How to clean earrings? Care guide

Every type of jewelry requires proper care to maintain its shine and aesthetics. Earrings are particularly exposed to contact with cosmetics, sweat and other impurities that can affect their appearance. Regular cleaning not only improves the appearance of jewelry, but also protects the skin from potential irritation and skin infections. Learn proven ways to care for your earrings so that they always look like new.

Why is cleaning earrings so important?

Wearing earrings every day, especially for long periods of time, causes them to accumulate layers of grease, dirt, sweat, and makeup residue. This negatively affects their shine and can lead to dulling and discoloration. These impurities can also affect skin hygiene, especially for those with sensitive skin.

The cleanliness of earrings is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of health. They have direct contact with the delicate skin of the ears, and when dirty, they can cause irritation, inflammation or even infections. Regular care of jewelry also prolongs its life, preventing damage and allowing you to enjoy your favorite jewelry for a long time.

a set of silver and gold-plated earrings after cleaning with home remedies

How to clean earrings?

There are many ways to clean women's earrings , both at home and professionally. The method you choose depends on the type of material the jewelry is made of.

Home remedies for cleaning earrings

The most popular home methods for cleaning earrings are:

  • warm soapy water – a universal way to clean most earrings, just soak the jewellery in lukewarm water with a mild soap, then gently wipe with a soft brush;
  • soda – an excellent agent for removing tarnish and restoring shine, you can prepare a paste in combination with water and gently wipe the jewelry with it;
  • vinegar – works great for cleaning silver, just soak silver earrings in vinegar for a few minutes and then rinse;
  • Toothpaste – can help polish your earrings, but be careful not to use toothpaste with coarse abrasive particles that can scratch the delicate surface.
a pair of silver earrings after home polishing and cleaning

Professional jewelry cleaning products

In jewelry stores you can find specialized products that remove dirt from jewelry, here are some effective products

  • silver and gold cleaning fluids – simple, safe and widely available;
  • jewelry cleaning wipes – a convenient solution, ideal for quickly refreshing earrings, e.g. while traveling;
  • professional cleaning baths – used primarily for deeper cleaning and removal of difficult stains.

How to clean earrings depending on material?

a pair of silver earrings after professional cleaning

Each material requires different care to avoid damaging the jewelry. Below you will find tips on how to clean earrings made from different materials.

How to clean silver earrings?

Silver is susceptible to oxidation, so it darkens very easily. To restore its original shine, it is worth using baking soda or vinegar. You can also use professional silver cleaning fluids.

How to clean gold earrings?

Gold is less susceptible to tarnishing than silver, but it also requires care. It is best to clean gold earrings in lukewarm soapy water or with dedicated liquids.

How to clean earrings with natural stones?

Natural stones such as sapphires and tourmalines are delicate and require care when cleaning. Avoid soaking them in water – it’s best to wipe them with a damp cloth. For diamond earrings, you can use a mild dishwashing liquid and gently brush the surface with a soft toothbrush.

How to clean gold-plated earrings?

Gold-plated jewelry is extremely delicate and its coating can be easily damaged. Avoid scrubbing and use only mild agents. To prolong the durability of the decorative layer, avoid contact of gold-plated earrings with water, cosmetics and chemicals.

gold plated earrings after care and cleaning

How to clean stud earrings?

Stud earrings, due to their construction, have hard-to-reach places that require special attention. The clasps are best cleaned with a cotton bud or a soft brush. Stud earrings should be cleaned regularly, especially if worn every day.

When should you have your earrings professionally cleaned?

While it’s important to clean your jewelry regularly at home, there are times when it’s worth taking your earrings to a professional jeweler. Especially when the jewelry is worn a lot and the stones and metals start to lose their shine.

If your earrings are very dirty or simply delicate, it is worth considering taking them to a professional jeweler. A specialist will use the appropriate tools and products to effectively and safely clean the jewelry while preventing damage.