How to Clean Pearls At Home

My real pearl necklace is my favorite piece of jewelry in my collection. It is my go-to accessory when I don’t know what to wear with my favorite black dress, my summer party wear and everything in between. Looks classy and elegant.

But over time, they got dirty and seemed to lose their shine. Which is why I started wondering how to clean my real pearls that have yellowed.

So, now, let me show you how to clean pearls at home safely in minutes!

What You Will Need

First, collect these basic items that you’ll need –

1. A bowl of lukewarm water.
2. Mild, unscented dish soap
3. A soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth).
4. A clean makeup brush or soft-bristle toothbrush.
5. A clean, dry towel.

Before we begin, here are some precautions to take when cleaning pearls. They’re very different from other types of jewelry, so we need to handle them with extra care!

1. Never soak your pearls in water for too long. Pearls are porous and can absorb water, which may weaken the string they’re often strung on.
2. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the nacre, which gives pearls their shine.
3. Don’t use abrasive materials like rough clothes or hard brushes. This can scratch the surface of the pearls.
4. Do not clean pearls with steam or ultrasonic cleaners. These harsh methods can damage pearls over time.

Now, let’s get started!

Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add just a few drops of mild, unscented dish soap.

Stir it gently until it’s mixed well.

Dip your soft cloth into the soapy water, but be careful not to soak it completely. You just want it damp enough to wipe the pearls.

Now, gently wipe each pearl with the damp cloth. Remember, you don’t want to rub too hard—just softly wipe to remove any dirt or oils.

If your pearls are strung together and you notice any dirt between them, use a clean makeup brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush to carefully clean in between the pearls. Don’t press too hard—just enough to remove any grime.

Once you’ve cleaned them, take a clean, dry towel and gently pat the pearls dry. It’s important not to leave them damp, as moisture can weaken the string.

To finish up, lay the pearls flat on a towel and let them air dry for a few hours before putting them away. This ensures that any remaining moisture evaporates.

And that’s it! Your pearls are now clean and shiny again.

But before you go, here are some tips to keep your pearls looking great between cleanings.

1. Wear your pearls often: The natural oils from your skin help keep the pearls’ shine.
2. Wipe them down after each wear with a soft cloth to remove any sweat or makeup.
3. Store them flat in a soft pouch or jewelry box, and avoid hanging pearl necklaces to prevent the string from stretching.

P.S. Here are some more extremely popular videos that you might be interested in – How to clean your gold jewelry at home.