How to Clean Diamond Earrings Safely and Quickly

We wear our diamond earrings often. Maybe even every day. But have you looked at them closely lately? Over time, they lose their sparkle. That shine you loved at first starts fading without you even noticing.

It happens because dirt builds up behind the stones. Oils from your skin, hair products, and dust all cling to the metal and stone surfaces. Luckily, you don’t need fancy gear or jewelry cleaner. I’m going to show you how to clean them the right way without risking damage.

What Makes Earrings Lose Their Shine

Not all dirt is visible. Even if your earrings look fine from a distance, up close, grime can blur their brilliance. I’ve noticed this with both diamond and Moissanite stud earrings. That dull layer builds up slowly, especially around the prongs or behind the stone. That’s where most of the grease and particles hide.

If you sleep with your earrings in, shower with them, or apply makeup nearby, residue forms faster. I’ve seen earrings look cloudy after just a week. The more you wear them, the more attention they need to keep looking fresh.

Skincare and Hair Products Add to the Problem

Lotions, oils, sprays, they’re great for your routine but bad for jewelry. Even products marked as “lightweight” or “clean” leave behind something. Over time, that buildup makes your diamonds appear less reflective, especially under direct light.

Natural Oils From Your Skin Stick to the Surface

You may not feel it, but your skin produces oil all day. That oil transfers onto everything you wear, including the earrings. Unlike rings, earrings sit close to your scalp and pick up both oil and sweat, making them dirt magnets.

Environmental Dust Adds Up Fast

Even if you stay away from makeup or products, the air itself carries dust. It settles into crevices and makes diamonds look hazy. That’s why regular wiping isn’t enough. You have to actually clean them.

Safe Cleaning Starts With Preparation

Before you start scrubbing, get your space and materials ready. This isn't complicated. You’ll probably find everything you need in your kitchen or bathroom. I always set up near a clean towel so nothing rolls away.

Lay down a cloth on your workspace. Keep a small bowl, a toothbrush with soft bristles, dish soap, and warm water within reach. If you're near a sink, plug the drain. I've lost a stud down the pipe before. Trust me, do that first.

Choose a Gentle Soap Over Harsh Cleaners

Skip anything abrasive. You don’t need bleach or alcohol. Dishwashing liquid works best because it cuts through oils but doesn’t damage metal or loosen the stone setting. Stick to brands that don’t include added moisturizer or perfume.

Modern consumers are more ingredient-aware, and that applies here too—what’s safe on your skin is often safe for your jewelry. The goal is to clean, not strip.

Use Lukewarm Water, Not Hot

It might be tempting to soak your earrings in steaming water, but that’s risky. High heat can loosen glues or affect soft metals. Just use water that feels comfortable to touch. That’s enough to soften buildup without causing harm.

Prepare the Brush Before Use

Don’t go in with a dry toothbrush. Wet it first. If possible, use a baby toothbrush; it’s even softer. This tool is your best friend here. You’ll use it to clean around the base of the stone and between the prongs.

Step-by-Step Cleaning That Works

Once everything’s ready, it’s time to get your earrings back to their best shape. The process is simple, but technique matters. Don’t rush it. Give it five to ten minutes of focus, and you’ll see a visible change.

Start by mixing a drop of dish soap in the bowl of warm water. Swirl it a little. Place your earrings in gently and let them soak for a minute or two. That short soak loosens any dried residue and softens oils.

Now take one earring out and hold it between your fingers. Use the soft brush to gently clean behind the stone. That’s the part most people skip, but it’s where the most dirt sits. Brush in small circles instead of scraping back and forth.

Don't Skip the Post or Backing

It’s easy to focus on the diamonds and forget the rest, but the metal parts also collect grime. Especially if you wear your earrings for long hours. Clean the post, the edges, and inside the backing hole if it's a push-style.

Rinse Well Under Cool Water

After brushing, rinse the earring under light running water. Make sure you wash away all the soap. Leftover residue can attract dust again. Use your fingers to gently feel for any slippery spots, which usually means soap is still there.

Dry With a Soft, Lint-Free Cloth

Avoid paper towels or tissues. They leave fibers that get stuck in the prongs. Use a microfiber cloth or a clean shirt corner. Gently pat the earrings until dry. Let them air out for a few more minutes before wearing or storing them.

Cleaning Frequency Matters More Than You Think

I used to clean my earrings once a month. Then I realized how dull they looked compared to a freshly cleaned pair. Now, I clean them once every 7–10 days, depending on how much I wear them.

If you wear yours daily, even for short periods, try cleaning them weekly. That’s how I keep my Icecartel earrings looking brand new, the sparkle is unmatched.

What to Avoid While Cleaning

Not every cleaning method is safe. Some hacks online recommend toothpaste, baking soda, or alcohol but these can scratch or discolor the surface. Always double-check the method before trying something new.

Toothpaste might clean your teeth, but it’s too gritty for delicate stones. Baking soda can scratch the metal. And alcohol dries out adhesives, which some earrings rely on to keep the stones in place.

Avoid using ultrasonic machines unless you’re sure your earrings are solid and don’t use glue. Those machines can loosen prongs or cause micro-cracks if used too often. Safe hand cleaning does the job just fine.

Special Care for Diamond Settings

Not all diamonds are set the same way. Some are prong-set, others are bezel or pave. Each one needs slightly different handling during cleaning. What works for one type may not be right for another.

Prong settings are most common, but they also catch the most dirt. Make sure you angle the brush underneath the stone to reach behind the mount. That’s where grease collects first and where sparkle gets blocked the most.

Bezel settings have a full rim around the diamond. Dirt hides along that edge, so focus your brushing there.

Pave styles, with many small diamonds, require gentle strokes across the entire surface without pushing too hard. With finely crafted options like Icecartel’s moissanite earrings, every detail deserves attention.

Take Extra Time With Pave Earrings

They look stunning, but they’re delicate. The small stones can fall out if you scrub too roughly. Use a dabbing motion instead of brushing. Clean with light pressure and check for movement after drying.

Inspect the Stones While Cleaning

As you clean, take a few seconds to check each diamond. If anything feels loose or clicks when tapped, stop wearing that earring and get it fixed. Cleaning gives you the perfect chance to spot problems early. The same goes for delicate pieces like an angel wing necklace, where small stones and fine detailing can easily go unnoticed until something’s off.

Avoid Soaking for Too Long

Five minutes is plenty. Longer soaks can weaken adhesives or affect coatings on colored diamonds. Stick to short sessions and regular cleaning instead of long soaks once in a while.

FAQs

Can I clean diamond earrings with just water?

Water helps, but soap breaks down the oils. Use both for better results and a cleaner finish.

Is it safe to use vinegar on diamonds?

Vinegar can damage the metal. Stick to dish soap and warm water for a safer clean.

How often should I clean diamond earrings?

Once a week works best if you wear them often. Less frequent wear needs monthly cleaning.

Will cleaning remove cloudiness from fake diamonds?

Sometimes. But if it’s the stone material itself, cleaning won’t fix it.

Can I sleep with earrings in if I clean them often?

You can, but sleeping adds more oil buildup. Removing them at night keeps them cleaner longer.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your diamond earrings clean isn’t hard. You don’t need special tools or professional help. Just some warm water, dish soap, and a soft brush do the trick. The key is being consistent and gentle.

Start small. Set a reminder to clean your earrings every week. You’ll see the difference right away. That sparkle returns. The shine catches the light again. And most importantly, your earrings stay in great condition for years.

Skip the shortcuts. Stick to safe methods. Your diamonds deserve care, and they’ll reward you with lasting shine. Clean, dry, and store them properly  and you’ll always have a pair that looks like new.