How to Clean Earrings

Introduction

Earrings can accumulate oils, dirt, and bacteria from daily wear, which can irritate your skin or dull their shine. Cleaning them regularly helps maintain their appearance and keeps your ears healthy.

What You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide

• Mild dish soap

• Soft toothbrush or cotton swabs

• Microfiber cloth

• Small bowl

Steps

Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl.
Place your earrings in the soapy water and let them soak for 5–10 minutes to loosen buildup.
Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to gently scrub the earrings, paying close attention to crevices and posts.
Rinse the earrings under lukewarm water to remove any remaining soap.
Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and wipe down the posts to disinfect them.
Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth before wearing or storing.

Alternative Methods

• Use a jewelry cleaning solution specifically designed for the metal or stones.

• Soak earrings in hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes for deeper disinfection.

• Use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner if the earrings’ materials are safe for ultrasonic cleaning.

What NOT to Do

• Do NOT use harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage metal and stones.

• Do NOT scrub delicate gemstones aggressively.

• Do NOT soak porous stones (e.g., pearls, opals) in water or alcohol.

FAQs

How often should I clean my earrings?

You should clean earrings you wear daily at least once a week to reduce bacteria and buildup.

Can I clean earrings with gemstones the same way?

Not always. Porous or delicate stones should avoid soaking and harsh cleaners—use a damp cloth instead.

Is it safe to use rubbing alcohol on all earrings?

Alcohol is safe for metal posts but may damage porous or treated stones, so check your earring type first.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow manufacturer instructions and use proper safety precautions. You assume all risk for any actions you take based on this guide.

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