How do you clean earrings?

Dish soap, warm water, a toothbrush and soft cloths are all the supplies needed to clean earrings. For most earrings, except pearls, a soak in mild detergent and warm water, a gentle scrub with a toothbrush and a drying buff with soft cloth are all it takes to restore their beauty.

1. Gather materials

   Find two shallow bowls, a strainer, mild dish soap, warm water, old toothbrushes and lint-free cloths. Gather the earrings that need to be cleaned. Additional cloths can be useful for lining the work surface to protect it and the jewelry.

2. Soak earrings

   Add to the bowl a few drops of soap and enough warm water to cover the earrings. Place earrings in strainer, lower into water and soak for five minutes.

3. Scrub gently

   If needed, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt and grime. Be careful not to loosen any stones or settings.

4. Rinse, and dry

   Fill another bowl with more warm water. Return the earrings to the strainer, and submerge in clean rinse water. Swish them around if necessary. Remove, then dry with a lint-free cloth. Buff to restore the shine.

5. Clean pearl earrings

   For pearl earrings, soaking is not recommended, since a soak can damage pearls. Instead lay them on a soft cloth, then brush them gently with a soft brush dipped in mild soapy water. Rinse them with a damp, soft cloth. Allow pearl earrings to air dry.