
Cleaning body jewellery can be tedious, especially when it comes to hard-to-reach areas where dead skin cells and sebum tend to gather. The frustration of trying to clean the surrounding area of the jewellery, particularly the crescent end, often creates buildup due to its narrow grooves. Even with forward helix piercings, where access is slightly easier, reaching the area above and on either side of the piercing hole remains challenging. It’s a delicate balance between thorough cleaning and avoiding further irritation to the skin.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of cleaning body jewellery and provide step-by-step instructions on how to clean different types of body jewellery effectively.
Importance of Cleaning Body Jewellery
- Prevention of Infections: Body jewellery comes into direct contact with our skin, which can harbour bacteria and other microorganisms. Without regular cleaning, these pathogens can accumulate on the jewellery’s surface and lead to infections such as dermatitis, cellulitis, or even more severe complications like septicemia. Regular cleaning will help you get rid of any risk of complications.
- Prolonging Lifespan: Body jewellery requires maintenance to preserve its quality and longevity like any other accessory. Body jewellery sometimes creates crusties that stick to the jewellery due to exposure to sweat, oil or another natural shedding of skin. Proper cleaning removes dirt, oils, and debris that can tarnish or damage the jewellery over time, ensuring it remains pristine for years.
- Enhancing Appearance: Clean jewellery shines brighter and looks more appealing. Regularly cleaning your body jewellery can maintain sparkle and keep it looking as good as new, improving your overall appearance and confidence.
- Comfort and Well-being: Dirty jewellery can cause discomfort, itching, and irritation to the skin, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. By keeping your jewellery clean, you not only prevent these discomforts but also promote your overall well-being.
How to Carefully Clean Body Jewellery
- Gather Supplies: Gathering all the necessary supplies is essential before starting the cleaning process. You’ll need a mild soap, preferably antibacterial or gentle liquid soap, a soft-bristled toothbrush, a clean cloth or paper towel, and a small bowl or cup.
- Remove Jewellery: Removing the jewellery from your body before taking bath is advisable. It will help you to clean your jewellery thoroughly and minimise the risk of accidental injury.
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Fill the bowl or cup with warm water and add a small amount of the mild soap. Stir the solution until it forms bubbles. This cleaning solution is ideal for metal and gemstone jewellery, as it removes dirt and debris without causing damage. However, for non-metallic jewellery, such as those made from wood or bone, avoid using soap and instead rely on a damp cloth for cleaning, and you can use natural oils to maintain their shine.
- Soak Jewellery: After making the solution now it’s time to place the jewellery in the cleaning solution and allow it to soak for a few minutes. When you soak the jewellery in the solution, it will help the jewellery remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck on the surface, making it easier to clean.
- Gently Scrub: Now, with the help of a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the jewellery, paying close attention to crevices and intricate details. It’s essential to avoid excessive force, especially with delicate pieces, to prevent causing damage.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the jewellery under running water to remove any remaining soap residue. Ensure that all traces of soap are thoroughly rinsed away to prevent skin irritation.
- Dry Completely: Once rinsed, pat the jewellery dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. It’s essential to ensure the jewellery is completely dry before reinserting or wearing it to prevent bacterial growth.
- Disinfect if Necessary: For an extra layer of cleanliness, you can disinfect the jewellery using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Soak a cotton ball or pad in the disinfectant and wipe the jewellery before rinsing and drying as usual. This step is crucial for newly pierced jewellery or in cases where the jewellery may have come into contact with bacteria or other contaminants.
- Store Properly: Once cleaned and dried, store your body jewellery in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Proper storage helps prevent tarnishing or damage, ensuring that your jewellery remains pristine for years.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Body Jewellery
- Establish a regular cleaning routine.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and stick to mild, non-abrasive soaps or plain rubbing alcohol.
- Store each piece of jewellery separately in a dry container or pouch after cleaning.
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean titanium jewellery as it can cause discolouration.
Regularly cleaning your body jewellery is about maintaining its aesthetic appeal and safeguarding your health and well-being. Following these simple cleaning steps, you can keep your jewellery sparkling and safe to wear, ensuring you look and feel your best whenever you adorn yourself with your favourite pieces. So, sparkle safely and let your jewellery shine as brightly as you do!
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