that gently remove tarnish and other impurities from the surface of your earrings. To utilize a silver polishing cloth, glide the cloth over your silver jewelry in a back-and-forth motion until they gleam.
Method Two: Soak Your Earrings in a Baking Soda Solution
Soaking your sterling silver earrings in a baking soda solution is another effective cleaning method.
Prepare the Baking Soda Solution: Combine three portions of baking soda with one portion of water in a petite bowl to make a dense paste.
Apply the Solution: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently apply the baking soda paste to your earrings, covering all surfaces.
Let It Sit: Let the baking soda paste sit on the earrings for a few minutes to work its magic and remove the tarnish.
Scrub Gently: After a few minutes, softly brush the earrings with a toothbrush, paying extra attention to any hard-to-reach or creviced areas. Be careful not to scrub too hard or use excessive force, as this can scratch the surface of your silver jewelry.
Rinse and Dry: After you have finished scrubbing, rinse the earrings meticulously with warm water to eliminate any baking soda residue. Subsequently, dry them by patting them with a soft cloth or towel.
Method Three: Use a Silver Cleaner
Consider using a silver cleaner if your sterling silver earrings are heavily tarnished. These products are specifically formulated to remove tarnishes and restore shine to your earrings. To use a silver cleaner, simply follow the instructions on the packaging, which may involve dipping your earrings in the solution or applying the cleaner with a cloth or brush.
Method Four: Soap Water
If your silver has lost its shine and appears dull or hasn't yet begun to show signs of discoloration, a simple solution of soap and water may be all you need to restore its luster.
Gather your supplies. You'll need a small bowl filled with hot water, gentle dish soap, a soft toothbrush, and a lint-free cloth to clean your sterling silver earrings.
Prep the bowl. Add a small amount of mild dish soap to the bowl filled with hot water and mix the solution. Don't overdo it with the soap–a little goes a long way.
Soak your earrings. Dip your sterling silver earrings into the cleaning solution and let them soak for ten minutes. This process will help loosen any accumulated debris and dirt on them.
Gently Scrub your silver. Once your earrings have soaked in the solution for at least ten minutes, gently scrub the dirt off them with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to brush gently to avoid scratching the surface. Don't be shy when it comes to the nooks and crannies of the earrings either–clean both the large areas and smaller details.
Rinse them. Flush your earrings with warm running water to eliminate any remaining soap and residue.
Dry the earrings. Use the lint-free cloth to dry the earrings with circular motions gently.
How to Clean Gold Earrings
Earrings made of gold are a classic and refined accessory that can elevate any attire. Nonetheless, similar to any other jewelry, they can accumulate dirt or become tarnished with time. And beware, dirty gold could quickly ruin your look, so here is how to clean earrings that are made from gold:
Method One: Hydrogen Peroxide
Mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl gives you the perfect solution for getting your gold earrings to look brand new again. Once you've created the cleaning solution, soak your jewelry in it for up to twenty minutes. Flush under running water to eliminate any extra residue, and dry the gold earrings with a soft, lint-free cloth.
However, many jewelers do not recommend using this method on gold earrings with gemstones or other porous or fragile materials. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer that can react with the metal in your gold earrings, causing discoloration, rust, or other forms of damage.
Method Two: Soak in Ammonia Solution
Try soaking your gold earrings in an ammonia solution for more stubborn stains or discoloration. Create a mixture of one part ammonia and six parts water in a bowl. Next, place your earrings in the solution and allow them to soak for roughly ten minutes. After soaking, remove the earrings and delicately scrub them using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the earrings thoroughly with warm water and dry them by patting them with a soft cloth.
Method Three: Use Mild Soap and Warm Water
Cleaning your gold earrings with mild soap and warm water is one of the safest and simplest methods. To start, mix a few drops of mild soap with water in a small bowl. Next, submerge your gold earrings in the solution and gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember to be gentle while brushing, as being too harsh can scratch the surface of your earrings. After brushing, rinse the earrings thoroughly and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
Method Four: Use a Jewelry Cleaner
If your gold earrings are heavily tarnished or have accumulated a significant amount of dirt and grime, consider using a specialized jewelry cleaner. Several types of cleaners are available on the market, but be sure to choose one specifically designed for use on gold. It's crucial to carefully follow the instructions on the packaging while using gold cleaners, as some may demand soaking your earrings or applying the solution with a cloth or brush.
How to Clean Gemstone Earrings
Proper care of gemstone earrings is mandatory if you want your earrings to stand the test of time. However, the wrong cleaning technique could easily do more harm than good.
Keep reading to discover the safest and most effective ways to clean earrings with gemstones.
Use Gemstone cleaning solution
If your earrings with gemstones require a deeper cleaning or have stubborn stains, you may want to consider using a specialized gemstone cleaner. These cleaners are designed to clean and restore the natural shine of your gemstone without damaging the stones. Your earrings would benefit greatly from a little investment on your end. Try a gentle gemstone cleaning solution and regularly use it on your most-worn gemstones. For optimal results, be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.
Utilize a soft eraser or soft cloth
One of the easiest and safest ways to clean your earrings with gemstone is by using a soft eraser or soft cloth. Rub your earrings with a soft eraser that's safe for jewelry to keep the scuffs and scrapes away. Conduct a spot test before cleaning the entire surface to ensure it's gentle enough for your gems.
Try baby shampoo or mild dish soap
You can try soaking your gemstone earrings in a baby shampoo or mild soap solution for more stubborn dirt or stains. Prepare a mixture of warm water with a drop of baby shampoo or mild dish soap in a bowl and soak your earrings in it for a few minutes. Then, rinse the jewelry under running water. Once done, dry with a soft, clean cloth.
How to Clean Pearl Earrings
Pearl earrings are timeless classics that add sophistication to any look. To prevent them from losing their shine, taking proper care of them is crucial. Here is how to clean earrings with pearls:
Method One: Clean with a jewelry Cloth
One of the easiest and safest ways to clean your pearl earrings is by using a soft jewelry cloth or microfiber cloth. Begin by gently wiping the earrings with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove any accumulated dirt or debris on the surface. Make sure to steer clear of any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could scratch or harm the pearls.
Method Two: Soak in Mild Soap Solution
You can try soaking your pearl earrings in a mild soap solution for more stubborn dirt or stains. Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a small bowl. Next, submerge your earrings in the solution and let them soak for a few minutes. After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to delicately scrub the earrings, focusing on any hard-to-reach or creviced areas. Finally, rinse the earrings thoroughly and dry them by patting them with a soft cloth.
Method Three: Take to a Professional
If your pearl earrings require a deeper cleaning or have stubborn stains, it's best to take them to a professional jeweler who specializes in cleaning and maintaining pearl jewelry. Professional cleaning can involve ultrasonic or steam cleaning, which can safely and effectively remove dirt and debris from your pearl earrings without causing any damage.
How to Clean Diamond Earrings
Diamond earrings are precious and stunning jewelry that require proper cleaning to keep them sparkling and brilliant. Here are some safe and effective methods to clean earrings with diamonds:
Method One: The Ultrasonic Cleaner Method
The ultrasonic cleaner method is a safe and effective way to clean earrings with diamonds, especially if they have accumulated a significant amount of dirt or grime. Ultrasonic cleaners produce high-frequency sound waves that generate tiny bubbles, and these bubbles cleanse your diamonds while removing debris. Here's how to do it:
Prepare the Ultrasonic Cleaner: Start by filling the ultrasonic cleaner with warm water and adding a few drops of mild dish soap.
Place Your Earrings: Dip your earrings in the water and switch on the ultrasonic cleaner. The cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to create small bubbles that gently remove dirt and debris from the surface of the diamonds.
Let it Run: Allow the cleaner to run for about five minutes or until you see the dirt removed from your earrings.
Rinse and Dry: Once the cleaning cycle is complete, remove your earrings from the ultrasonic cleaner and rinse them thoroughly with water. Pat them dry with a soft cloth or towel.
Method Two: Use a Soft Brush and Soapy Water
One of the easiest and safest ways to clean your earrings with diamonds is by using a soft brush and soapy water. Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a small bowl. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the solution and softly scrub the diamonds, focusing on any hard-to-reach or creviced areas. Rinse the earrings thoroughly with water and dry them by patting them with a soft clean cloth.
Method Three: Use Ammonia Solution
Try using an ammonia solution to clean your earrings for more stubborn dirt or stains. Create a solution by mixing one part of ammonia with six parts of water in a bowl. Submerge your diamond earrings in the solution and allow them to soak for roughly ten minutes. After soaking, take out the earrings and softly scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the earrings thoroughly with warm water and dry them by patting them with a soft cloth.
Method Four: Use a Diamond Cleaner
Consider using a specialized diamond cleaner if your diamond earrings are heavily soiled or have lost their shine. Specialized diamond cleaners are designed to effectively eliminate dirt, grime, and other impurities from diamonds, leaving them with a brilliant sparkle. To use them, carefully follow the instructions on the packaging, as some cleaners may require soaking your earrings or applying the solution with a cloth or brush.
How to disinfect earrings
Disinfecting earrings is an essential step in maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding infections. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used disinfectant that effectively kills bacteria and other germs on your earrings clean.
To start, put a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide onto a cotton ball or pad. Then, gently wipe the surface of your earrings and your ear-piercing area with the cotton ball, covering all areas. This is important, especially for freshly pierced ears. Let the earrings air dry for a few minutes before wearing them.
