Earrings are a great way to complement an outfit with a dash of flare and glitz. Nonetheless, you need to clean them properly, like all jewelry.
If you wear earrings frequently, you must be aware of the right methods for cleaning them. It will aid in maintaining the health of your ears and stop any potential infection from spreading, particularly to newly pierced ears.
In this article, we’ll explain how to disinfect your earrings properly, clean, sanitize, and as well as how often you should do each of these things to feel safe wearing them.
Tips on How to Disinfect Earrings
Disinfecting jewelry refers to getting rid of pathogenic microorganisms that might lead to diseases.
The best way to sterilize earrings is to disinfect them.
Methods of Sterilizing Earrings
Below are some ways to sterilize your earrings:
- Using a Cleaning Solution for Earrings
You will need:
- A clean bowl or cup
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide OR 1 teaspoon of vinegar
How to make it:
- Mix the water, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar in a clean bowl or cup.
How to use it:
- Spend five minutes soaking your earrings in the solution.
- Take off your earrings, then wipe them dry with a soft, clean towel.
- Using Boiling Water
You will need:
- A clean pot or pan
- Water
How to do it:
- Boil water in the clean pot or pan.
- Remove the pot or pan from the heat and carefully place your earrings in the water.
- Let them sit in hot water for 5 minutes.
- Use a pair of tongs or tweezers to remove your earrings from the water.
- Scrub them gently using a small toothbrush and rinse them with warm water
- Steam
You will need:
- A clean pot or pan
- Water
- A towel
How to do it:
- Boil water in the clean pot or pan.
- Remove the pot or pan from the heat and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
- Place your earrings on a clean, soft cloth on the pot or pan.
- Drape the towel over the pot or pan to create a tent.
- Let the earrings sit in the steam for 5 minutes.
- Remove the towel and use a pair of tongs or tweezers to remove your earrings from the pot or pan.
- Place them on a clean, soft cloth to dry.
- Ultraviolet Light
You will need:
- A clean, UV-resistant container
- Water
- Ultraviolet light
How to do it:
- Fill the clean, UV-resistant container with water.
- Place your earrings in the water.
- Expose the earrings to ultraviolet light for 5 minutes.
- Remove your earrings from the water and dry them with a clean, soft cloth.
How to Disinfect Earrings Without Removing Them From Your Ear
The best way to sterilize the earring is by using sanitizing solutions.
Below are a few simple steps.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them.
- Soak the cotton ball in the hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, then squeeze it to eliminate the excess.
- Gently rub the cotton pad or ball all over the earring posts and back of the earring.
- Let the earrings air dry, or use a clean cloth to pat them dry.
Methods of Cleaning Earrings
Even though they can get dirty, earrings are a lovely touch to any outfit and should be cleaned from time to time.
Cleaning Your Earrings at Home Is Simple.
Here are a few quick tips for cleaning your house:
- Use soap and warm water: Remove your earrings and wash them gently in warm water. Gently scrub them with a gentle brush, then clean them off with fresh water and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
- Use lemon juice or vinegar: You can clean your earrings with white vinegar or lemon juice if they are very soiled. Soak in one of them for a short while, brush lightly, and then thoroughly clean them.
- Employ toothpaste: Using toothpaste is another alternative for cleaning earrings. Using a delicate cloth and a small bit of toothpaste, gently rub the earrings. Rinse well with fresh water.
- Make use of baking soda: Another mild cleaner for earrings is baking soda. Using a soft cloth, apply a paste made of baking soda and water to the earrings. Rinse well with fresh water.
- Make use of jewelry cleaning products: Select a commercial jewelry cleaner made for cleaning gemstones or gold, silver, or platinum if you want to use one. After cleaning the earrings according to the cleaner’s directions, thoroughly rinse them in fresh water.
Why Is Cleaning Earrings So Important?
Sweat, hair products, makeup, and other items that come into contact with earrings on a regular basis can cause them to become unclean. If earrings are not stored and routinely cleaned, this build-up may result in the earrings to:
- Become dull and discolored.
- Harbor bacteria can lead to infections.
- Reduce the longevity of the earring.
- It lengthens the healing process.
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Earrings?
Depending on how frequently you wear your earrings and what you do while wearing them, you should clean them more frequently. If you wear earrings every day, try to clean them once a week at the very least.
You can clean your earrings less frequently if you just wear them rarely or on special occasions. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and clean the earrings more often than less.
Caring for Your Metals, Gems, and Stone During the Sterilizing Process
Earrings are made of different materials such as metals, gems, and stones. When deciding how to disinfect your earrings, it is vital to consider the type of material.
For example, boiling water will damage some types of stones. Therefore, it is best to avoid this method if you are dealing with gemstone earrings.
If you are unsure what method to use, it is best to consult a professional jeweler.
In general, avoiding harsh chemicals or cleaners on your earrings is best. Opt for milder methods.
- If you have gold earrings or diamond earrings, clean them with warm water and mild dish soap by soaking them for a few minutes and then scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using harsh cleaners such as bleach or ammonia, as these can damage the metal. It is also essential to avoid getting your earrings wet if they are made of stone, as this can cause the stones to crack or break.
- If you have sterling silver earrings, you can clean them with water and baking soda. Immerse the earrings in the mixture for a few minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or tarnish. Rinse the earrings with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth.
- Cleaning pearl earrings, you should wipe them down after each wear with a soft, clean cloth. If they become dirty, you can soak them in warm water and dish soap for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a toothbrush. Next, rinse the earrings with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth.