How do you clean earrings? The complete guide to gentle care

How do you clean earrings? We’re asked this question often—and for good reason. Earrings are worn close to the skin and come into daily contact with sweat, makeup, perfume, and other particles. Over time, an invisible layer of dirt and bacteria can form, which can not only affect appearance but also lead to skin irritation.

Whether your earrings are made of gold, silver, pearls, gemstones, or other materials, they deserve gentle care and attentive cleaning. At Viclara, we love jewelry—and we know that with the right treatment, your earrings can shine like new again.

Why it’s important to clean your earrings

Earrings often hold personal significance. They can be connected to memories, major moments, and your unique style. That’s why it’s important to maintain them properly. If earrings aren’t cleaned regularly, bacteria can build up—which is especially critical for newly-pierced ears or sensitive skin.

There are many different materials and details found in earrings—and each type requires its own cleaning method. The first step is therefore to know the material of your jewelry.

Gentle care for gold and silver earrings

When cleaning silver or gold earrings, you should avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, we recommend a mild and gentle approach. Daily upkeep can be managed with a microfiber cloth, but sometimes your jewelry will need more thorough cleaning.

How to clean gold and silver earrings:

• Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl.
• Place the earrings in the mixture for 10–15 minutes.
• Gently clean with a soft toothbrush, especially in crevices and detailed areas.
• Rinse thoroughly in clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

If you wish to disinfect your earrings, you can use a cotton swab with a little rubbing alcohol, but be careful—especially if your jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, as these materials can be damaged by alcohol.

Ultrasonic bath—effective and gentle deep cleaning

For a deeper clean, an ultrasonic cleaner can be ideal. It uses high-frequency vibrations to loosen dirt from even the most inaccessible areas. An ultrasonic bath is particularly suitable for earrings with many details or set stones and provides a gentle yet effective clean.

But be aware: Some materials do not tolerate ultrasonic cleaning. Porous gemstones and pearls should never be cleaned with ultrasound. Always check your earrings’ materials before using this method.

Pearl earrings and gemstones require special treatment

Pearls and certain gemstones—such as opal, turquoise, and emerald—are more delicate and require extra care. These materials should never come into contact with alcohol or strong cleaning agents. Ultrasonic cleaning is also unsuitable.

Instead, we recommend the following:

• Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth without any chemicals.
• Avoid submerging pearls and delicate stones in liquid.
• Store them in their own soft cases.
• Keep your jewelry away from moisture and direct sunlight.

With the right gentle care, your pearl and gemstone jewelry will stay beautiful and well-maintained for many years.

How often should you clean earrings?

Cleaning should be adjusted based on how often you use your earrings:

• Worn daily and possibly at night: Clean once a week.
• Worn occasionally: Clean after use, before storing them away.

Sweat, dirt, and cosmetics can quickly affect both the appearance and comfort. That’s why regular cleaning is an important part of jewelry care.

Good habits for your jewelry care routine

• Remove your earrings before bathing, exercising, and swimming.
• Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, and creams.
• Store your earrings separately in cases or soft pouches.
• Regularly check that clasps and settings are intact.

By following these simple tips, you’ll extend the lifespan of your jewelry and preserve their shine.

Let your earrings shine—from the inside out

At Viclara, we are passionate about aesthetics, quality, and details—and we hope you feel inspired to care for your jewelry as well as we do. When you take care of your earrings, you’re also taking care of yourself. It’s a small investment in happiness every time you wear them.

See our selection of elegant and timeless earrings, all of which deserve the best care.

Next time you ask yourself: How do you clean earrings?—you’ll know exactly how to do it with gentleness and care.

Cleaning your earrings is not just about hygiene—it’s also about honoring the things that matter to you. Jewelry that carries stories, feelings, and memories. At Viclara, we are proud to be part of that narrative—and we look forward to bringing even more shine and care into your everyday life.