To clean earrings, wash your hands, then soak the earrings in warm soapy water (or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect) for about 20 minutes, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush, reach tight spots with a toothpick, rinse, and dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Match the method to the material — use only mild soap and water on delicate pearls, and clean posts with rubbing alcohol before each wear. Because earrings sit in a healed or healing piercing, keeping them clean is as much about preventing infection as preserving shine.
Earrings are one of the most-worn but least-cleaned pieces of jewelry. Their placement collects grime from the air, makeup, cream, body oils, sweat, and shampoo, so cleaning them protects both your jewelry’s luster and your ears from infection. Here are the best Pro methods for getting rid of gunk and grime and restoring shine.
Why is cleaning your earrings important?
A few reasons to clean your earrings regularly.
- Studies suggest 80-90% of American women have pierced ears — the NEHA notes only about 10-20% of women don’t, and many men have pierced ears too.
- Earrings can harbor dangerous bacteria such as S. aureus. Studies show bacteria can transfer from earrings to fingers and then to other surfaces.
- Cartilage piercings (in the hard part of the ear rather than the lobe) take far longer to heal and are more prone to infection.
With so many pierced ears and the risks involved, it’s easy to see why regular cleaning matters.
What do you need to clean your earrings?
Cleaning earrings takes no special expertise — you can do it at home with a few items.
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristled brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Hot water
- Baking soda
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
How do you clean earrings at home?
Once you know cleaning matters, here’s how to get started.
Step 1 — Clean your hands: Wash thoroughly before cleaning and before reinserting earrings, so you don’t spread germs from your hands to your piercings or jewelry. Use warm water and soap, then rinse and dry with a clean towel.
Step 2 — Clean with hot water: Boil some water, soak the earrings for about 20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. This isn’t as effective as a cleaning solution, but it’s a good alternative.
Step 3 — Remove dirt with a toothpick: For intricate designs, use a toothpick to reach areas a brush can’t.
Step 4 — Dry: Dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid looped towels (which leave fibers) and paper towels (which can scratch).
How do you clean earring backs?
Don’t forget the backs. Most studs have fasteners that collect dirt and need the same attention as the fronts. If one cleaning doesn’t remove all the buildup, use a toothpick to reach the tiny crevices, then rinse with warm water.
How do you clean earrings with hydrogen peroxide?
Besides cleaning grout on floor tiles, hydrogen peroxide works as an earring cleaner. It disinfects and kills bacteria — helpful for sensitive ears — and is safe for gold and silver earrings. Two ways to use it:
- Soak: Fill a bowl with hydrogen peroxide, soak the earrings for 20 minutes, then rinse and dry.
- Cotton pad: Pour some onto a cotton pad and carefully wipe the earrings clean.
How do you clean pearl earrings?
Pearls are delicate and easily scratched, and sensitive to chemicals, so avoid abrasive cleaners. Cleaning them properly keeps them lasting for generations.
- Polish with a jewelry cloth after every wear to prevent oil and dirt buildup.
- For visible stains, clean with a damp cloth and a mix of warm water and mild dish soap.
- Dry with a clean cloth or air dry before returning them to storage.
How do you clean gold earrings?
Gold earrings clean up easily.
- Make a mix of dish soap and warm water, or baking soda and warm water with a sprinkle of salt.
- Soak the earrings about 30 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove the solution.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
How do you clean silver earrings?
Silver is one of the most popular jewelry materials. To clean silver earrings:
- Line a glass baking dish with tin foil, shiny side up.
- Place the silver jewelry in the dish and cover completely with boiled water.
- Add baking soda until the earrings start to bubble.
- Leave for an hour.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Gently dry with a clean cloth.
Pro Tip: Learn the best practices for cleaning and caring for silver here.
How do you make earrings sparkle?
Keep earrings sparkling by cleaning them with rubbing alcohol.
- Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton swab.
- Carefully wipe the earrings clean.
Alternatively, leave the earrings in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes.
How often should you clean your earrings?
As often as you can. Ideally, wipe the hooks or fasteners with an alcohol swab before each wear to prevent buildup and disinfect them.
Why should you clean your earrings often?
Wearing earrings for a long time without cleaning can cause infected ear piercings. A piercing is an open or healed wound, and exposure to dirty earrings can lead to infection — causing swollen lobes, redness, pus, or pain. Beyond infection, here’s why cleaning matters:
- To prevent dirt buildup: Earrings constantly collect natural oils, hair products, makeup, sweat, and poorly rinsed shampoo and soap. Regular cleaning keeps it from accumulating.
- To maintain luster: Dirt and grime dull earrings, and some materials change color from chemical reactions. Cleaning keeps them looking new.
- To last longer: Regular cleaning prevents earrings from getting weak or corroded from built-up dirt and grease.
- To prevent bacterial infections: The most important reason of all.
According to Dr. Francesca Fusco, a New York City dermatologist, dead skin can build up around earring backs from dandruff or infrequent removal and become a home for germs. Since earrings pass through a hole in your earlobe, dirty ones can spread infection.
Final thoughts
Cleaning your earrings preserves both their value and their sparkle. A few more care tips:
- Apply lotions, sprays, and makeup before putting earrings on.
- Wipe earrings with alcohol after each use.
- Store them in a ziplock bag to prevent tarnish.
- Remove earrings before bed.
- Never expose earrings to harsh detergents or bleach.
