✨ How to Clean Your Piercing Jewellery (Without Damaging It)

by Shop Floor

It’s easy to forget that our jewellery needs a little TLC — especially the pieces we wear every day in our piercings. Whether it’s your go-to studs, dainty nose ring, or bold septum piece, regular cleaning is essential to keep your jewellery sparkling and your piercings healthy.

The good news? You don’t need fancy tools or harsh chemicals — just a few smart tips and gentle care.

💧 Why Cleaning Piercing Jewellery Matters

Let’s be real: your piercing jewellery goes through a lot. Think sweat, dead skin cells, hair products, makeup, dust, and general daily grime. Over time, this can cause buildup that makes your jewellery look dull — and worse, it can irritate or infect your piercing.

Regular cleaning = happy piercings + longer-lasting jewellery.

🧼 What You’ll Need:

  • A small bowl or cup

  • Mild, fragrance-free soap

  • Warm (not hot) water

  • A soft toothbrush or cotton swab

  • Lint-free cloth or paper towel

  • Optional: saline solution or a gentle piercing aftercare spray

🌀 How to Clean Piercing Jewellery – Step by Step

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Always start with clean hands. You’re about to handle jewellery that goes into your body — make it a no-germ zone.

Step 2: Remove the Jewellery

If your piercing is healed, gently remove the jewellery. (If it’s not healed, skip this step — we’ll cover what to do later.)

Step 3: Soak + Clean

Soak the jewellery in warm water mixed with a drop of mild, fragrance-free soap. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to loosen any gunk.

Then, use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to gently clean all surfaces — especially any threading, hinges, or gemstone settings. Be extra careful with delicate pieces like opals or foil-backed crystals, which can be damaged by harsh scrubbing or soaking.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the jewellery under warm running water to remove all soap residue. Leftover soap can irritate your skin and dull your jewellery’s shine.

Step 5: Dry Completely

Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Make sure the jewellery is fully dry before reinserting — especially if it's threaded or has tiny crevices.

⚠️ What Not to Use on Piercing Jewellery

  • ❌ Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide: Too harsh — can damage delicate materials and irritate your skin

  • ❌ Harsh chemicals or bleach: Can corrode metals and ruin stones

  • ❌ Toothpaste or baking soda: Abrasive and can scratch the surface

  • ❌ Ultrasonic cleaners (for delicate pieces): May loosen gems or damage fragile materials

💎 Special Care for Different Materials

  • Sterling Silver: Tarnishes easily — store in a dry place and clean more frequently.

  • Gold & Titanium: Gentle soap and water is perfect.

  • Opals, Pearls & Foil-Backed Crystals: No soaking! Wipe gently with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

  • Acrylic or Plastic: Avoid hot water — it can warp or crack.

🤔 What If You Can’t Remove the Jewellery?

If your piercing is still healing or you’re not comfortable removing it:

  1. Soak a cotton swab or pad in saline solution or gentle soap and water

  2. Carefully clean around the piercing and the exposed parts of the jewellery

  3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel

  4. Avoid twisting or rotating the jewellery — let it heal!

📆 How Often Should You Clean It?

  • Healed piercings: Once a week or whenever you notice buildup

  • New piercings: Follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions (usually 1–2 times a day)

  • Jewellery in storage: Clean before you wear it again — even if it looks clean

✨ Final Thoughts

Your piercing jewellery deserves the same love you give your skin or hair. A little regular care goes a long way — keeping your pieces shiny, safe, and long-lasting.

So the next time you’re giving your crystals a clean or setting up your self-care Sunday, don’t forget to pamper your piercings too. Your ears (nose, belly button, septum… you name it) will thank you. 💫

Back to News