Jewelry

How to Clean Pearls

Your pearls will sparkle like the day you got them with the right cleaning technique. Here's the safe way that jewelers recommend.

What You'll Need

  • Soft damp cloth
  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap (tiny amount)
  • Soft dry cloth
  • Silk or satin pouch for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Wipe after every wear

    Wipe each pearl with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing to remove perfume, oils, and sweat.

  2. 2

    Clean gently when needed

    Dampen a cloth with water and a tiny drop of dish soap. Wipe each pearl individually. Never submerge the strand.

  3. 3

    Rinse with a damp cloth

    Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water to remove any soap residue.

  4. 4

    Lay flat to dry

    Lay the strand flat on a soft towel to dry. Never hang pearls wet -- moisture weakens the silk thread.

Pro Tips

  • TIPPut pearls on last when getting dressed. Perfume, hairspray, and makeup chemicals damage the nacre (pearl coating).
  • TIPPearls need moisture from your skin to stay lustrous. Wearing them regularly keeps them beautiful.
  • TIPHave pearl strands restrung every 1-2 years if worn regularly. The silk thread weakens over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XSubmerging pearl strands in water, which weakens the silk thread and can cause it to stretch or break.
  • XUsing any chemical cleaner, ultrasonic cleaner, or steam cleaner on pearls, which dissolves the nacre.
  • XStoring pearls in a sealed plastic bag, which traps moisture and chemicals that damage the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Vinegar is acidic and dissolves the calcium carbonate that pearls are made of. Use only water and the gentlest soap.