How to Clean Your Piercing Properly: Do’s & Don’ts

A new piercing is exciting—but it’s also a healing wound, and how you care for it can make all the difference. Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth, proper cleaning helps your body do what it does best: heal.

Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of keeping your piercing happy, healthy, and drama-free.

Do: Use Sterile Saline or Hypochlorous Acid

The best way to clean a fresh piercing is also the simplest:

Sterile saline spray (look for “wound wash saline” with no additives)

Or hypochlorous acid spray (gentle, effective, and loved by professionals)

These solutions support healing by gently rinsing away debris and keeping the area clean without disrupting your body’s natural balance.

Tip: Spray onto a clean non-woven gauze and gently compress the area for a few seconds—or let the mist air-dry if you’re using hypochlorous acid.

Don’t: DIY Salt Water at Home

Mixing your own salt solution might seem smart, but it’s easy to get the ratio wrong—and that can cause irritation, dryness, or imbalance.

Pre-mixed sterile solutions are safe, consistent, and free from contamination. Trust us—it’s worth the small investment.

Do: Keep It Simple

Less is more. Clean once or twice a day, and avoid layering on extra products.

Your body knows how to heal—your job is to support it, not overload it.

Don’t: Use Harsh Products

No alcohol. No hydrogen peroxide. No antiseptics like iodine or Dettol.

These might work on scrapes, but piercings heal differently—they're not supposed to scab and fall off. Harsh products can delay healing, dry out tissue, or even cause damage.

Do: Clean Hands First

Always wash your hands before touching your piercing. Every time.

Even if it “looks fine.” Even if you’re “just adjusting it.” This is one of the simplest ways to prevent infection.

Don’t: Twist or Move the Jewelry

We know—it’s tempting. But twisting, turning, or sliding your jewelry “to clean it” does more harm than good.

It irritates the healing channel and can drag in bacteria. Let it stay still and undisturbed.

Do: Be Patient with the Process

Healing times vary depending on placement, anatomy, and lifestyle. Some piercings can take months—or longer—to fully settle. That’s normal.

Support your body with good hygiene, good sleep, and good food. And don’t hesitate to check in with your piercer if something feels off.

Bottom Line?

Healing a piercing doesn’t have to be complicated—just consistent, clean, and kind to your body.

Looking for recommendations? Tell us where you are, and we might have a personalized suggestion for a trusted studio near you.

We're progressing steadily toward opening our own doors soon—and we can't wait to welcome you into a safe, inclusive space where your comfort and healing come first. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being here with us from the very beginning.