Earrings add sparkle and glam to any outfit. It might surprise you to see how easily earrings can become dirty. You should wash and take care of your jewelry pieces as you would clothes. This will help to minimize the risk of infection and preserve the integrity of your precious baubles. You may be wondering how to clean earrings and what products to use. We’re here to help. We have the scoop on how to keep your jewelry shiny and new, from studs to statement pieces and gold to pearls.
BASICS FOR EARRING MAINTENANCE
For your safety and overall health, it is important to keep your earrings and earlobes clean. This applies whether you are getting your first pierce or adding another hole to your ears. You can make a habit of taking good care of your most treasured and new pieces. You can extend the life expectancy of your earrings by doing this.
How to Clean New Earrings
Even if your ears have been pierced for many years, it is important to clean any new earrings you purchase. Before you begin to clean your earrings, wash your hands thoroughly. This should not be surprising. Use jewelry cleaner, soap, water, or cleaning agents like hydrogen peroxide to clean your sparkling new pieces. After a quick soak in the liquid of your choice, rinse your earrings thoroughly with warm water. Dry them completely. Now you can safely wear your new jewels, knowing that they have been thoroughly cleaned.
Aftercare is essential for newly pierced ears. Your starter studs should be left in place for at least six weeks. Use the supplied solution to clean your starter studs twice daily. There are many methods, so make sure you follow your piercer’s instructions.
How to Clean Stud Earrings
The classic stud is a timeless choice and one of the most loved styles of earrings. Sterilizing them is a simple task, especially if they are small and not often worn. It is important to keep your stud earrings safe when cleaning them. We recommend that you clean them in a small dish to prevent them from falling through your fingers. It is not a good idea to call the plumber in an emergency to have your diamond dazzlers removed from the drain.
How to Clean Earring Backs
The backs are important when it comes to cleaning earrings. Your favorite earrings, from studs to chandeliers have fasteners that will keep them in place. These are just as important to clean as the main star. You can clean them just as you would your stud earrings. Give them a quick soak. You can even wash them in the same container. These backs can be difficult to reach, so you might find gunk. Use a toothpick to reach into the tiny spaces and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Regular and frequent cleaning of your earrings
You’ll probably be nodding your head in agreement with the fact that it’s time for your earrings to be cleaned. You might think that you are done with cleaning your jewelry boxes after reading this article. How long will it take before the process has to be repeated? Experts recommend that earrings be cleaned as often as possible, particularly the posts. Give your earrings a gentle clean before and after every wear. It may seem daunting but it will save you the expense of having to clean them more often or require medical attention. Continue scrolling to learn how to clean earrings of all types, as well as some helpful hacks you can try at home.
CARING FOR YOUR GEMS, METALS AND STONES
You will likely have a variety of studs and hoops in your earring organizer, from sterling silver to golden and, of course, pearls. There is no one way to clean earrings. Surprisingly there are many. To get the best results, different metals, gemstones, and stones need to be cleaned in different ways. Proper storage is also important. Proper storage can be as important as cleaning to ensure maximum longevity.
How to Clean Silver Earrings
All jewelry, including earrings, is made from silver? Silver and sterling silver are often used interchangeably to describe this metal. What is the difference between silver and sterling silver? It turns out it is quite significant. Pure silver is 99.9% silver, which means it’s extremely malleable. It is not suitable for jewelry due to its soft nature. To make it more durable, pure silver is often mixed with other metals. Enter sterling silver. Sterling silver differs from pure silver in that it contains around 7% copper. This increases strength and hardness. However, copper can react with oxygen in humid or moist conditions and easily tarnish.
Let’s now take a look at the sterling silver earrings. To keep your earrings shining bright, they will need to be cleaned and maintained with regular care. We recommend that you run them under warm water after every use to allow any dirt to quickly be washed away. Use a clean cloth to dry the silver grain. They should not be allowed to dry out in the open, as they will develop water spots.
You may notice that your sterling silver earrings lose their shine from time to time and require a deeper cleaning. You can polish your sterling silver earrings with a microfiber cloth if you notice a bit of tarnishing. Avoid using tissue paper and paper towels as they can cause scratches. Do not polish in circular motions. Instead, work in short, back and forth motions.
Don’t worry if your sterling silver earrings still look a little dull. You have a few DIY options after polishing. Baking soda is the best way to clean sterling silver earrings. Combine two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup warm water. Make a paste, and then gently rub the mixture on your sterling silver earrings. Allow the paste to set completely before wiping off any tarnish with a soft cloth.
How to Clean Gold Earrings
Baking soda, which is similar to sterling silver can be used as a cleaning agent for your gold earrings. You can mix silver and gold jewelry, or use the same cleaning agent for each. You’ll need to use a different method to clean your gold earrings. Add a pinch of salt to the warm water and baking soda. Allow the mixture to sit for about ten minutes before letting your earrings dry.
Are you out of baking soda? No worries. You don’t need to look far for your trusted dish soap. Combine the cleanser and warm water in a small bowl. Allow to sit for approximately 30 minutes. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to scrub the earrings. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
How to Clean Pearl Earrings
Any type of pearl jewelry is a beautiful investment that can be passed down from generation-to-generation. The best part? Pearls are a major trend right now. Pearls are delicate and easy to damage, which is a big advantage over other jewels. You can make your pearl earrings last a lifetime by learning how to clean them with the correct methods.
Keep a jewelry cloth on hand for daily maintenance. This will help you polish your pearls after each wear. This will prevent the buildup of oil and other residues. Don’t worry if you see any visible stains on pearls. Use a damp cloth and mild dish soap to clean your pearl earrings. Do not immerse pearls in water. Dry them thoroughly before storing.
Because pearls are delicate, they are prone to scratching. You can store them in separate bags or compartments lined with fabric. You don’t want them to be stowed for too long. Pearls thrive in moist environments so make sure to wear them often to prevent them drying out. Once your pearls have been installed, you should not apply any makeup to your skin or hair. These pearls should be your final touch before you go. You aren’t sure what to wear them with? For work or special occasions, pair them with your favorite little black dress.
Stylist tip: Never use a steamer or ultrasonic cleaner to clean pearls. This will cause damage to the outer pearl layer, even though it seems simple.
