Smell No More: Why Earrings Stink and 7 Fix-It Hacks

If you have ever taken off your earrings and noticed an unpleasant smell, you are not alone. That odd odor coming from your earring posts or piercings is more common than you might think. While it may be off-putting, the good news is that it is usually harmless and completely fixable. In this blog, we will explore why earrings smell, what causes it, and the seven best hacks to get rid of it for good.

Why Earrings Smell & How to Fix It – TL;DR 

  • Earring odor is usually caused by a mix of dead skin cells, oil, sweat, and bacteria—often called "ear cheese."

  • Clean both your earrings and ears regularly with mild soap, alcohol, or baking soda to prevent buildup.

  • Use high-quality materials to avoid skin irritation and odor.

  • Let your ears breathe by removing earrings overnight and avoiding overtightening.

  • If there’s redness or pain, it may be an infection—see a dermatologist or piercer.

What Causes Earrings to Smell?

That funky smell is usually a combination of dead skin cells, natural oils, sweat, and bacteria that collect around the earring and inside the piercing hole. Over time, this mixture builds up and produces a substance known as "ear cheese"—a waxy, sometimes smelly residue.

The main culprits:

  • Poor hygiene: Not cleaning your earrings or ears regularly.

  • Cheap materials: Low-quality metals can trap bacteria and trigger skin reactions.

  • Sweat and oil: Especially after workouts or in hot, humid climates.

  • Tight earrings: Not allowing your skin to breathe can cause buildup.

  • Dead skin cells: Naturally shed skin can get stuck around the earring backing.

7 Fix-It Hacks to Banish Earring Odor

1. Clean Your Earrings Regularly

Think of your earrings like any other piece of jewelry or clothing that touches your body—they need a good clean. Use a mild dish soap and warm water, or soak them in a solution of rubbing alcohol or baking soda for 5–10 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to remove any residue.

2. Wash Your Ears

Your ears need just as much care as your earrings. During your shower, gently cleanse the area using your regular body wash, a mild facial cleanser, or an unscented soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue, and make sure your ears are completely dry before putting your earrings back in.

3. Choose Hypoallergenic Materials

If your earrings are made of nickel or other reactive metals, they can irritate your skin and worsen the smell. Opt for earrings made of high-quality materials like 14K solid gold, titanium, or medical-grade stainless steel. These are less likely to cause buildup or reactions.

4. Remove Earrings Before Bed

Wearing earrings overnight increases the chance of sweat and bacteria buildup, especially if you are wearing butterfly stud earrings. Give your ears time to breathe by taking your earrings out some days before bed.

5. Disinfect Earring Backs and Flatbacks

Earring backings can trap buildup over time, especially if not cleaned regularly. Here’s how to keep both stud and flatback earrings fresh and odor-free:

Cleaning by Material Type:

  • 14K Solid Gold: Mild dish soap and warm water.

  • 925 Sterling Silver: Rubbing alcohol or a baking soda solution.

  • Stud Earrings: These tend to collect more debris and should be cleaned more than once a week to prevent odor and irritation.

  • Flatback Earrings: Easier to maintain and disinfect with two cleaning options

    • Deep Clean: Unscrew the flatback earring and gently clean both the front and back pieces by soaking it with mild dish soap or a suitable solution. After soaking, gently scrub with a wet soft toothbrush, then rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

    • Quick Clean: For earrings you are currently wearing, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or mild soap to clean around the backing and the backs of your ears.

6. Avoid Over-Tightening Earrings

Over-tightening can block airflow and cause skin irritation. Secure your earrings just enough so they stay in place but do not compress your skin. This is especially important for flatback earrings and cartilage piercings.

7. Give Your Piercings a Break

If the odor persists, consider leaving your earrings out for a day or two. Let your skin breathe and continue your hygiene routine. If your piercing closes quickly, even a few hours can help refresh the area.

When to See a Professional

If the smell is accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge, or pain, it could be a sign of infection. Do not attempt to treat this at home—instead, visit a dermatologist or a professional piercer to assess the issue.

Final Thoughts

A smelly earring situation is annoying but easily manageable. With a few simple tweaks to your routine and a commitment to proper hygiene, you can keep your piercings fresh and odor-free. Prioritize high-quality materials like 14K solid gold, clean both your ears and earrings regularly, and do not be afraid to let your lobes breathe once in a while. Fresh ears are happy ears, after all.