How To Clean Diamond Earrings, According To An Expert

Forbes

23-05-2025

Diamond earrings add instant sparkle and shine to any outfit, but like any other piece of jewelry, they can become cloudy or dull with wear and buildup. If you're wondering if you can clean diamond earrings at home, Britta Nolan, senior design consultant at Lauren B Jewelry, says it's easy to do with a few simple products. 'Cleaning diamonds with dish soap, warm water and a soft toothbrush is a safe and effective way to keep them in good condition,' says Nolan.
You can safely and effectively clean diamond earrings at home using dish soap, warm water and a soft ... More toothbrush.
Another expert tip? Avoid harsh chemicals and store your diamond earrings in a soft-lined jewelry box or a small pouch after cleaning. For more on diamonds and where to purchase them, check out our stories on the best places to buy engagement rings, the best place to buy diamonds, the best online jewelry stores and the best lab-grown diamonds.
The best way to make diamond earrings sparkle again is to clean them at home using warm water, a mild dish soap like Palmolive and a soft toothbrush . 'Fill a small bowl or coffee mug with hot water—still comfortable to the touch—and add just a few drops of Palmolive dish soap,' says Nolan. 'Let the earrings soak for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then gently scrub around the setting and diamond to remove any buildup using a soft-bristled toothbrush.' After you're done scrubbing, rinse the earrings well under warm water. Nolan recommends using a tiny strainer to rinse them so you don't accidentally drop them down the drain. The last step is to dry your earrings carefully with a lint-free cloth to avoid residue or little fibers sticking to the stones.
Diamonds are hard and durable, so they don't scratch easily, but it's a good idea to store them in a soft-lined jewelry box or a small pouch. This way, they won't scratch other pieces or get scratched themselves. If you're packing them for travel, Nolan suggests using a case with separate compartments to keep them safe. It's also advisable to keep them out of the bathroom, as humidity can wear down the shine over time, and to ensure the backs are on tightly so they don't go missing.
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of jewelry stories, including guides on how to clean a diamond ring.
To make diamond earrings sparkle again, periodically clean them at home using warm water and a little dish soap. Let the earrings soak for 15 to 20 minutes, and then gently scrub around the setting to remove loosened dirt and debris. Rinse well under warm water and dry them with a lint-free cloth.
It's best to clean diamonds with warm water and dish soap, such as Palmolive. Avoid using formulas with harsh chemicals like Windex, Clorox wipes or hydrogen peroxide.
It's normal for jewelry to look cloudy due to buildup from lotion, soap or oils. When your earrings look dull or cloudy, you can clean them at home and store them in a soft-lined jewelry box or a small pouch to prevent them from getting scratched.