Jewellery Care Guide
How to Clean Earrings at Home Without Damaging Them
The expert guide to cleaning gold, gold-plated, sterling silver and stone-set earrings — without stripping the finish, loosening stones or irritating your ears.
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Quick Answer
How to Clean Earrings at Home
For most plain solid-gold or unplated sterling-silver earrings, lukewarm water, mild washing-up liquid and a very soft touch are all you need.
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Mix lukewarm water with a small drop of mild washing-up liquid.
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Clean gently with a soft lint-free cloth or an extra-soft toothbrush.
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Rinse the earrings carefully with clean lukewarm water.
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Pat every surface, post and closure dry with a lint-free cloth.
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Leave the earrings to dry completely before wearing or storing them.
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Your Earring-Care Cheat Sheet
Four saveable guides covering the questions people ask most: how to clean earrings safely, protect plated finishes, care for sterling silver and avoid damaging home remedies. Open any card to view it at full size.
Swipe to view all four guides →
Start with the Material
Choose the Right Cleaning Method
Before you reach for soap, polish or a toothbrush, check what your earrings are made from. The safest cleaning method depends on the metal, surface finish, setting and stones.
Gold-Plated & Gold Vermeil
Wipe gently with a soft dry or barely damp cloth. Use mild soap only when visible residue requires it, then dry immediately.
Avoid: soaking, vigorous scrubbing and abrasive polishing cloths.
See the MethodPlain Sterling Silver
Clean briefly with lukewarm soapy water and use a silver polishing cloth only when the piece is confirmed as unplated silver.
Avoid: toothpaste, bleach and aggressive home remedies.
See the MethodRhodium-Plated Silver
Use a soft, slightly damp lint-free cloth and dry the earrings immediately to preserve their bright reflective finish.
Avoid: silver dip, baking soda and abrasive polishing.
See the MethodSolid Gold & Durable Stones
Give secure, durable pieces a brief wash in lukewarm water with mild soap, then clean around settings with an extra-soft brush.
Avoid: bleach, chlorine, boiling water and loose settings.
See the MethodPearls & Delicate Stones
Wipe pearls, opals, turquoise, coral and lapis gently with a soft damp cloth, then dry them straight away.
Avoid: soaking, alcohol, peroxide, steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
See the Method
A Softer Touch
Gold-Plated Jewellery
How to Clean Gold-Plated Earrings Without Ruining Them
Gold plating is a fine layer of gold applied over another metal. It creates a rich, luminous finish, but it needs gentler care than solid gold. For plated earrings, wiping is usually safer than soaking.
The Safest Method
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Remove the earrings and separate any detachable backs or closures.
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Wipe each surface gently with a clean, dry lint-free cloth.
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For visible residue, dampen the cloth with lukewarm water and one tiny drop of mild washing-up liquid.
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Remove any soap with a second clean, slightly damp cloth.
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Pat the earrings dry immediately and allow closures and crevices to dry completely before storing them.
Do Not Use
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Silver polish
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Abrasive cloths
- Long soaking
Sterling Silver
How to Clean Sterling Silver Earrings at Home
Sterling silver naturally reacts with substances in the air and environment, which can cause its surface to darken over time. Tarnish is normal and does not mean that the silver is poor quality or fake.
The Safest Everyday Method
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Add a small drop of mild washing-up liquid to a bowl of lukewarm water.
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Clean the earrings briefly with a soft lint-free cloth or an extra-soft toothbrush.
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Pay particular attention to posts, hinges, backs and areas where everyday residue can collect.
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Rinse carefully and dry every surface and closure immediately.
How to Remove Light Tarnish
For light tarnish on confirmed, plain and unplated 925 sterling silver, gently use a jewellery polishing cloth made specifically for silver. Work slowly and stop once the shine returns.
Check First
Silver-coloured earrings are not always bare sterling silver. Many pieces have a white-rhodium finish, which can gradually wear away if it is repeatedly polished with an abrasive cloth.
Should You Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda appears in many home-cleaning recipes, but it is abrasive and is not a safe universal treatment. Avoid it on rhodium-plated, gold-vermeil, oxidised, antique or stone-set silver earrings.
Silver, Refreshed
Keep It Bright
Rhodium-Plated Silver
How to Clean Rhodium-Plated Earrings Safely
Rhodium is a bright, reflective metal applied as a protective surface finish over sterling silver. It helps silver jewellery retain its cool-toned shine, but it should not be cleaned in the same way as plain, unplated silver.
The Safest Method
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Begin by wiping the earrings gently with a clean, dry lint-free cloth.
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For visible residue, use a second cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water.
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Add one tiny drop of mild washing-up liquid only when water alone is not enough.
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Remove every trace of soap and moisture, then dry the earrings and their closures immediately.
Avoid
- Silver dip
- Silver polishing cloths
- Baking soda
- Toothpaste
- Abrasive brushes
- Long soaking
Solid Gold & Durable Stones
How to Clean Solid Gold Earrings at Home
Solid gold is generally more resistant to gentle washing than plated jewellery, which means it can tolerate a slightly deeper clean. That said, the metal is only one part of the story — always check the stones and settings first.
The Safest Method
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Add a small drop of mild washing-up liquid to a bowl of lukewarm water.
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Soak plain solid-gold earrings for five to ten minutes.
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Brush gently around posts, hinges and secure stone settings with an extra-soft toothbrush.
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Rinse the earrings in a separate bowl of clean water rather than directly over the sink.
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Dry completely with a soft lint-free cloth before wearing or storing them.
Check the Stone Settings First
- Stop immediately if a stone moves, clicks or feels loose.
- Avoid soaking earrings with glue-set stones or delicate decorative details.
- Do not clean damaged clasps, bent posts or worn settings at home.
Avoid
- Bleach
- Chlorine
- Toothpaste
- Boiling water
- Hard brushes
- Cleaning loose settings
Gentle, Not Harsh
The Gentle Edit
Pearls & Delicate Stones
How to Clean Pearl and Delicate Stone Earrings
Pearls, opals, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli and other delicate materials can absorb moisture, react to chemicals or lose their natural surface lustre. For these earrings, wiping is always safer than soaking.
The Safest Method
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Dampen a clean, soft lint-free cloth with a small amount of lukewarm water.
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Wipe the stone and surrounding metal gently without soaking or submerging the earring.
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Use a second clean, dry cloth to remove surface moisture immediately.
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Leave the earrings flat in a dry place until completely dry before returning them to their pouch or jewellery box.
Treat These Materials with Extra Care
Some natural stones and organic materials are softer or more porous than they appear. Their colour, finish or setting may be affected by moisture and ordinary household products.
- Pearls
- Opals
- Turquoise
- Lapis lazuli
- Coral
- Glue-set stones
Avoid
- Soaking
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Vinegar
- Perfume
- Hairspray
- Steam cleaners
- Ultrasonic cleaners
The Part Everyone Forgets
How to Clean Earring Backs, Posts and Closures
Natural oils, dead skin, make-up and skincare residue tend to collect around the least visible parts of an earring. Posts, backs, hinges and screw threads often need more attention than the decorative front.
It Is All in the Details
Clean the Hidden Areas Properly
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Remove all detachable backs and place them in a small bowl so nothing disappears down the sink.
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Clean plain metal posts and backs briefly with lukewarm water, mild washing-up liquid and an extra-soft toothbrush.
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Brush gently around openings, grooves, hinges and threads where residue tends to collect.
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Rinse carefully, pat dry and allow every internal area to dry completely before reassembling the earrings.
Butterfly Backs
Clean around both loops and the central opening with an extra-soft toothbrush. Residue often becomes trapped between the folded metal sections.
Check: The back should grip the post firmly without feeling excessively tight.
Ball-Screw & Screw Backs
Use a soft brush around the threaded post and inside the screw-back opening. Work gently so the threads are not bent or damaged.
Important: Build-up inside the thread can prevent the earring from closing securely.
Huggie Hinges & Clasps
Open the huggie and wipe around the hinge, post and receiving groove. Do not force a stiff mechanism or repeatedly bend the post.
Check: The closure should produce a clean click and remain securely closed.
Silicone Backs
Wash removable silicone backs gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly and leave them to dry completely.
Replace: When they become stretched, permanently discoloured or difficult to clean.
Before the First Wear
How to Clean New Earrings Before Wearing Them
New earrings may carry handling oils, packaging dust or light surface residue. For jewellery going into a fully healed piercing, a gentle material-appropriate clean is usually all that is required before the first wear.
For a Fully Healed Piercing
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Identify the metal, plating and stones, then clean the earrings using the appropriate method from this guide.
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Remove every trace of soap, dust or surface residue without using harsh chemicals.
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Dry the posts, backs, screw threads, hinges and closures completely before putting the earrings on.
Cleaning
Removes oils, dust, product residue and other visible build-up from the jewellery.
Disinfecting
Reduces certain microorganisms using a suitable disinfecting process, but does not make jewellery sterile.
Sterilising
Requires appropriate professional equipment and a controlled process suitable for piercing jewellery.
For a Fresh or Healing Piercing
Jewellery intended for a new piercing requires a different level of care. Discuss the jewellery with a qualified piercer before the appointment.
- Ask the piercer to inspect the material, construction, post length and closure.
- Have the jewellery professionally sterilised using the studio’s appropriate equipment.
- Do not apply rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to a healing piercing.
- Do not remove or change the initial jewellery without advice from your piercer.
Before You Put Them On
Ear Care
How to Clean Earring Holes and Stop Earrings Smelling
An unpleasant smell usually comes from a mixture of natural skin oils, dead skin, moisture and product residue collecting around the earring post and back. The right cleaning method depends on whether the piercing is fully healed or still healing.
Fully Healed Piercing
Clean the Skin and Jewellery Separately
Once a piercing is completely healed, earrings can be removed so both the jewellery and the surrounding skin can be cleaned properly.
- Remove the earrings before showering or washing the area.
- Clean the skin gently with water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Rinse away every trace of cleanser and dry the area thoroughly.
- Clean the posts, backs and closures separately according to their material.
- Reinsert the earrings only when both the skin and jewellery are completely dry.
Fresh or Healing Piercing
Follow Your Piercer’s Aftercare Plan
A healing piercing should not be treated like an ordinary earring hole. Avoid removing, twisting or repeatedly handling the jewellery.
- Do not remove the jewellery simply to clean the piercing.
- Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your qualified piercer.
- Use sterile saline only when it has been recommended as part of that aftercare plan.
- Avoid rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and harsh cleansing products.
- Avoid unnecessary touching, rotating or pressure around the piercing.
Why Does It Smell?
Usually, It Is Build-Up
The backs of earrings create a small enclosed area where skin oils, dead skin, moisture, shampoo, make-up and hair products can collect. This build-up may create an odour even when the piercing itself is otherwise healthy.
Regularly cleaning the posts and backs, allowing the skin to dry properly and avoiding earrings that fit too tightly can help prevent the problem from returning.
The Maintenance Edit
How Often Should You Clean Earrings?
There is no single cleaning schedule for every pair. How often earrings need attention depends on their material, how frequently they are worn and how much contact they have with skin oils, make-up, water and perspiration.
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After Every Few Wears
Wipe Plated Earrings
Gently wipe gold-plated, gold-vermeil and rhodium-plated earrings with a clean, soft dry cloth to remove light surface oils.
Keep it gentle: frequent wiping is safer than repeated soaking.
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Once a Week
Check Everyday Earrings
Inspect frequently worn posts, backs, hinges and screw threads for visible build-up and clean them when required.
Focus on: the hidden areas that sit closest to the skin.
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After Exercise or Swimming
Remove Moisture and Residue
After heavy perspiration, sea water or swimming-pool water, wipe or rinse the earrings only when their material allows it, then dry them thoroughly.
Remember: chlorine can be particularly harsh on jewellery finishes.
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When Tarnish Appears
Polish Only the Right Silver
Use a suitable silver polishing cloth only on confirmed, unplated sterling silver. Rhodium-plated and gold-vermeil silver should not be polished abrasively.
Check first: silver-coloured does not always mean unplated silver.
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Before Storing
Clean, Dry, Then Put Away
Remove visible residue and make sure every post, back, hinge and setting is completely dry before returning the earrings to storage.
Never: place damp jewellery inside a closed pouch or box.
Prevention First
How to Prevent Tarnish, Dullness and Build-Up
Good storage and a few small changes to your routine can reduce how often earrings need a deeper clean.
- Apply perfume, moisturiser, sunscreen and hairspray before putting your earrings on.
- Store pairs separately to reduce scratching, tangling and surface friction.
- Keep sterling silver in a dry anti-tarnish pouch or suitable jewellery cloth.
- Avoid storing jewellery in humid bathrooms or beside an open window.
- Never store earrings while the posts, backs or settings are damp.
- Keep plated earrings away from chlorine, bleach and household cleaning products.
- Remove jewellery before activities likely to cause impact, snagging or heavy perspiration.
- Avoid unnecessary scrubbing, soaking and polishing when a gentle wipe is enough.
What Not to Do
Seven Earring-Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
The internet is rather fond of dramatic cleaning hacks. Your earrings are usually not. Before using a household product, consider the plating, stones, setting and finish — not just the metal beneath them.
Using Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains abrasive particles designed to clean teeth, not polished metal. It can create fine scratches, dull the surface and gradually wear away plating.
Use instead: mild washing-up liquid and a soft cloth when the material permits it.
Using Baking Soda on Every Silver Earring
Baking soda may be too abrasive for rhodium-plated silver, gold vermeil, oxidised finishes, antique details and stone-set earrings.
Check first: use silver polish only on confirmed, plain and unplated sterling silver.
Applying Alcohol or Peroxide
Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide may affect plating, adhesives, enamel and delicate stones. They should also not be applied to a fresh or healing piercing.
Remember: cleaning jewellery at home does not sterilise it.
Soaking Earrings Overnight
Long soaking can affect plated finishes, weaken glue-set stones and leave moisture trapped inside screw backs, hinges and closures.
Keep it brief: use the shortest cleaning time needed to remove the residue.
Using Vinegar or Lemon Juice
Acidic ingredients can react with metals, porous stones and surface finishes. A natural household product is not automatically a gentle jewellery cleaner.
Safer choice: begin with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth.
Scrubbing Too Hard
Extra pressure does not create a better clean. It may scratch the surface, loosen stones, damage threads or gradually remove a plated finish.
Better method: repeat a gentle motion rather than increasing the pressure.
Storing Earrings Before They Are Dry
Moisture left around posts, backs, settings and hinges can encourage tarnish, odour and further build-up inside a closed jewellery box.
Before storing: allow every surface and closure to dry completely.
Jewellery Made to Be Worn
Expert Jewellery Care
The Galleria Armadoro Method
Since 2008, Galleria Armadoro has worked with 925 sterling silver, gold plating, white rhodium, brass and stone-set jewellery. Our rule is simple: begin with the gentlest possible cleaning method.
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Identify the Finish First
Plain sterling silver, white rhodium, gold plating and gold vermeil may share the same base metal, but they require different cleaning methods.
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Clean Only What Needs Cleaning
Most earrings need a soft cloth and a little attention around the post or closure — not an overnight soak or an abrasive kitchen-cupboard paste.
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Know When Cleaning Is Not Enough
Cleaning cannot restore naturally worn plating, tighten a loose stone, straighten a damaged post or repair a closure that no longer clicks securely.
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Ask Before Experimenting
For delicate, heavily tarnished or damaged Galleria Armadoro jewellery, contact us before trying a home remedy. A quick inspection may prevent permanent surface damage.
“Most jewellery does not need a dramatic cleaning hack. It needs the correct method, a soft cloth and a little patience.”
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Earrings
The most searched jewellery-cleaning questions, answered without dramatic hacks, mystery mixtures or unnecessary scrubbing.
Select a question to reveal the answer
For most plain solid-gold or unplated sterling-silver earrings, use lukewarm water, a small drop of mild washing-up liquid and a soft cloth or extra-soft toothbrush. Rinse carefully and dry completely. Plated, pearl, porous-stone and glue-set earrings should usually be wiped rather than soaked.
Rubbing alcohol is not a universal jewellery cleaner. It may affect plating, enamel, adhesives and delicate stones. It should also not be applied to a fresh or healing piercing.
Hydrogen peroxide is unnecessary for routine jewellery care and may damage certain finishes, coatings, adhesives and delicate materials. Professional piercing guidance also advises against using it on healing piercings.
No. Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that may scratch polished metal, dull the surface and gradually remove gold or rhodium plating.
Baking soda is abrasive and is not suitable for every silver earring. Avoid it on rhodium-plated, gold-vermeil, oxidised, antique or stone-set silver. A suitable silver polishing cloth is safer for confirmed, plain and unplated sterling silver.
First remove surface residue with mild soapy water, then dry the earrings completely. Use a silver polishing cloth only when the piece is confirmed as unplated sterling silver. Take heavily tarnished, plated or delicate earrings to a professional.
Wipe them gently with a clean dry or barely damp lint-free cloth. Use a tiny amount of mild washing-up liquid only when necessary, remove every trace and dry immediately. Avoid soaking, scrubbing and abrasive polish.
No. Long soaking may affect plating, weaken adhesives, damage delicate stones and leave moisture trapped inside screw backs, hinges and other closures.
Odour usually comes from natural skin oils, dead skin, perspiration, moisture and beauty-product residue collecting around the post and back. Clean the jewellery and surrounding skin separately once the piercing is fully healed.
You can wipe visible surfaces on a fully healed piercing, but posts, backs and hidden areas cannot be cleaned properly without removing the earrings. Do not remove jewellery from a healing piercing simply to clean it.
Only after confirming that the metal, stones, treatments and settings are suitable. Ultrasonic vibration can loosen or damage certain gemstones, filled fractures, glue-set stones and weakened settings.
Jewellery intended for a fresh piercing should be inspected and professionally sterilised by a qualified piercer. Washing an earring at home removes residue, but it does not make the jewellery sterile.
The Stud Edit
Clean & Ready
The Final Polish
How to Clean Earrings Properly
Beautiful jewellery does not need an aggressive cleaning routine. It needs the correct method for its metal, plating, stones and construction.
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Identify the material first. Check the metal, surface finish, stones and setting before choosing a cleaning method.
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Begin with the gentlest option. A soft dry or slightly damp cloth is often all an earring needs.
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Avoid dramatic home remedies. Toothpaste, alcohol, peroxide, vinegar and unnecessary soaking may cause permanent damage.
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Dry every hidden area. Posts, backs, hinges, grooves and screw threads should be completely dry before wear or storage.
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Know when to stop. Worn plating, loose stones and damaged closures require professional attention rather than stronger cleaning.
