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How to Clean Body Jewelry In Your Piercing: Tips and Tricks

Updated: Mar 29


A curated ear featuring many styles of jewelry in an assortment of piercings.
A curated ear featuring many styles of jewelry in an assortment of piercings.

When it comes to clean body jewelry tips, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your piercings looking their best and free from potential complications. While removing jewelry for cleaning is the most thorough method, cleaning jewelry while it's in your piercing is useful for those who want to maintain their style continuously. In this blog, we'll explore the best practices for cleaning your body jewelry while it's in your piercing, including some handy tricks using dental floss and small mascara brushes.


Why In-Piercing Cleaning Matters

Cleaning your jewelry while it's in-piercing is particularly important because it allows you to remove accumulated debris, like dead skin cells, sweat, and cosmetic residues. Neglecting this can lead to irritation, infections, or unsightly buildup on your jewelry.


Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning In-Piercing

  • Gather Your Supplies:

    • Dental floss or a small-diameter monofilament line.

    • A small, soft-bristle mascara brush.

    • Saline solution or an appropriate saline-based piercing aftercare solution.

  • Wash Your Hands: Before you start, ensure your hands are clean and free from any potential contaminants.

  • Floss Your Piercing:

    • Gently slide a piece of dental floss behind the end of the jewelry.

    • Use a back-and-forth motion to slide the floss around the end.

    • This action will help remove any debris or buildup between the jewelry and your skin in the spaces a Q-tip can't reach.

  • Brush the Jewelry:

    • Dip the small mascara brush in saline solution or piercing aftercare solution.

    • Gently brush the jewelry, focusing on all surfaces, including the ball ends or decorative elements.

    • The brush's soft bristles help dislodge and remove any dirt or grime.

  • Rinse Thoroughly:

    • Rinse the piercing and jewelry with warm water to remove any residual cleaning solution.

    • Ensure there are no traces of debris left.

  • Pat Dry: Use a clean, disposable paper towel to pat the area dry. Avoid using cloth towels, as they may harbor bacteria.

  • Follow Your Piercer's Advice:

    • Consult your professional piercer for specific aftercare instructions.

    • They may recommend additional care steps or products based on your piercing type and jewelry.


Cleaning Body Jewelry Maintenance Tips:

  • Frequency: Cleaning your jewelry in-piercing should be done regularly, but not excessively. Aim for once a week during your regular hygiene routine.

  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other strong cleaning agents, as they can irritate and damage the skin.

  • Monitor for Irritation: Keep an eye on your piercing. If you notice redness, swelling, or discomfort, consult your piercer.

  • Jewelry Rotation: If your jewelry is removable (as with captive bead rings or circular barbells), consider taking it out periodically to clean it thoroughly.

  • Choose Quality Jewelry: High-quality materials like surgical stainless steel, titanium, gold, and niobium are less likely to tarnish or cause skin reactions.


Remember, in-piercing cleaning is a complement to, not a substitute for, taking good care of your piercing. Maintaining overall cleanliness and following your piercer's aftercare recommendations are equally important. Clean jewelry looks better and reduces the risk of complications, ensuring you enjoy your body piercings to the fullest. At Thistle, we always have Neilmed Aftercare spray and small mascara brushes or "Spoolies" available for purchase to help you maintain your look, as well as one-on-one clean body jewelry tips for any questions you may have about your piercing.

You can also find more information from the Association at Professional Piercers at https://safepiercing.org/aftercare/

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