Many of us rely on jewellery and earrings to introduce a little shimmer and shine to our outfits. But what’s the point in styling our favourite earrings if they’re not achieving their peak shine? It’s easy to forget to clean our jewellery, but routine cleaning can go a long way toward preserving its glow and preventing irritation.
In this guide, Estella Bartlett will provide information and advice on how to clean earrings at home. We’ll discuss how to sanitise earrings, as well as how to clean earrings without damaging the plating.
How Often Should I Clean My Earrings?
We spend hours every month cleaning our clothes and washing our faces, so let’s show the same love and care to our jewellery, shall we? When it comes to 'How often should I clean my everyday stud earrings? We'd recommend a quick, gentle wipe-down every single week with warm water.
If you’re wondering how often to clean your statement drop earrings, they won’t need quite as much attention. Earrings that only come out every once in a while can be cleaned after every few wears. If you really want to keep on top of them, however, there’s no harm in giving them a quick wipe before storing them back in your jewellery box.
How to Clean Earrings at Home
Cleaning your earrings at home is simple. You won’t need a specific polish. We simply recommend warm water, fragrance-free dish soap, and a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
If you’re cleaning over the sink, be sure to plug the drain. Next, soak your cloth and give your earrings a gentle wipe over. Before storing your earrings, gently dry them with a soft cloth to reduce the risk of tarnishing.
How to Clean Earrings without Damaging the Plating?
Estella Bartlett offers a dazzling range of silver and gold earrings, each covered with a precious-metal plating over a base metal. Without proper care, it's possible to tarnish the plating, which is why we recommend the following:
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Do not use: harsh chemicals, boiling water, silver polishes, or abrasive scrubs.
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Do use: a damp microfibre cloth and a small amount of diluted soap.
How to Remove Green Residue from Earrings
Anyone with a jewellery collection understands the frustration surrounding green residue on earrings. But what is this residue, exactly? It's actually copper oxidation, caused by either sweat, lotions, or moisture.
As for cleaning this residue, we’d recommend gently lifting it with warm water and a soapy Q-tip or toothbrush, avoiding scratching at the metal.
Cleaning Earrings for Sensitive Ears
Those with sensitive ears may want to take particular care with their earrings to prevent irritation and redness. If you’re wondering how to sanitise earrings, rely on a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Once washed, ensure all rubbing alcohol is rinsed away and the earrings are properly dried.
If you’re living with sensitive ears, you should also consider how to clean earring holes. You can either gently wash the earlobe with a gentle saline solution or a mild soap during your shower routine.
Discover New Earrings at Estella Bartlett
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of how to clean earrings at home, why not build up your collection with Estella Bartlett’s collection of earrings? Whether you’re partial to statement gemstone earrings or are looking for a classic pair of stud earrings, you’ll find designs to complement your style in our collection. Take a look today.


