You love your new piercing! However, you may be wondering the best way to keep it look clean and fresh. The first step in caring for your jewelry begins with knowing what materials that the piece is made of. Most body jewelry should not be cleaned with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, they can damage, discolor or scratch the jewelry. You should also try to avoid scratching any jewelry that will go through a piercing, bacteria can grow and build up in the scratches and can cause a serious infection in your piercing.
Your jewelry should last decades, if you practice proper jewelry care. Here are some tips to help keep your jewelry in top shape:
- Clean your jewelry before you insert it
- Avoid chemicals and detergents; the best way to clean your jewelry is to wash it with warm, soapy (antibacterial soap) water
- Do not soak your body jewelry in alcohol, especially jewelry that is made from acrylic or jewelry with gemstones
- Avoid swimming pools (the chemicals are not good for your body jewelry)
- Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place (like a fabric-lined jewelry box)
- Don’t mix your jewelry together; the pieces can scratch each other. Keep each piece in a separate bag or compartment
- Be careful when drying your face when wearing gemstone or prong jewelry. A prong-set nose ring or cartilage earring can easily be damaged or be pulled out by catching on a towel
- It is best to not sleep wearing your delicate body jewelry (dangle belly rings are particularly susceptible to damage when you toss and turn). We recommend switching out for a basic piece of body jewelry before bed.
How you wear your jewelry can have as much of an effect on the life of your jewelry as how you clean and store it. Think about the accessories you are putting on, if you are going to be playing sports or being very active, avoid wearing any jewelry that dangles or has parts that can snag or are very thin and fragile. Following these tips and using good judgment about your body piercings and how different situations can have an impact on them and you will be able to keep your jewelry looking shiny and new for a long time.
