Expert tips for how to clean piercing jewelry

Getting a new ear or body piercing is very exciting. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of hearing the “click” of a piercing gun or feeling the poke of a needle puncturing your skin. Yes, there’s a little pain involved, but think of the reward—a new accessory that instantly elevates your style! 

Whether you’re rocking traditional earrings, a nose stud or belly button ring, don’t overlook the importance of keeping your piercing jewelry clean and well-maintained. Keep in mind that pierced skin is essentially a wound that needs to heal. Any unclean jewelry that comes into contact with your skin can transfer dirt, debris and bacteria onto your piercing, delaying the healing process and increasing the risk of skin irritation, infection or scarring. 

Fortunately, there are simple precautions you can take to prevent the worst from happening. Follow the step-by-step guide below on how to clean piercing jewelry and get expert tips from jewelers regarding long-term care. 

But first… what are the common materials used in piercing jewelry?

Whether you’re a novice or piercing pro, it’s helpful to learn about the types of raw materials used for piercing jewelry—especially if you have metal allergies. The most common piercing materials are metals, plastics, glass and organic substances. 

7 recommended materials for use in initial piercings

The Association of Piercing Professionals recommends the following materials for use in initial piercings:

1. Titanium: Considered the “gold standard” (minus the gold!) of piercing materials, titanium is touted for being lightweight, durable and hypoallergenic. It’s an excellent option if you have metal sensitivities.
2. Niobium: Like titanium, niobium is lightweight and strong, and won’t tarnish or react with skin. It is generally more affordable and comes in various vibrant colors.
3. Surgical stainless steel: Hypoallergenic, durable and scratch-resistant, surgical stainless steel is another popular piercing material. It may contain small traces of nickel, however.
4. Gold: Yellow, white or rose gold can add a touch of glamour to any new piercing. Just make sure it’s 14K or 18K and certified nickel-free. Anything less than 14K contains more alloy metals like nickel or copper which could result in irritation, whereas anything higher than 18K is more prone to scratches.
5. Platinum: Platinum is hypoallergenic and nickel-free but a less common option for piercing since it’s a more expensive material.
6. Glass: Quartz glass, lead-free borosilicate, and lead-free soda-lime glass are considered safe for first time piercings.
7. Biocompatible Polymers (plastics): Medical grade plastics like Bioplast^®, TYGON^® S-50-HL Medical Tubing or S-54HL and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon™ are hypoallergenic and flexible, making them good options for people with sensitive skin. 

Prepping to clean piercing jewelry

It’s time to start prepping to clean your piercing jewelry. Follow these three simple steps to ensure your cleaning process is effective and hygienic:

1. Wash your hands. Use mild soap and water and lather both the front and back of your hands, in between all your fingers, under the fingernails, thumbs and up to the wrist. It’s important to be thorough. Remember, you don’t want to transfer any dirt or bacteria to your piercing site or piercing jewelry from your hands before you start!
2. Set up a clean workspace. Designate an area free of dust and clutter where you can safely clean your jewelry.
3. Remove jewelry from piercing site.* This allows you to focus on cleaning the jewelry itself without irritating your piercing.

*Do NOT remove jewelry from piercings that have not fully healed. Consult with your piercer, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should keep starter earrings in for at least six weeks. For cartilage piercings, the earring should stay in longer, typically between 12 to 16 weeks. Nose studs shouldn’t be removed for eight weeks, and belly button rings should stay in for at least six months.

Cleaning solutions and techniques for piercing jewelry

To sterilize and clean your piercing jewelry, try these simple cleaning solutions and techniques:

• Specialized Jewelry Cleaning Solution: For fresh piercings that are still healing, use the piercing aftercare cleaning solution your piercer gave you every day, twice a day until it’s safe to remove your piercing jewelry. Apply it to the front and back of the piercing with a clean cotton ball or Q-Tip, and then twist the jewelry (earrings and nose studs) a couple of times while it’s wet.
• Soap and Water: For a tried-and-true way to disinfect piercing jewelry, all you need is soap and water, an unused toothbrush and soft, clean cloth.
  1. Fill a bowl with water and mix in a few drops of mild dish or antibacterial soap.
  2. Place your jewelry in the suds mixture and let soak for up to five minutes.
  3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean any nooks and crannies.
  4. Rinse under cold water, then pat dry with a soft, clean cloth.
• DIY Saline Solution: A saline solution of salt and water is another effective way to kill bacteria that may be harboring in your piercing jewelry.  Simply follow these steps:
  1. Pour 1 cup of warm water (distilled or bottled) into a bowl.*
  2. Add 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of salt (avoid table salt which can be irritating; opt for non-iodized salt which includes sea salt, kosher salt or Himalayan salt)
  3. Allow the salt to dissolve or mix with a clean utensil.  
  4. Place your piercing jewelry in the solution and let it soak for a couple of minutes.
  5. Remove jewelry and rinse with clean water.
  6. Pat dry with a soft, clean cloth. 

*This method can be modified using a spray bottle. Simply pour the solution into the bottle and spray onto your jewelry. 

How to care for piercing jewelry: 3 tips from jewelry experts

Having a new piercing opens you up to a whole new world of beautiful gemstones and jewelry accessories. But as fun as it is to wear new jewelry, it may even be more important to take good care of it. Here are tips to ensure your piercing jewelry stays safe, shiny and hygienic for years to come:  

1. Clean it regularly. Get into the habit of cleaning your piercing jewelry at least twice a month to keep dirt, grime and bacteria at bay. If worn every day, consider more frequent cleanings. Try the methods suggested earlier in this post or refer to the cleaning and care section of this blog for more tips and advice.
2. Store it properly.  Store your jewelry in a place where it won’t get lost, be subject to sunlight, tarnish or scratch other jewelry. Good options include a soft, felt-lined jewelry box, fabric pouch or armoire. For more great jewelry storage tips, visit the “How to Store Jewelry” post.
3. Buy jewelry insurance. Amid all the excitement surrounding a new piercing, don’t forget to insure your fine jewelry. Get peace of mind with a personal jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that offers broader coverage than homeowners insurance, including coverage for loss, disappearance and damage. Interested in seeing how much it might cost you to insure your earrings or other fine jewelry? Check your rate using the button below.