Have your earrings lost their sparkle?

Here’s what to do.

We’ve got news for you: Your earrings could be gross.

How to Clean Earrings

Credit: Olena Ruban/Getty Images

(Yes, of course they are pretty, too.)

We’re simply acknowledging the fact that they’re probably covered with grime.

Luckily, it’s easy to clean yourmost-loved earringsand return them to their original shine.

Kim Kanaryis a a senior marketing executive and former senior vice president of marketing and brand management JTV.

How Often To Clean Earrings

Kanary has some good news.

“Earrings don’t typically require extensive cleaning after every wear,” she says.

“The frequency with which you clean your earrings depends on how often you wear them.

Clean earrings you wear regularly at least once a month.

Earrings stored in a jewelry box need to be cleaned less often than earrings that are exposed to dust.

Considerations Before Getting Started

Before cleaning your earrings, determine what material they are made with.

More delicate materials like pearls and opals shouldn’t be soaked.

Kanary also suggests inspecting your jewelry before and after cleaning to ensure all stones are secure.

Step 2: Soak

Soak your jewelry for 10 to 20 minutes to soften residue and dirt.

Step 4: Rinse And Dry

Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a clean cloth.

If your gem has a low hardness, like fluorite, it could be scratched by some cleaning devices.

Take these earrings to a jeweler to have them professionally cleaned about twice a year.