Maya Ellison
Body piercings are common, but they require careful cleaning to prevent infection. Sterilising body jewellery is the best way to ensure you aren't exposed to bacteria and germs. The most common method of cleaning jewellery is soaking it in warm water with antibacterial soap for a few minutes, then rinsing and drying it. For intricate designs, a soft toothbrush or cotton swab can be used to gently scrub away any remaining dirt. To kill bacteria, boiling water can be used for certain materials, but it should be avoided for acrylic and plastic jewellery. For oral piercings, alcohol-free mouthwash is recommended.
Characteristics of how to sterilize plastic body jewelry
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best method | Autoclave machine |
| Other methods | Soak in antibacterial soap and warm water, soak in saline solution, boil in water, use alcohol-free mouthwash |
| Time | 3-5 minutes for soaking, 25-40 minutes for boiling |
| Notes on boiling | Only boil if no electronic components, acrylic or jewels in the jewelry |
| Notes on saline solution | Can be used as a soak or a spray |
| Notes on antibacterial soap | Safe for use with most types of body jewelry |
| Notes on mouthwash | Only for oral piercings |
| Notes on autoclave | Expensive, large energy use, time-consuming |
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What You'll Learn
Soak in antibacterial soap and warm water
Cleaning your plastic body jewellery is essential to prevent buildup and possible infection. While there are various ways to clean your jewellery, one of the most common methods is to soak your plastic body jewellery in antibacterial soap and warm water.
Firstly, prepare a mixture of antibacterial soap and warm water. The water should be warm but not hot. It is important to use antibacterial soap as it contains antimicrobial or antiseptic properties not found in regular soaps. Mix the soap into the water and stir until it is fully dissolved.
Next, place your plastic body jewellery into the mixture and ensure it is fully submerged. Allow the jewellery to soak for a few minutes. The soaking time can vary depending on the level of cleaning required. For light cleaning, three minutes should be sufficient. However, for a deeper clean, you can soak the jewellery for up to 15 minutes.
Once the soaking is complete, remove the jewellery from the mixture and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Ensure that all traces of soap are removed during the rinsing process. After rinsing, gently dry the jewellery with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
If there is still dirt or debris on the jewellery after rinsing, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a Q-tip to gently scrub the affected areas. Dip the toothbrush or Q-tip in warm, soapy water before gently brushing away any remaining dirt. Ensure that the brush is clean and designated only for cleaning your jewellery.
By following these steps, you can effectively sterilize your plastic body jewellery using antibacterial soap and warm water. Remember to clean your jewellery regularly, at least every 2-3 days, to maintain proper hygiene and prevent infections.
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Boil in water
Boiling water is an effective way to sterilize plastic body jewelry. It is a popular, easy, and inexpensive method to get your jewelry germ-free.
Firstly, disassemble all the pieces of your plastic body jewelry. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil on your stove. Lower the jewelry pieces into the water using tongs or a spoon, ensuring that all the pieces are completely submerged. Allow the jewelry to boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the pieces using tongs. Place them on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry.
It is important to note that boiling water may not be suitable for all types of plastic body jewelry. Some plastics may not be able to withstand high temperatures and could melt or deform. Additionally, certain plastics may be sensitive to disinfectants commonly used in conjunction with boiling water, such as bleach or alcohol. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions for your specific plastic body jewelry before attempting sterilization through boiling.
While boiling water is an effective method, it may not be as comprehensive as other sterilization techniques. Steam sterilization, for example, can reach higher temperatures and may be more effective at killing bacteria and mold. However, it does require special equipment, such as an autoclave machine or a countertop bottle sterilizer, which can be costly.
If you are unsure about boiling your plastic body jewelry, there are alternative methods available. Soaking your jewelry in a mild detergent or antibacterial soap and warm water solution is a gentle and effective approach for most general applications. You can also explore using UV lamps, which offer a safe and non-heated method of sterilization.
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Use a saline solution
Using a saline solution is an effective way to sterilize plastic body jewelry. It is a simple mixture of water and salt. To make the solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt into a cup of warm distilled water.
You can use a spray bottle to cover the entire surface of the jewelry with the solution. Alternatively, you can submerge the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes. If there are small spots that are hard to reach, use a Q-tip or cotton swab to gently wipe the jewelry. Finally, rinse the jewelry with clean water and let it air-dry before wearing or storing it.
Saline solution is a safe and mild disinfectant that can be used regularly to keep your body jewelry clean and free from bacteria and germs. It is important to sterilize your jewelry before wearing and storing it to avoid infection.
In addition to using a saline solution, you can also soak your jewelry in warm water and antibacterial soap. This method is gentle and effective for regular cleaning. After soaking, rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a cotton ball or allow it to air-dry.
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Clean with alcohol-free mouthwash
It is important to regularly clean your body jewelry to prevent buildup and possible infection. If you have tongue, cheek, or lip piercings, cleaning with an alcohol-free mouthwash can be an effective way to avoid the taste of soap in your mouth.
To clean your plastic body jewelry with alcohol-free mouthwash, first, wash your hands with soap and water. Then, prepare a solution by mixing the alcohol-free mouthwash with warm water in a bowl. The exact ratio of mouthwash to water may vary depending on the specific mouthwash you are using and your personal preference. However, as a general guideline, you can start by mixing one part mouthwash with two parts water.
Next, remove your plastic body jewelry and place it in the prepared solution. Allow it to soak for a few minutes, gently agitating it with a soft-bristled brush or a cotton swab if needed to dislodge any particles. After soaking, rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water to remove any residual mouthwash solution.
Finally, dry the jewelry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel before putting it back in your piercing. Ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling the jewelry to avoid transferring germs to the piercing site.
It is recommended to clean your body jewelry at least every 2 to 3 days to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent infections. Additionally, always store your body jewelry in a dry, clean place when not in use, and use separate compartments or pouches to avoid scratches and contact with other metals.
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Dry with a paper towel
Drying body jewellery with a paper towel is a safe and effective way to ensure your jewellery is clean and ready to wear. This method is especially useful when you don't have access to an autoclave machine, which is the most common way to sterilise jewellery.
The first step is to soak your plastic body jewellery in warm water mixed with antibacterial soap. Antibacterial soap has antimicrobial or antiseptic properties not found in regular soaps, making it ideal for sterilisation. Soak the jewellery for about three minutes, then rinse it in hot water.
If your jewellery is still dirty, you can use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to scrub it clean. Dip the brush or swab into some soapy water and gently brush away any remaining dirt, especially in small crevices or spots that are hard to reach. Rinse the jewellery again to ensure all soap residue is removed.
Finally, dry your plastic body jewellery with a paper towel. This step ensures that your jewellery is completely dry before you wear it again. Paper towels are recommended as they are absorbent and can help wick away moisture from the jewellery. Make sure to dry each piece thoroughly before putting it back in your piercing.
Drying body jewellery with a paper towel is a simple and effective way to keep your jewellery clean and safe to wear. This method is gentle and avoids the use of harsh chemicals, making it suitable for most types of body jewellery, including plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
Sterilizing plastic body jewelry is a little different from metal jewelry. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and alcohol, as these can corrode or damage plastic. Instead, use a mild solution like antibacterial soap and warm water, or a saline solution. Soak the jewelry for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
You should soak the jewelry in a saline solution for a few minutes. Then, if necessary, use a cotton swab or Q-tip to clean any remaining dirt. Finally, rinse and dry the jewelry.
The best way to sterilize body jewelry is with an autoclave machine, which uses steam to kill bacteria and germs. However, these machines are expensive and not commonly available for at-home use. As a more accessible alternative, try using antibacterial soap and warm water, or a saline solution.
