how to clean your earrings

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We've said it before, and we'll say it again, there's nothing that elevates an outfit quite like the perfect 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 or discoloured, they're not going to have the same impact. That's why we spoke to founder, CEO and fine jeweller Monica Vinader 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 air-pods, and just general handling (I think we're all guilty of playing with our earrings throughout the day).

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'It'd be impossible to try and minimise their exposure to these elements, so it's important to be mindful of regular cleaning to keep them looking fresh.'

What is the best method to clean earrings by hand 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.

'Though tissue paper or paper towels may seem soft and non-abrasive, they can actually cause scratching when used to clean metal.

'It's important to research how to clean specific gemstones, as they do require different care.

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'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 such as pearls, turquoise, howlite and emerald should be cleaned using an untreated, dry, soft cloth only.'

What are the best products to clean earrings at home?

'Ideally, you should use polishing cloths recommended 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.

What You Need To Clean Jewellery

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Desiccant Bags

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'I'm not a fan of jewellery cleaners and polishing liquids as I think they sometimes do more harm than good.

'I would instead recommend bathing your earrings in a simple solution of warm water and the tiniest bit of non-antibacterial soap to help remove dirt and residue. Follow this with a gentle wipe down using your polishing cloth and the pieces will look 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 shine.

'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 while you think, as these can create residue and oil build up on your earrings.'

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.

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'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.

'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 Digital Writer Daisy Murray is the Digital Writer at ELLE UK, writing articles on vintage shopping to Melania Trump and everything in between.

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