Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Cleaning your belly button
• Part 2 of 2: Taking care of your belly button regularly
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

The navel can be a difficult part of your body to clean, especially because it is so often forgotten. The good news is that besides taking a bath or shower regularly, you don't need to clean your belly button much. The main reason for this is that your belly button contains several beneficial bacteria. However, if you've recently had a belly button piercing or haven't checked your belly button recently and you think it needs a good cleaning, this article can help.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Cleaning your belly button

1. Gather your supplies. You will of course need some cotton swabs, but besides that, there are no standard supplies that people use to clean their belly button. People use a lot of different cleaning agents. Try out what works best for your body. You can use the following:
   • Water
   • Baby oil
   • Hydrogen peroxide
   • Rubbing alcohol
   • Another remedy with astringent properties, such as witch hazel
2. Dip one end of a cotton swab in the cleaning solution of your choice, insert it into your belly button and start cleaning. Gently go all over your belly button, being careful not to rub the inside of your belly button too hard.
3. Discard old cotton swabs and repeat the process if your belly button is still dirty. You should only have to check your belly button once or twice with a cotton swab before your belly button is completely clean. When you're done, take a clean cotton swab and gently remove the last residue of cleaning solution from your belly button. Make sure to remove as much water, baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol from your belly button as possible.
   • When your belly button is dry, apply some soothing ointment. Make slow, circular movements until you reach the center and completely remove the ointment with a cotton swab.

Part 2 of 2: Taking care of your belly button regularly

1. Remove your piercing from your belly button regularly and soak your belly button in salt water. If you have a piercing, it is a good idea to remove it from time to time. Soak your belly button in salt water after removing your piercing. This way you create an environment that is unattractive to bad bacteria that cause infections.
2. Make sure to gently dry your belly button after taking a shower. Too much water and moisture can promote the growth of more harmful bacteria. Remember, your belly button is a haven for over 1,500 types of healthy bacteria - you don't want these to be disturbed by bad bacteria, of course.
3. Remember you don't need to clean your belly button regularly. If you take a bath or shower regularly and use a good soap in and around your belly button, then you have little to worry about. Unlike your teeth, you don't have to constantly monitor your belly button. Your belly button is like your brother who prefers to stay in his room all day and prepare his own food.

Tips

• If your belly button smells and is red, you can use a soap that is specially formulated for sensitive skin. You can also use a vaginal shower. The most common cause of a foul-smelling belly button is washing with a bar of soap without rinsing the belly button properly. This causes the skin to become dry and irritated.
• Before taking a shower, rub a little coconut or olive oil into your belly button. Dirt and other particles stick to the oil, making it easier to rinse this dirt off during your shower.
• Your navel is a closed, healed part of your abdomen. Nothing should be able to enter your body in that place. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about cleaning.

Warnings

• Never use sharp or dirty objects to clean your belly button.
• Be careful when you clean your belly button. Rushing can be painful and cause a sore belly button.
• If your belly button itches or burns, see your doctor. Your belly button may be inflamed.
• Get medical attention if you accidentally injured your belly button while cleaning.
• If you have a piercing, follow your piercer's instructions. Some beads on piercings tear or disintegrate when in contact with alcohol, even with the small amount mouthwash contains.
• Keep the alcohol and cotton buds away from children.
• Call your piercer if something appears to be wrong with your piercing. If you're worried it's inflamed, call your piercer and not your friends. They are NOT professionals.

Necessities

• Cotton swabs
• Warm water / baby oil
• Tweezers