How to Clean a Piercing | Aftercare That Works

For the full breakdown, see our best Antimicrobial Soap For Piercings guide.

What You Need To Clean A New Piercing

The safest and most consistently recommended product for piercing aftercare is sterile saline wound wash—the same spray sold for cleaning wounds at any pharmacy. It is gentle, residue-free, and requires no mixing. The Association of Professional Piercers lists sterile saline as the first-line option, and the Mayo Clinic confirms you can use either a saline wound wash or mild soap and water.

For the soap route, use a liquid antibacterial soap without perfumes, dyes, or heavy moisturizers—extra ingredients can irritate the piercing. University Health Services at UC Berkeley notes that the skin around the piercing can be cleaned with mild antiseptic products such as benzalkonium chloride or plain liquid antibacterial soap. If you choose to mix your own salt soak at home, dissolve ¼ teaspoon of sea salt or table salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Sterile saline from a can is the simpler, more consistent option.

You will also need clean gauze or paper towels. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag the jewelry, so disposable materials are safer.

Step-By-Step: How To Clean Your Piercing

The Association of Professional Piercers provides a straightforward sequence that works for most body piercings, including ears, nostrils, navels, and cartilage.

Wash your hands first. Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Never touch the piercing or jewelry with unwashed hands.

Apply the saline. Spray sterile saline directly onto the piercing, or saturate clean gauze and hold it against the area for a minute or two to soften any dried discharge. UC Berkeley recommends soaking for a few minutes if using a home salt soak.

Remove buildup gently. After the saline has softened crust or debris, use a clean cotton swab or gauze to loosen it. Do not scrub, wipe aggressively, or pick—gentle dabbing is enough.

Dry with disposable material. Pat the piercing dry with a clean paper towel or gauze. The APP emphasizes drying thoroughly after each cleaning, and cloth towels are not recommended.

Clean twice a day. UC Berkeley advises twice daily, and most aftercare guides follow the same schedule. Over-cleaning can dry the skin, so two sessions per day is sufficient for most piercings.

If you prefer soap-and-water over saline, use the same steps: wash hands, gently clean with a mild antibacterial soap, rinse well, and pat dry. The Mayo Clinic lists soap and water as an acceptable alternative, though sterile saline remains the most widely recommended choice.

What Are Common Mistakes That Slow Healing?

Touching or fiddling with the jewelry introduces bacteria and irritates the tissue. The APP states that rotating or moving jewelry is not necessary and may cause trauma to the healing piercing.

Using harsh products. Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Stick to sterile saline or mild soap and water.

Drying with a cloth towel. Cloth towels carry bacteria and their fibers catch on jewelry. Paper towels or gauze are safer every time.

Removing jewelry too early. A healing piercing can close in hours. Leave the jewelry in place for the full healing period recommended by your piercer.

Submerging in unclean water. Avoid pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs for at least 6 to 8 weeks after a new piercing.