How to Clean Pearls Without Ruining Them (Expert Guide)
Pearls are fragile. Learn the 'Last On, First Off' rule and how to clean pearls safely using mild soap—and why you must NEVER use a toothbrush.
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How to Clean Pearls Without Ruining Them (Expert Guide)
Pearls are organic gems. Unlike diamonds, which you can practically boil in acid and they will be fine, pearls are "soft" (Mohs scale 2.5) and sensitive to chemicals.
The old saying is true: "Pearls should be the last thing you put on, and the first thing you take off."
Why? Because perfume, hairspray, and makeup contain chemicals that eat away at the pearl's nacre, leaving it dull and chalky.
But eventually, your pearls will get dirty. Here is how to clean them safely without destroying their luster.
The Golden Rules of Pearl Care
- •NEVER use ultrasonic cleaners. They will shatter the pearls.
- •NEVER use 'Jewelry Cleaner' or 'Gold Dip'. The chemicals will melt the nacre.
- •NEVER use a toothbrush. It is too abrasive and will scratch the surface.
- •DO wipe them with a soft cloth after every single wear.
Routine Cleaning (The "After Wear" Wipe)
The biggest enemy of pearls is body oil and sweat. Human sweat is slightly acidic. If you leave pearls in a jewelry box with sweat on them, that acid slowly neutralizes the calcium carbonate crystals of the pearl.
The Fix: After you take them off, simply wipe the pearls gently with a clean, soft dry cloth (like a chamois or microfiber). This removes the oils before they can do damage.
Deep Cleaning (When They Are Visibly Grimy)
If your pearls have lost their sparkle or have visible dirt buildup near the drill holes, they need a bath.
- The Solution: Mix warm water with a tiny drop of mild baby soap or gentle dish soap (like Ivory). Do NOT use detergents with enzymes or bleach.
- The Technique: Dip a very soft brush (like a posh makeup brush or watercolor brush—not a toothbrush) into the soapy water. Gently wipe the pearls.
- The Rinse: Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe away the soap. Do not submerge the necklace. If the silk thread inside gets soaked, it will stretch and weaken.
- Drying: Lay the necklace flat on a clean dry towel. Do not hang it up to dry. Hanging wet silk causes it to stretch, creating unsightly gaps between your pearls.
Restringing: The Hidden Maintenance
Even if your pearls are clean, your necklace might be in danger. The silk thread holding it together is organic and breaks down over time.
"If your pearls slide comfortably, your string is rotting."
Check your strand. If you can wiggle the pearls and see "gaps" between the knots, or if the thread looks frayed or dirty, it is time for a restring.
- Frequency: Every 1-2 years if worn often.
- Cost: Usually $3 - $5 per inch at a local jeweler. It is cheap insurance against your necklace breaking in a parking lot.
Storage: The "Pearl Prison"
Pearls contain trace amounts of water. They need to "breathe" moisture from the air to stay lustrous.
DO NOT store in:
- Plastic Bags: Zip-lock bags cut off moisture. Pearls can dry out, turn yellow, and crack.
- Cotton Wool: Some bleached cotton contains chemicals.
- Safety Deposit Boxes: The air in bank vaults is notoriously dry.
DO store in:
- A soft silk pouch or a jewelry box lined with velvet. Keep them separate from diamonds (which will scratch them).
FAQ: "Can I whiten yellowed pearls?"
We hear this often. "My vintage pearls turned yellow. Can I bleach them back to white?"
The sad answer is No. Yellowing is a sign that the nacre has dried out or aged significantly. It is usually structural, not surface dirt. Trying to bleach them will only destroy the remaining nacre.
If your pearls are yellow and brittle, it might be time to retire them and invest in a fresh, lustrous strand.
About this guide
Written by the TheCaratCut Editorial Team. Our recommendations follow our editorial policy, and we may earn commissions through affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.