How to Disinfect Earrings

Clean earrings before and after wearing them.

It is imperative to keep all body jewelry clean, including earrings. Regardless of the material, you should always clean earrings before and after wearing them. Germs on the earrings can cause irritation and infection at the piercing site. The only way to completely sterilize jewelry is with an autoclave machine, however, cleaning them with household products can greatly reduce bacteria and germs on your jewelry.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap or cream
• Small dish
• Cotton ball swab

Instructions

1. Run earrings under hot water. Place the earrings in a small bowl or dish to prevent them from falling into the drain.

2. Rub antibacterial soap or cream thoroughly over the earrings.

3. Use a cotton swab dipped in antibacterial soap to reach small nooks or detailed areas.

4. Let the earrings sit in the soapy mixture for a few minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly in hot water and dry.

6. Insert the earrings immediately after cleaning to minimize the presence of new germs.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid sharing your earrings with others or purchasing used body jewelry online.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Piercings: How to prevent complications
• Ask BME: Sterilization
• Montana Body Art: Cleaning and Care of Body Piercing Jewelry