There's nothing that will elevate your outfit quite like a gorgeous pair of earrings. Be it the gold hoops you wear daily to pull together even the simplest of white T-shirt-and-jeans combinations; the studs you stack up to create an Instagrammable ear constellation; or the costume jewellery pieces that pack a punch with your party wear, the right earrings complete most outfits with aplomb.
But when your favourite earrings have become dull and discoloured and have maybe gone a bit green, they're not going to have the same impact.
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That's why we spoke to founder, CEO and fine jeweller Monica Vinader and Grove & Vae's founder Jane Obeng to learn exactly how to clean your earrings at home.
How can you tell if your earrings need to be cleaned?
'If you notice the shine or sparkle of your earrings disappearing, they’re definitely in need of a bit of TLC,' Vinader tells ELLE UK.
'It’s very typical for earrings to become a little dull over time, especially given how often they’re exposed to the products we use in our hair and face, their frequent exposure to our phones and Airpods, and just general handling (I think we’re all guilty of playing with our earrings throughout the day),' she adds, noting how 'impossible' it would be to 'minimise their exposure to the elements.'
What is the best method to clean earrings at home?
'A soft, lint-free cloth is the best way to keep sterling silver, 18ct yellow and rose gold vermeil jewellery looking gleaming and brilliant,' Vinader advises. 'Though tissue paper or paper towels may seem soft and non-abrasive, they can actually cause scratching when used to clean metal. It’s also important to research how to clean specific gemstones, as they do require different care.'
She adds: 'If the stones are natural they are vulnerable to absorbing dirt over time, making it important to clean them regularly after wearing them. But be sure to avoid hot water, harsh chemicals and cleaners since many natural gemstones can be delicate. As a result it's best to clean them with a clean, soft, damp cloth.'
Very porous stones, Vinader notes, such as pearls, turquoise, howlite and emerald should be cleaned using an untreated, dry, soft cloth only.
Obeng shares a similar method when it comes to cleaning your earrings at home. 'With earrings the posts and backs can often build up with gunk. To clean this, gently dampen a cotton bud or pad with water or alcohol and wipe the earring post and back. Once cleaned wipe dry with a microfibre cloth before inserting back into your ear,' she says.
What are the best products to clean earrings at home?
Obeng suggests using gentle products to wipe away grime. 'To clean earrings use a soft microfibre cloth to wipe away any oils and liquids. You can then use a jewellery polishing cloth to gently wipe any tarnish marks away,' she says.
'Be sure to wipe gently as jewellery polishing clothes have anti-tarnishing agents and wiping too hard or too often can strip the plating on the earrings,' she notes.
Vinader also recommends using polishing cloths. 'Ideally, you should use the ones endorsed or given by jewellery brands as they’re specifically designed to work with your jewellery. However, polishing cloths for eyeglasses will also be gentle enough to use,' she says.
Rather than using jewellery cleaners and polishing liquids though, Vinader prefers 'a simple solution of warm water and the tiniest bit of non-antibacterial soap to help remove dirt and residue.'
She advises following that with a gentle wipe-down using your polishing cloth, which should leave the pieces looking refreshed.
How often should earrings be cleaned?
'In my opinion, daily cleaning is not realistic (I really live in my jewellery), but gently polishing earrings every few days works well to restore their shine,' Vinader says. 'I recommend a deeper cleaning every few weeks for the earrings you wear the most often, especially if you’re a big fan of hairspray, perfumes, or playing with your earrings, as these can create residue and oil build up on your pieces.'
When should you send your special earrings to be professionally cleaned?
'Professional cleaning is a great choice if they are precious to you and you want to be extra careful with them,' Vinader notes. 'Earrings especially often combine multiple metals and/or gemstones that can each require a different type of care. Professionals will be able to assess how to clean each part of an earring and polish off any residue that just won't move.'
What should you do to protect your earrings?
'For more delicate or precious earrings, I prefer to store each one separately to avoid scratching or other damage. Many jewellery boxes have areas specifically designed to allow for keeping earrings separated,' Vinader explains. 'If you live somewhere humid, it’s essential to place a small packet of desiccant crystals in the packaging to keep earrings from tarnishing.'
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Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
