how to clean earring holes

To clean earring holes safely and effectively, follow these steps:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before touching the piercing to prevent bacteria transfer.
2. Prepare a saline solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water.
3. Soak a cotton swab, gauze pad, or cotton ball in the saline solution and gently wipe around the front and back of the earring hole to remove dirt, crust, or debris.
4. Rinse the area with clean water to remove any saline residue.
5. Pat the area dry with a clean towel or tissue to prevent moisture buildup.
6. Optionally, apply a small amount of Vaseline or similar ointment to moisturize and aid healing (especially for new piercings).
7. Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands and avoid harsh cleaners like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or acidic products.

For new piercings, clean two to three times a day until healed. For established piercings, clean regularly when needed, such as when dirt or crust forms. Clean your earrings regularly too to avoid transferring bacteria.