How to Clean and Care for a Navel Piercing

We have all seen cool bikini photos of belly button piercings on instagram and loved the looks. As they have become so popular, escaping their charm is near impossible. A shiny bar or a sparkling belly ring is all that you need to curate a stunning look.

During summer months, when crop tops and swimwear are in rotation, you can get a lot from their appeal. But as exciting as getting navel piercing jewellery can be, it’s equally important to know how to properly clean and care for your belly piercing.

Without the right care, you can run into multiple problems like irritation, infection or even rejection. So you need the right piercing care with patience. This will allow you to enjoy your favourite belly button rings without worry. Let's explore navel piercing care to avoid common issues.

Why Cleaning Your Navel Piercing Matters

Unlike an earlobe piercing, a belly piercing sits in a warm, sometimes sweaty, and less ventilated area. This makes it more prone to bacterial buildup, which can slow down the healing process or cause infections.

Proper aftercare helps in:

• Preventing infections and irritation

• Avoiding the risk of migration or rejection

• Promoting faster healing

• Keeping your belly button bars and jewellery safe to wear

Think of aftercare as an investment in the health of your piercing. The first few months are the most crucial for healing.

How Long Does a Belly Button Piercing Take to Heal?

It depends on many factors, such as your anatomy, the piercer's expertise, and the aftercare. In general, a navel piercing takes 6 to 12 months to properly fit in place. You need to look out for how fast you change your jewellery, as it is not recommended. If you wonder "when can I change my belly piercing?" the safest answer is to be patient and wait for at least the above-mentioned duration.

If you’re just starting, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Belly Button Piercing for a complete overview before committing.

How to Clean a Belly Button Piercing (Reddit Edition)

Use Sterile Saline Spray / Wound Wash

Most users say a sterile saline solution (sometimes called wound wash) with 0.9% sodium chloride and clean water is the safest go-to.  It’s better than using homemade saltwater mixes or harsh products, because you avoid the risk of irritation caused by the wrong concentration.

Clean Twice a Day

Cleaning your belly button piercing morning and evening is a frequent recommendation. Some say once daily after the first few weeks, when swelling and discharge have reduced.

Avoid Touching and Twisting the Jewellery

A very strong consensus: don’t fiddle with the belly bar or belly ring. Even clean hands can introduce bacteria or irritate the wound. Leaving the jewellery alone helps it heal.

Be Careful with Soaks and Homemade Salt Mixes

Some Redditors warn that soaking (immersing) is outdated advice, especially if your mix isn’t right. Too much salt can irritate; too little won’t help. If using a homemade saline, measure well. Otherwise, go with store-bought sterile saline spray.

Keep Things Dry and Clean

Let fresh water rinse it in the shower. After cleaning, pat it dry gently with non-woven gauze or a clean, soft paper towel. Avoid cloth towels that shed fibres. Also, wear clean clothing and avoid fabrics that rub on the piercing.

Use High-Quality Jewellery

Subpar or cheap piercing jewellery can be a huge part of the irritation problem. Titanium belly bars or other implant-grade materials are preferred. A piece that’s too tight or too short (especially while swelling) will hurt and slow healing.

Tips for Faster Healing

Sometimes we get impatient and want the belly piercing to heal quicker, which is not good. However, there are some factors that can contribute to better and faster healing.

• Avoid tight clothing that rubs against your piercing. High-waisted jeans or tight belts can cause irritation.

• Stick to high-quality jewellery like surgical steel or titanium belly bars. Cheap jewellery may contain nickel and trigger allergic reactions.

• Don’t play with your jewellery. Twisting or pulling at your belly bar slows healing and increases infection risk.

• Be mindful while sleeping. Try not to sleep on your stomach, as it puts unnecessary pressure on the piercing.

• Maintain good hygiene. Shower daily and rinse your piercing area with water to wash away sweat or soap residues.

If you notice yellow/green discharge, severe redness, or increased pain, you may have an infection. Read our guide on How to Heal Your Infected Belly Button Piercing at Home for safe and effective remedies.