How to Clean Your Earrings: A Step-by-step Guide

Earrings are some of the most popular and versatile accessories, able to complement any outfit. However, their delicate nature makes them prone to dirt, tarnish, or infection from exposure to various substances. 

Regular cleaning is key to maintaining their shine, hygiene, and beauty.  In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to clean your earrings at home using common household items. We will also provide essential tips and precautions to ensure a safe cleaning process, preventing any potential damage to your earrings or harm to your ears. 

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to easily preserve the radiance of your earrings. Jewelry cleaning can seem daunting, but this guide aims to make the process straightforward and accessible. 

By using gentle cleaners and techniques, you can restore the sparkle to your earrings while avoiding damage. We will cover the supplies needed, walk through step-by-step instructions, and provide troubleshooting advice. With some basic maintenance, your earrings can maintain their splendor for years to come. Whether you wear simple studs or elaborate chandeliers, this guide has the tips and tricks to keep your earrings looking their best.

Why Clean Earrings?

Earrings come in contact with many things that can make them dirty or dull over time. Some of these things are:

• Dust, dirt, and grime from the environment
• Sweat, oil, and dead skin cells from your ears
• Makeup, hairspray, perfume, and other cosmetic products
• Bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can cause infections or allergies
• Chemicals, metals, and minerals that can cause corrosion or oxidation

Neglecting regular cleaning of your earrings allows these substances to accumulate on the surface or in crevices, resulting in a dull, discolored, or stained appearance. This buildup can also lead to irritation, inflammation, or infection in your earlobes or piercings, particularly if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Furthermore, the accumulation of grime can impact the overall quality and durability of your earrings, causing them to lose their shine, shape, or value.

Regularly cleaning your earrings is not only about aesthetics; it is crucial for your health and safety. The benefits of proper cleaning include restoring the original shine and color, removing harmful substances like dirt and bacteria, preventing tarnish, rust, or corrosion, and extending the lifespan and value of your earrings. 

Proper cleaning and maintenance allow you to enjoy confident and comfortable wear without worrying about skin reactions or compromised quality.

How to Clean Your Earrings

Cleaning your earrings is not a difficult or time-consuming task. You can do it at home using some common household items that are safe and effective for most types of earrings. Here are the steps to follow:

Arrange Necessary Ingredients

To clean your earrings, you will need the following ingredients:

• Baking soda: This is a natural and gentle abrasive that can remove dirt, grease, and stains from your earrings. It can also neutralize any acids or odors that can cause corrosion or tarnish.
• White vinegar: This is a natural and mild acid that can dissolve any mineral deposits, rust, or oxidation from your earrings. It can also disinfect and deodorize your earrings.
• Dish soap: This is a mild and biodegradable detergent that can remove any oil, wax, or residue from your earrings. It can also make your earrings more shiny and smooth.
• Lemon juice: This is a natural and acidic substance that can brighten and polish your earrings. It can also remove any tarnish or discoloration from your earrings.
• Salt: This is a natural and coarse substance that can scrub and exfoliate your earrings. It can also enhance the cleaning and polishing effects of the other ingredients.

Prepare Necessary Tools

To clean your earrings, you will also need the following tools:

• Toothbrush: This is a soft and flexible brush that can reach and clean the hard-to-reach areas of your earrings. It can also gently loosen and remove any dirt, grime, or debris from your earrings.
• Container: This is a small and shallow bowl or cup that can hold enough liquid to soak your earrings. It should be made of glass, ceramic, or plastic, as metal containers can react with the cleaning ingredients and damage your earrings.
• Soft cloth: This is a clean and lint-free cloth that can dry and polish your earrings. It should be made of cotton, microfiber, or silk, as synthetic or rough fabrics can scratch or snag your earrings.

Make a Baking Soda Solution

To make a baking soda solution, you will need to:

• Fill the container with warm water, enough to cover your earrings.
• Add a teaspoon of baking soda and stir well until dissolved.
• Add a few drops of dish soap and stir well to create some bubbles.

Apply the Solution

To apply the solution, you will need to:

• Place your earrings in the container and make sure they are fully submerged in the solution.
• Use the toothbrush to gently scrub your earrings, paying attention to the crevices, holes, and clasps.
• Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes to allow the baking soda to work its magic.

Rinse the Jewelry

To rinse the jewelry, you will need to:

• Remove your earrings from the container and rinse them under running water, preferably warm.
• Make sure to remove any traces of the solution from your earrings, as leaving it on can cause damage or discoloration.

Soak in White Vinegar Solution

To soak in white vinegar solution, you will need to:

• Fill another container with warm water, enough to cover your earrings.
• Add a tablespoon of white vinegar and stir well to mix.
• Place your earrings in the container and make sure they are fully submerged in the solution.
• Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes to allow the vinegar to dissolve any mineral deposits, rust, or oxidation from your earrings.

Dry

To dry your earrings, you will need to:

• Remove your earrings from the container and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
• Make sure to remove any moisture from your earrings, as leaving them wet can cause damage or tarnish.

Polish

To polish your earrings, you will need to:

• Make a paste of lemon juice and salt in a small bowl or plate.
• Dip a corner of the soft cloth in the paste and rub it gently on your earrings, using circular motions.
• Rinse your earrings with water and dry them with another corner of the cloth.
• Buff your earrings with the cloth until they are shiny and sparkling.

Things to Consider When Cleaning Your Earrings

While cleaning your earrings is a simple and beneficial process, there are some things to consider and avoid to prevent any damage or harm to your earrings or ears. Here are some tips and precautions to keep in mind:

Be Gentle

When cleaning your earrings, be gentle and careful not to break, bend, or scratch them. Use a soft toothbrush and a soft cloth, and avoid applying too much pressure or force. If your earrings have any loose or fragile parts, such as stones, pearls, or beads, avoid scrubbing or rubbing them, as they may fall off or get damaged.

Choose a Solution Based on the Materials

Not all earrings are made of the same materials, and not all solutions are suitable for all types of earrings. Some earrings are made of precious metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum, while others are made of base metals, such as copper, brass, or iron. 

Some earrings are coated with a thin layer of another metal, such as rhodium, to enhance their appearance or durability. Some earrings have natural or synthetic gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, or crystals, while others have organic or artificial materials, such as pearls, wood, or plastic.

Different materials have different properties and reactions to different substances, so you need to choose a solution that is compatible with the materials of your earrings. For example, baking soda and vinegar are generally safe and effective for most metals, but they may damage or discolor some gemstones or pearls. 

Lemon juice and salt are good for polishing metals, but they may corrode or tarnish some base metals or coatings. Dish soap is mild and gentle for most materials, but it may leave a film or residue on some gemstones or pearls.

Therefore, before cleaning your earrings, check the label or the manufacturer’s instructions to find out what materials your earrings are made of, and what solutions are recommended or not recommended for them. 

If you are not sure, test a small and inconspicuous area of your earrings with the solution first, and see if there is any adverse reaction, such as color change, dullness, or corrosion. If there is, stop using the solution and rinse your earrings immediately.

Don’t Rub in Circles

When polishing your earrings, don’t rub them in circles, as this may create or magnify scratches or swirl marks on the surface of your earrings. Instead, rub them in straight lines or back-and-forth motions, following the direction of the grain or the shape of your earrings.

Don’t Use Steam and Ultrasonic Cleaners for All Types of Earrings

Steam and ultrasonic cleaners are devices that use high-pressure steam or sound waves to clean jewelry. They are very effective and convenient for removing dirt, grease, and bacteria from jewelry, especially from hard-to-reach areas. 

However, they are not suitable for all types of earrings, as they may cause damage or harm to some materials or components. For example, steam and ultrasonic cleaners may:

• Causes cracks, chips, or fractures in some gemstones, such as opals, moonstones, turquoise, emeralds, or pearls, due to their heat or vibration sensitivity. These gemstones have a high water content or a porous structure, which makes them vulnerable to thermal shock or mechanical stress.
• Loosen or dislodge some gemstones, pearls, or beads from their settings, due to their force or pressure. These components may be held by prongs, wires, or glue, which may weaken or break under the impact of the steam or sound waves.
• Remove or damage some coatings, such as rhodium, enamel, or lacquer, due to their high temperature or intensity. These coatings may protect or enhance the appearance or durability of the earrings, but they may peel off or melt under the heat or vibration of the cleaners.
• Alter or fade some colors, such as dyed or treated gemstones, pearls, or beads, due to their exposure or reaction. These colors may be artificial or enhanced by chemicals or heat, which may change or lose their hue when exposed to the cleaners.

Therefore, before using steam or ultrasonic cleaners for your earrings, check the label or the manufacturer’s instructions to find out if they are safe and compatible with the materials of your earrings. If you are not sure, avoid using them and opt for a gentler and safer method of cleaning your earrings.

Conclusion

Regularly clean your earrings to maintain aesthetics, hygiene, and safety. IceCartel's moissanite earrings, crafted with precision using 14K gold, 925 sterling silver, and certified VVS diamonds, offer stylish and affordable options. 

The diverse designs cater to various preferences, ensuring quality and confidence with diamond-tester-approved brilliance. Whether you choose the 7.5MM Round Moissanite Studs or the 10MM Round Moissanite Studs, Ice Cartel's earrings are designed for both men and women, providing a universal appeal. Our commitment to quality is reflected in the positive customer reviews, praising the stunning sparkle, craftsmanship, and overall satisfaction with their purchases.

In addition to the diverse selection of moissanite earrings, IceCartel offers customization options, allowing customers to create bespoke pieces tailored to their preferences.