Keeping your earrings clean isn’t just about maintaining and extending the life of your jewelry. It's equally important to protecting your skin and your overall hygiene. Whether you wear studs every day or you rotate statement pieces for special occasions, a simple yet effective cleaning routine can make a big difference in how your jewelry holds up. Here’s more on why you should clean them and how to clean earrings.
Why cleaning earrings matters
Earrings come into direct contact with your skin, oils, sweat and everyday buildup. Over time, that creates a perfect environment for bacteria. Regular cleaning helps:
- Prevent irritation and infections
- Maintain shine and appearance
- Extend the life of your jewelry
In other words, treat your earrings like you would your skincare routine. A little preventive care can keep your earrings — and your earlobes — looking their best.
How to clean stud earrings: Everyday cleaning
If you wear studs daily, you know how quickly buildup can occur. Here are a few steps to keep your studs buildup-free:
Soap and water method
A gentle approach works best for routine cleaning on most metals and gemstones. For this method, you’ll need:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A soft-bristled toothbrush or small brush
- A soft cloth
Cleaning steps:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Soak your earrings for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently remove buildup or debris.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Cleaning around the setting
Dirt and oils love to hide around prongs and earring settings. Using that soft toothbrush and applying gentle pressure can help reach those tight spaces and loosen any trapped debris without scratching the metal.
How to clean hoop and drop earrings
Hoops and drop earrings tend to have more surface area and moving parts, which means more places for buildup to hide. In addition to using the above soap and water method, you’ll need to ensure you’re getting around closures and adequately cleaning larger, and sometimes more intricate, surfaces—like a pair of diamond drop earrings or metal filigree hoops.
Cleaning larger surfaces
For those bigger surfaces, wipe down the entire piece using a soft cloth dipped in soapy water or use a jewelry polishing cloth to help make the metal shine.
Cleaning hinges and closures
Clasps and hinges can trap dirt and become stiffer over time as a result. To clean them:
- Use a soft brush to remove buildup.
- Gently open and close the mechanism while cleaning.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent rusting or corrosion.
How to clean earring backs
Because they sit snugly against your ear, earring backs tend to be the most bacteria-prone part of your jewelry. They quickly trap dead skin cells, oils and any residue from your skincare or hair products. Use the soap and water method to clean earring backs as well, and consider replacing them periodically, especially if they’re hard to clean.
What not to use when cleaning earrings
Keep in mind that not all cleaning methods or products are safe for earrings. Here are some things you should avoid if you want to extend the longevity of your jewelry:
- Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or vinegar
- Abrasive materials, like toothpaste, that can scratch metal or stones
- Hot water on delicate gemstones like opals or pearls
When in doubt, stick to mild soap and water or a cleaner designed specifically for jewelry.
How often should you clean earrings?
How often you should clean them depends on how you wear earrings. If you wear them every day, clean at least once a week, with quick wipe-downs every few days. If you’re only putting earrings in for occasional wear, clean them before and after each use. If you have sensitive ears or you’ve just gotten them pierced, frequent cleaning will make all the difference.
Consistency is key when it comes to your ear hygiene and the longevity of your earrings. Helzberg also makes it easy to keep your hoops, studs, and drop earrings in peak condition with free, in-store professional cleaning. We also offer a wealth of jewelry care resources on our website.