The dangles in your ears might not seem like something that could get dirty, but your earrings can accumulate dirt and dust over time. They also can attract germs, which can cause them to dull or discolour. Fortunately, there are many different ways to clean your earrings to keep them looking their best.
Some types of jewellery can be cleaned with household basics, such as rubbing alcohol, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Other types require special cleaners and tools to get them sparklingly clean. Whether you’re cleaning your favorite pair of diamond hoops or heirloom gold earrings, the following tips will help your earrings look as good as new.
For simple earrings, try a solution of water and washing-up liquid. Soak them for a few minutes to remove built-up gunk and then rinse with clean water. This method works well for most metals and plastic, but avoid using it on anything with delicate inserts or stones, as it could damage them.
Another simple way to clean your earrings is to boil some water and soak them in it. This doesn’t get your earrings as clean as a solution would, but it can still kill germs and loosen up dirt. After soaking for 20 minutes, gently scrub them with a soft-bristled brush. Don’t forget to use a toothpick to reach hard-to-reach areas, especially on intricately designed earrings.
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean gold, sterling silver and some gemstones. It’s also safe to use on pearls, but it’s not recommended for opals or amber, which are porous and can dissolve in rubbing alcohol. Soak your earrings in a small amount of rubbing alcohol for a few minutes to lift away grime and oil. Then, wipe them with a dry cloth to clean them thoroughly. how to clean earrings