How to Clean Earrings Safely and Effectively: Tips for All Types of Jewelry

One of the issues of having earrings is that they often catch a lot of dirt, grease, shampoo, or any hair product you use daily. Cleaning is ideal since not doing it can make your earrings look dirty over time. Apart from that, you could catch an infection. 

However, many people don’t think they have to clean their earrings or simply don’t know how to do it. Pouring water on them is not enough to make them recover their brightness, but there are different methods you can use to make them shinier than ever. 

Although the commercial cleaning method you use can change depending on the material your earrings are made of, the ones mentioned on this page work for almost all earrings. Many, though, often wonder if piercings and rings need their owners to clean them as well. 

The short answer is yes, but the things you need to do to clean them are way different than the ones used for earrings. You could use some of these methods with rings, but piercings are a whole different story. 

Dive into this page to know how to properly clean your earrings! 

#1 Use Dish Soap

This is one of the simplest ways to clean your earrings, and many people have tried it without knowing how effective it is. The first thing you need to do is soak your earrings in dish soap and water for about 25-30 minutes. 

After that, use a toothbrush you don’t use to brush your teeth to brush the earrings. Try to do this as gently as possible since some earrings may get discolouration if you are harsh while cleaning them. This happens the most when cleaning diamond earrings. 

The only thing left to do is rinse your earrings with water. You can then dry them off with a cloth, but it’s better if you let them air dry. This method works with almost all earrings, but unless you do it harshly, it doesn’t cause any damage to your earrings if it doesn’t work. 

People often soak their earrings in rubbing alcohol if they want to get rid of dirt or grime. If you are going for this, don’t soak the earrings for too long since a few minutes is enough when talking about rubbing alcohol. Soaking them for more time can melt glue in your earrings. 

#2 Use Hot Water

Soaking your earrings in hot water is similar to soaking them in dish soap, and the process is almost the same. However, using hot water instead of dish soap tends to be better for silver earrings or earrings with something attached to them with glue. 

Boil water on your stove or microwave until it is hot enough. Using a microwave only takes two minutes or three, so that’s not taking too much time from you. People tend to go for this method when they don’t want to spend that much time on cleaning supplies for a cleaning solution. 

Drop your earrings inside the bowl or cup of water you used and leave them there for 20 minutes or more. Then, scrub your earrings with a toothbrush to get rid of any remaining dirt. After that, rinse your earrings in water and let them dry off on a clean towel. 

Although some prefer using a cleaning solution or dish soap instead of hot water, this method is excellent if you want to kill all the germs in your earrings. This method is perfect for that and more affordable than others. 

#3 Prepare a Cleaning Solution 

As we mentioned before, one of the methods people use the most is using cleaning supplies to prepare a cleaning solution. Regardless of that, you can’t randomly pick all the cleaning products you have in your house to clean your earrings since some of them can even damage your earrings or cause discolouration. 

Mix warm water and dawn dish detergent and wait a few minutes for the solution to be ready. Pour that solution into a cup, and then drop your earrings inside that cup.

Make sure the cup and your hands are completely clean when doing that since not cleaning them beforehand can make the earrings dirtier. 

Wait up to five minutes until the solution takes effect, and then use a soft toothbrush to clean any remaining dirt on the earrings. Rinsing the earrings doesn’t take that much time if you let them sit for a few minutes in a cup or glass of lukewarm water. 

Cleaning solutions work their best if your earrings have a stain that you can’t get rid of. We recommend you go for this method if you already tried all the tips we gave you before. 

#4 Clean Them with Microfiber Cloth

The last step on this list is mostly used when cleaning earrings that only have dirt on them or another small problem of the sort. Doing this is as simple as getting a microfiber cloth and pouring a few drops of alcohol or oxygenated water. After that, softly clean the earrings with a cloth. 

If this method works, keep doing it until you see the piece is completely clean. Then, use another cloth without alcohol to dry the piece off. 

Using the wrong kind of cloth may damage the earring or not clean it completely, so stick with the one we recommend you use. 

DIY Cleaning Solutions for Earrings

You can easily clean earrings at home using simple natural solutions:

• Dish Soap and Warm Water: Soak earrings 20-30 minutes, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Safe for most materials.
• White Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water; soak for 10-15 minutes to remove tarnish on silver. Avoid pearls and glued earrings.
• Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste with baking soda and water, gently scrub tarnished earrings, then rinse. Not for delicate stones.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Soak briefly to disinfect, great for piercings. Avoid long soaking times.

Avoid: harsh chemicals like bleach, soaking glued earrings too long, and abrasive cleaners like toothpaste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Earrings

• Don’t soak glued or costume jewelry for too long — glue can weaken.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing; use only soft brushes or cloths.
• Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners that can damage metal and stones.
• Always dry earrings thoroughly to prevent tarnishing and bacteria.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I clean earrings with toothpaste?

No, toothpaste is generally too abrasive and can scratch delicate metals and stones. It’s better to use mild dish soap or specialized jewelry cleaners.

How do I clean earrings without damaging them?

Use gentle cleaning solutions like warm water with mild soap or natural remedies such as diluted vinegar or baking soda paste. Always use a soft toothbrush and avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing.

Is it safe to clean earrings with rubbing alcohol?

Yes, rubbing alcohol can disinfect earrings, but it should only be used for brief soaking (1-2 minutes) because prolonged exposure may damage glue or certain finishes.

How often should earrings be cleaned?

Ideally, clean earrings after every few uses or at least once a week to prevent buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria.

Can I use ultrasonic cleaners for earrings?

Ultrasonic cleaners are effective for metal earrings but can damage delicate stones, glued parts, or pearls. Always check if your earrings are safe for ultrasonic cleaning before use.

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Safety Tips for Cleaning Earrings and Piercings

• Use gentle, hypoallergenic cleaners if you have sensitive skin.
• Always wash hands before handling earrings or piercings.
• Avoid sharing earrings or cleaning tools.
• For fresh piercings, follow professional cleaning advice (usually saline).
• Stop cleaning and seek help if irritation or infection occurs.

Wrapping Up 

As you could see, there are several things you can do to clean your earrings, so don’t them get dirtier over time. Many people think they only have to clean them a few months after they get them or once they notice they are dirty. 

Cleaning your earrings is something you should do as soon as you use them to prevent any problem from happening in the long run. Doing that may seem like a nuisance, but you are going to see the benefits of it when your earrings look the shiniest they can be. 

We are Clean Group, and we are experts when it comes to cleaning and anything related to that. Contact us whenever you need to hire commercial or residential cleaning services! Our website also has some other blog posts about cleaning-related subjects.

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