How to Disinfect Earrings (Cleaned, Sterilized, Ready to Wear)

Earrings add a touch of style to any outfit, and they often hold sentimental value. But they can also harbor bacteria and germs, leading to infections if not properly cared for. 

That's why understanding how to clean and disinfect earrings is crucial for both their longevity and your well-being. 

In this article, we show you how to disinfect earrings safely and effectively, ensuring they stay free from harmful bacteria. We’ll also teach you how to clean dull earrings to restore their shine. 

What you’ll need

• Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration)
• Clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel
• Small bowl or container
• Earrings to be disinfected

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How to disinfect earrings

To disinfect earrings, first wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water to avoid transferring bacteria to the earrings. Then, completely submerge the earrings in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 10-15 minutes. Finally, rinse the earrings under running water, pat with paper towels, and store them in a dry container.

Step 1: Wash your hands

Start by washing your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water before handling your earrings. This reduces the risk of transferring bacteria and other contaminants to your earrings during disinfection.

Step 2: Clean the earrings with a damp cloth

Look closely at your earrings for any visible dirt on them. If you notice any, gently wipe them off with a clean, damp cloth or cotton swab. 

Step 3: Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide

Pour a sufficient amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the small bowl or container. The amount should be enough to submerge your earrings completely.

Next, carefully place your earrings into the hydrogen peroxide solution and leave them for 10 to 15 minutes. This duration effectively allows the hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria or germs on the earrings.

After soaking, use a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently agitate the earrings in the solution to help dislodge any remaining dirt or debris.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Remove the earrings from the hydrogen peroxide solution and rinse them thoroughly under cool, running water. 

Gently pat the earrings dry gently with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Store your earrings in a dry container or jewelry box to prevent contamination until you're ready to wear them.

Can you sterilize earrings with rubbing alcohol instead?

Disinfecting earrings with rubbing alcohol is easy: start by washing your hands with soap and water, then wipe the earrings clean with a clean cloth before submerging them in rubbing alcohol. Let the earrings sit in the solution for 5 minutes. Next, rinse under running water and air dry or wipe them with paper towels.

Here are the steps for sterilizing earrings with rubbing alcohol.

• Gather materials: rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol), a clean cloth or cotton pad, a small container.
• Wash hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Submerge earrings: Fully submerge earrings into the rubbing alcohol solution. 
• Soak: Soak earrings in the rubbing alcohol for approximately 5 minutes. 
• Rinse with water: After soaking, rinse the earrings under cool running water to remove any alcohol and dirt residue.
• Dry thoroughly: Pat the earrings dry with a clean cloth or let them air dry completely before storing in a clean, dry container or wearing them.

How to clean earrings to make them shine

If disinfection isn’t an issue, and you just need to clean dull earrings to restore their shine, here’s how to do it. 

• Mix solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with water in a small container to create a soapy solution. 
• Soak earrings: Soak the earrings in the soapy solution for a few minutes to loosen the dirt.
• Scrub with brush: Gently scrub the earrings with a soft toothbrush or cleaning brush, paying attention to crevices and details.
• Rinse well: Rinse the earrings under cool running water to remove the soapy residue and examine them to see if any stubborn dirt or grime remains.
• Repeat if needed: If the earrings are still not clean, repeat the process of soaking and scrubbing but be gentle and avoid using excessive force, especially on delicate or gemstone-adorned earrings.
• Dry well: Once the earrings are clean, pat them dry with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture. If you have a jewelry polishing cloth, use it to further enhance the shine. 
• Store carefully: Store the clean earrings in a dry container or jewelry box to prevent tarnishing or damage.

Disinfect and clean your earrings without ruining them

If you want clean and polished earrings, you need regular maintenance and a gentle approach. By establishing a cleaning routine, you can prevent dirt and grime from building up, keeping your earrings looking their best.

Meanwhile, when choosing a method to clean and sterilize your earrings, choosing the right one for your earring material is essential. 

For example, rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are suitable for earrings made of metals like stainless steel, gold, silver, or platinum, as well as glass or plastic. However, they’re not ideal for earrings made of porous materials and delicate gemstones. Consider your options before you begin. 

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