Can You Clean Earrings with Alcohol Safely - A Complete Guide
Wearing earrings is fun until you forget to clean them. Dirty earrings can cause skin irritation or even infections. That’s why so many people ask, Can you clean earrings with alcohol?
This guide gives you a full answer. We’ll show which types of alcohol are safe, how to clean different earring materials, what not to do, and why you should always disinfect properly.
If you’re shopping for earrings that are easy to care for, check out our curated collection at bubs & sass.
Can You Clean Earrings with Alcohol?
If you are looking for a safer way to clean earrings, then the answer is yes, you can clean earrings with alcohol. However, it depends on the earring material -
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Rubbing alcohol is safe for Solid metals like gold, platinum, titanium, and surgical steel. It also kills bacteria and helps remove oils.
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And on the other hand it can be risky for cheap earrings that are gold-plated, silver-plated, or coated with enamel or paint. Alcohol can dissolve or dull the coating, causing it to chip or wear off over time.
In addition, you can also try rubbing alcohol, which works wonders when it comes to cleaning metals like gold, silver, and stainless steel. You can use a cotton pad, to wipe down the posts or soak the earrings for a few minutes. Then rinse with water and let them dry completely.
Check the full care guide on how to sanitize earrings properly. If you are still unsure about the material or if your earrings are handmade or glued, check the label or contact the seller.
Is Rubbing Alcohol Safe for All Earrings?
People often ask, can you use rubbing alcohol to clean earrings, or can you clean earrings with isopropyl alcohol? Yes but only on solid metals.
Here’s what works well with rubbing alcohol:
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Gold
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Silver
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Stainless steel
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Titanium
Avoid using alcohol on:
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Pearl earrings
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Opals, turquoise, and soft gemstones
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Earrings with glue (like crystals or plastic designs)
Soaking these types of earrings in alcohol can damage them. For those, we recommend using warm water and gentle soap instead.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Earrings with Alcohol
Here is how to clean earrings with alcohol safely:
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You should wash your hands at the beginning
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Then use warm water and mild soap to clean the surface dirt.
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Use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the posts, hooks, or backs of the earrings.
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Pour some alcohol into a small bowl and soak it in for 5–10 minutes.
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Lastly, you can simply rinse with clean water and dry fully with a soft cloth.
These steps are very beneficial, as they help you keep your earrings clean. These methods are also great for new or thrifted earrings.
Check out our blog on how to clean thrifted earrings if you've recently picked up pre-loved earrings.
Can You Clean Used Earrings with Alcohol?
Yes, especially if they’re secondhand. When cleaning used earrings, be extra careful to disinfect areas that touch your skin. Posts, hooks, and backs can carry germs.
It’s smart to soak metal parts in alcohol for 5 to 10 minutes. For safety, don’t soak entire earrings if they include delicate stones or glued parts. Instead, wipe the parts that touch your ears with a swab dipped in alcohol.
For a full routine, explore our guide on earring care and cleaning.
How Often Should You Sanitize Earrings?
You don’t need to clean your earrings daily, but regular care helps:
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Clean weekly if worn every day.
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Sanitize monthly for occasional use.
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Always clean before wearing secondhand earrings.
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Disinfect after illness, skin irritation, or sweaty workouts.
Need help picking the right earrings for daily wear? See our best-selling earrings for styles that are safe and easy to clean.
What Types of Alcohol Are Best?
Many people ask if they can clean earrings with isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol. Both are good choices, especially 70% solutions.
Do not use alcohol that includes:
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Fragrance (like wintergreen alcohol)
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Added oils
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Harsh additives
Stick with simple, unscented alcohol for best results.
You can also use alcohol wipes, but be gentle and avoid over-scrubbing.
IMPORTANT: Remember alcohol is flammable. Keep it away from candles or heat sources.
How to Clean Different Types of Earrings
Here’s how to clean specific styles from our bubs & sass earring collection:
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CZ Huggie Hoop Earrings: Wipe posts and outer surfaces with alcohol. Avoid soaking the gems Shop this style
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Tassel Hoop Earrings: Only clean the metal parts. Keep the fabric tassels dry. Shop this style
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Pearl or crystal earrings: Do not use alcohol. Use a soft cloth with water instead.
For more tips, see our earring material guide.
FAQ: Common Questions
Can you soak diamond earrings in alcohol to clean them?
Yes, but only soak the metal and stones. Rinse well afterward.
Can you use alcohol wipes to clean earrings?
Yes. Use gentle, unscented wipes and avoid rubbing too hard.
Can you clean your earring holes with rubbing alcohol?
You can gently wipe the skin around the holes, but don’t pour alcohol directly into the piercing.
Can you use alcohol or peroxide to clean earrings?
Yes, but alcohol is preferred for earrings. Peroxide can bubble and leave residue.
Products to Pair with Your Cleaning Routine
bubs & sass earrings are perfect for easy cleaning and long wear. We use materials that are safe for alcohol wipes and disinfectants.
We also recommend reading how to wear earrings with different hairstyles for styling tips that keep your ears healthy and stylish.
Final Thoughts
Can you clean earrings with alcohol? Yes, when done the right way. Alcohol is a great tool for sanitizing solid metal earrings. But avoid using it on pearls, glue-based designs, or soft stones.
Make sure to clean regularly, dry fully, and always store your earrings in a clean case. For the safest and most stylish earrings to clean and wear daily, shop directly at bubs & sass.com.