Earrings attract a lot of gunk and build up. They collect hair spray residue, soap and sweat, and grease from the fingers that touch them.
Cleaning them regularly is one way of ensuring they last longer. Read on to learn how to clean earrings at home using simple household items you already have.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Earrings, like other jewelry and costume items, need to be cleaned to remove dirt and tarnish. This is important because if you wear dirty earrings, you are at risk of infection.
There are many easy ways to clean your earrings at home. One is to use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent cleaner and it will also kill bacteria. To use this method, simply soak your earrings in the solution for about ten minutes or overnight if they are very dirty.
You should also be sure to soak the backs of your earrings as well. Most earring backs are made from metal and they can rust over time. Another good option is to use vinegar. To do this, simply boil some water and then submerge your earrings in the solution. After about 20 minutes, you can gently scrub them with a toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly.
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is the humble white powder that’s lurking in your pantry and has some major superpowers. It’s not just a leavening agent in your favorite chocolate cakes; it can also zap bad smells, brighten teeth, and keep jewellery shiny.
It works by reacting with an acid to neutralize its pH level. This is what allows it to slough off tarnish, rust, and other dirt from metal jewellery.
Emma, an avid DIYer, suggests a similar method by filling a bowl with salt, baking soda, and dish soap. Add hot water, let your jewellery soak, then gently scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse and dry completely.
Avoid this method for opals and other soft stones as the brush could scratch them. Lemon juice, another natural anti-tarnish cleaner, is an alternative that can also help polish silver. Simply apply a bit of lemon juice all over your jewellery and buff with a dry cloth until shiny.
Rubbing Alcohol
Using rubbing alcohol to clean earrings is a great option because it can help lift away makeup residue and dead skin. It also helps prevent infection. It’s important to sanitize your earrings because they are often in contact with your skin and serve as a nidus for germs.
To use rubbing alcohol, put your earrings in a small glass cup and pour a sufficient amount of the liquid to submerge them. Let them soak for a few minutes and then rinse them. This method is good for most types of earrings except pearls as the rubbing alcohol can ruin their very delicate finish.
If you don’t have rubbing alcohol on hand, use a few drops of washing-up liquid in warm water instead to soak your jewellery. However, this won’t be as effective in removing dirt and grime from your earrings. Instead, try using Plenty Flexisheet kitchen paper, as it’s soft on your jewellery and doesn’t require any chemicals to be used.
Washing-Up Liquid
Earrings often collect a layer of grease, sweat, hair products and other grime, making them dull and prone to catching on other jewelry or causing an infection in your ear piercing. Luckily, there are quick and easy ways to clean your earrings and make them look new again.
A squirt of washing-up liquid can be a gentle but effective cleaner for jewellery. Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, then wipe your earrings to remove grime. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach tricky or hard-to-reach areas.
Whether they’re priceless heirloom pearls or sturdy silver hoops, your earrings need to be cleaned regularly to prevent an infection and keep them looking their best. But fortunately, there are many safe and easy ways to clean your earrings at home with everyday household items. Just be sure to avoid cleaning your earrings over the sink – this puts them at risk of falling down the drain!
