Looking after your jewellery is more than just vanity; it’s about preserving beauty, ensuring hygiene, and keeping precious pieces shining for years. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean earrings properly, especially those made of sterling silver, gold, or adorned with precious stones, this is your ultimate guide.
In partnership with Lords, we bring you expert-backed methods and care tips for cleaning all types of earrings, from dainty pearls to bold costume jewellery. Let’s dive into the best practices for keeping your earrings sparkling.
Why Regular Cleaning of Earrings is Crucial
Earrings come into close contact with your skin, hair, and the environment. Over time, the build-up of oils, cosmetics, and dirt can make them dull and even unhygienic. For earrings with delicate stones, improper care can lead to stone loss, weak clasps, or irreversible damage. Regular cleaning not only keeps jewellery sparkling but also preserves the integrity of the materials, especially for sterling silver jewellery, gold earrings, and gemstone jewellery. With regular care, your jewellery becomes more than just an accessory; it becomes a lasting treasure.
Tools and Products You’ll Need
Before diving into techniques, gather the right tools for a thorough cleaning. Here’s what you should have on hand:
| Tool/Product | Purpose |
| Soft cloth or microfiber cloth | Drying and polishing |
| Mild dish soap | Safe cleanser for most earrings |
| Lukewarm water | For mixing with cleaning solutions |
| Soft-bristled toothbrush | Gentle scrubbing for hard-to-reach areas |
| Rubbing alcohol (optional) | Sanitising metal components |
| Hydrogen peroxide (optional) | Disinfecting and removing debris |
| Baking soda | Non-abrasive cleaner for silver |
| Clean dry cloth | Final drying stage |
| Soft pouches or jewellery box | Proper storage |
Avoid harsh chemicals, hot water, and abrasive cloths, especially with delicate stones and precious metals.
How to Clean Gold Earrings
Gentle Cleaning for Plain Gold
To clean plain gold earrings, create a solution using mild soap and lukewarm water. Soak the earrings for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any grime. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid soaking gold earrings with glued-in stones or enamelled areas.
Deep Cleaning with Mild Soap
If your gold earrings are especially dull:
- Mix 2 to 3 drops of mild dish soap with warm water
- Soak for 20 minutes
- Gently scrub using a soft brush
- Rinse under lukewarm water and air dry
Keep them away from direct sunlight while drying.
How to Clean Sterling Silver Earrings
Baking Soda Paste Method
Sterling silver jewellery is prone to tarnishing. Make a paste with 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Rub gently onto earrings using a soft cloth. Let’s sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
Pro tip: Use a microfiber cloth for a final polish; it helps bring back that mirror shine.
Avoiding Tarnish
To reduce future tarnish:
- Store silver in individual compartments or soft pouches
- Keep away from perfumes, cosmetics, and salt water
Cleaning Diamond Earrings Safely
Diamonds may be the hardest natural substance, but the metal settings around them can be fragile.
Step-by-step:
- Mix mild soap with warm water
- Soak for 20 minutes
- Use a soft brush to clean around the stone
- Check for loose stones before drying with a clean cloth
For a deeper clean, use hydrogen peroxide in moderation, but avoid it near delicate metal settings like white gold or platinum.
How to Clean Pearl Earrings Without Damage
Pearls are porous and require extra care.
- Wipe with a damp soft cloth after each wear
- Don’t soak or scrub
- Avoid any cleaning products, especially rubbing alcohol or vinegar
Store pearls flat, away from other jewellery, in a soft-lined box.
Cleaning Costume Jewellery the Right Way
Costume jewellery may not be made with precious metals, but it still needs care.
Best practices:
- Wipe with a dry cloth after wear
- Avoid soaking or using any liquid cleaners
- For grime, dampen a cotton swab with water and gently clean
- Air dry completely before storing
Costume pieces often use glue, so avoid contact with water to prevent weakening the adhesive.
How to Clean Earrings with Precious or Delicate Stones
Gemstone Earrings
Gemstones like rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and topaz require different methods.
- Use only lukewarm water and mild soap
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners
- Wipe with a soft cloth after cleaning
Natural Stones vs Treated Stones
Natural stones can be more porous than treated ones. Use extra caution and never expose them to hot water, alcohol, or harsh cleaning products.
Dos and Don’ts of Earring Cleaning
| Do | Don’t |
| Use a soft cloth | Use harsh chemicals |
| Store in soft pouches | Leave in the open air |
| Gently scrub with a toothbrush | Scrub aggressively |
| Check for loose stones | Ignore weak clasps |
| Air dry properly | Use hot water or dry in the sunlight |
How to Store Earrings for Long-Term Sparkle
Proper storage is just as vital as cleaning.
- Use individual compartments to prevent scratches
- Line boxes with soft fabric or anti-tarnish material
- Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity
- Store pearl earrings separately to avoid abrasion
By maintaining proper care, your jewellery will always be ready to wear.
FAQs – Earring Cleaning Questions Answered
1. How often should I clean my earrings?
At least once every two weeks, especially for earrings worn regularly.
2. Can I use vinegar to clean earrings?
Yes, but only for metal-only earrings. Never use on pearl or gemstone earrings.
3. Are ultrasonic cleaners safe for all earrings?
No. They can loosen stones and damage delicate or glued components.
4. What’s the safest cleaner for all types of earrings?
Mild soap and lukewarm water are gentle yet effective.
5. Can I wear earrings while doing household chores?
It’s best not to. Cleaning products can damage metals and stones.
6. What should I do if my earrings look cloudy after cleaning?
Polish with a microfiber cloth and check if build-up still remains. If so, repeat the cleaning process or consult a professional.
Conclusion
Caring for your earrings doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Whether they’re sterling silver, gold, or adorned with precious stones, following the right techniques can keep them looking new for years. Make jewellery care a regular part of your routine and always use gentle cleaning methods. Not only will your favourite pieces shine brighter, but you’ll also avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Keep Your Favourite Pieces Gleaming with Lords
At Lords, we understand how important it is to keep your jewellery sparkling. That’s why we offer expert guidance, professional jewellery cleaning, and storage solutions tailored to your collection. Trust Lords for everything from proper care tips to stunning new additions.