Earrings are beautiful jewelry items that look good and transform an outfit, but just like anything that is worn regularly, they need to be cleaned.

Dirt and bacteria regularly build up on earrings, particularly around the backs. Without regular cleaning, ears can become irritated or even infected if dirty earrings keep being used.

Follow the below guide to understand how to perform a general clean, disinfect and clean particular types of earring.

For general cleaning

There is no need for extravagant items if you want to give your earrings a general clean. If you want to know how to clean stud earrings, these instructions are appropriate.

 For most types of earring, warm water, soapy water, a soft cloth, a clean toothbrush and a small bowl are enough. The soap used can just be general dish soap. 

Soak the earrings for 10 to 20 minutes in the soapy water to loosen the dirt. Next, use the toothbrush to clean around the earrings, in particular the backs. Then rinse them off in the warm water and either pat them dry with the cloth or let them dry on it.

For disinfecting with alcohol or peroxide

Sometimes your earrings may be in need of a deeper clean. In this situation, soak a cotton ball or swap with either rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. 

Then, wipe down the entire earring, paying particular attention to the backs and hard-to-reach areas. If this method doesn’t work, soak the earrings in the alcohol or peroxide for up to 10 minutes. Once clean, let them air dry completely on a clean surface before wearing.

How to clean diamond earrings

The shine on diamond earrings can fade slowly over time as the surface picks up a thin film. With gentle cleaning, the sparkle can come back without the risk of scratches or damage. 

Warm water and mild soap will remove most dirt from diamond earrings, and it is best to use a small bowl as it lets the earrings soak without knocking against hard surfaces. 

Use a soft brush to remove building around the back, and clean with a slow motion as sudden pressure can bend fine metal. A small cloth is best to bring back shine once the earrings are dry.

How to clean gold earrings

Gold earrings easily pick up oils from skin and makeup as well as the environment. As with diamonds, the shine can fade if a layer of residue gathers on the surface of your jewelry.

To combat this, regular and gentle care is needed. You can treat yellow, white and rose gold with the same simple solution of warm water and mild soap. To prevent scratching, use a soft cloth or a very soft brush if any rubbing is needed. Otherwise, a soak is often sufficient.

A soft towel is best for drying gold earrings, and air drying is best as it prevents fibres from sticking to the metal. Once the earrings feel dry, you can optionally use a lint-free cloth to add shine. 

Avoid using strong chemicals such as bleach, alcohol or abrasive cleaners, as these can weaken the surface and remove protective coatings.

With white gold, it will sometimes have a rhodium coating to add brightness. Over time, the coating will naturally fade. Although cleaning will keep it fresh, only a jeweller can reapply the coating. You will know when to make a visit as the color will look dull or yellow. Rest assured that this is normal wear, not a sign of damage.

How to clean pearl earrings

Pearl earrings should be gently wiped with a soft, damp cloth after each use in order to remove oils. This process will remove residue such as body oils and perfume that can dull their luster.

For deeper cleaning, use a few drops of mild non-detergent soap such as baby shampoo, combined with lukewarm water in a bowl. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out before gently wiping down the pearls. 

Next, wipe them down with a separate damp cloth to remove soap residue and let them air dry on a soft surface before storing.