La Bellita

How to clean polymer earrings

Once you own a pair of unique and lightweight LaBellita earrings, of course you want to take good care of them. Cleaning polymer earrings is quite easy and can help keep them looking fresh and vibrant. Here's a simple guide on how to clean and maintain your polymer clay earrings: 

Materials needed: 

  • Mild soap (dish soap or gentle hand soap)
  • Water
  • Soft cloth or microfiber towel

Cleaning steps: 

  1. Gentle soap and water clean:
    • Mix warm water with mild soap: fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap.
    • Dip a soft cloth or sponge: wet the cloth or sponge with the soapy water and gently wipe the surface of the earrings.
    • ! Avoid submerging the earrings: polymer clay is water-resistant but not waterproof, so don’t soak the earrings directly in water for an extended period.
    • Wipe with a dry cloth: after cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently dry the earrings.
  2. Polishing (optional):
    • Once your earrings are clean and dry, you can give them a polish. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently buff the surface of the earrings. This will bring out the shine and help maintain their appearance.
    • If your polymer clay earrings have a UV resin finish, avoid using harsh chemicals such as acetone or alcohol to polish them as these can cause it to break down, become cloudy, or lose its glossy finish. If you must, always test on a very small area and never soak the earring in it completely.

Things to avoid: 

  • Harsh chemicals: avoid using strong cleaning products, acetone, or bleach, as these can damage the polymer clay and any finishes applied to the earrings.
  • Excessive water exposure: while polymer clay is water-resistant, long-term exposure to water (like swimming or bathing with them on) could degrade the material. 
  • Chloride: swimming pools that contain chloride. Chlorine, especially when exposed to polymer clay or UV resin, can cause fading or yellowing of colors. Polymer clay is generally durable, but the chemicals in chlorine may break down the pigments or the surface finish, especially if the earrings are exposed to chlorine frequently.


By following these steps, your polymer earrings will stay clean and looking beautiful for a long time!

Storing your polymer earrings

Storing your polymer earrings properly can help keep them in great condition and ensure they last a long time. Here are some storage tips to maintain their appearance and integrity:

1. Store in a cool, dry lace

  • Avoid direct sunlight: prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the colors to fade or become discolored, especially if the polymer earrings are painted or have delicate finishes.
  • Temperature control: extreme heat or cold can affect the flexibility and structure of polymer clay, potentially making it more prone to cracking or becoming brittle.
  • Avoid humid areas: humidity can affect the adhesives used (if any) and potentially cause resin coatings to become cloudy.

2. Use a jewelry box or pouch

  • Jewelry box: a small, lined jewelry box with separate compartments is an ideal storage solution. It keeps the earrings from rubbing against each other or other pieces, which could cause scratches.
  • Pouches or bags: soft fabric pouches (like those made from velvet or felt) or ziplock bags can protect your earrings from dust, dirt, and damage. If you’re using a ziplock bag, make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid moisture buildup.

3. Keep them separate

  • Individual compartments: if possible, store each pair of earrings in its own compartment or section. This prevents scratching or color transfer between earrings, especially if you have earrings with intricate designs or delicate finishes.
  • Earring holders: some people use earring trees or holders with individual hooks for each pair. Just make sure the earrings aren’t hanging loosely where they could get caught or bent out of shape.

4. Use anti-tarnish strips (for mixed-material earrings)

  • If your polymer earrings feature metal accents (like brass, silver, or gold-plated elements), you can store them with anti-tarnish strips or cloths to help prevent tarnishing. This is especially helpful if the metal parts are exposed to air for long periods.

5. Avoid storing in a bathroom or wet areas

  • Bathrooms and other areas with high moisture are not ideal for storing polymer earrings, as the humidity can affect both the polymer clay and any resin coatings, causing the finish to degrade over time.

6. Don’t overstuff storage containers

  • When placing your polymer earrings in a container or drawer, avoid overcrowding them. Pressure from other items can deform the earrings or cause delicate components to get bent or scratched. If you’re storing multiple pairs together, ensure there is enough space to prevent damage.

8. Consider using display cases

  • If you want to display your polymer earrings in a way that also protects them, clear display cases or acrylic boxes are a good option. These keep the earrings visible, dust-free, and less likely to get damaged.

9. Store resin-coated earrings carefully

  • For earrings with UV resin coatings, be extra cautious to avoid storing them in contact with other jewelry or objects that could scratch the resin. It's best to store them separately to preserve the smooth, glossy finish.


By following these storage tips, you can preserve the beauty and integrity of your polymer earrings, ensuring they stay vibrant and in great shape for years to come!