How To Clean Your Belly Button At Home

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You may scrub from your head to your toes every time you get in the shower, but I can guarantee there's one part of your body that often gets neglected no matter how diligent you are...and that's your belly button. According to one study, about 67 different types of bacteria can be found in the average belly button. So, yeah, it gets pretty gross in there. Don't worry though, here's everything you need to know about how to clean your belly button efficiently.

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How to Clean an Innie

You probably know what type of belly button you have and it most likely falls under one of two categories: an innie or an outie (unless you're like me and have an in-between thing going on). Well, depending on which way your button goes, you should actually be cleaning it differently!

If you have an innie, you need to make sure you're really getting in there, but of course, do so safely. So, here are the steps you need to take to clean your innie belly button:

Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently rub it in your belly button.
Replace the swab with a new one and fresh alcohol if necessary.
Then, when the swab isn't picking up any more dirt and it comes out clean, use another cotton swab dipped in water to get out the remaining alcohol because it can dry your skin.
When you get out of the shower, use a dry cotton swab or a small washcloth to dry your belly button.
You should repeat this process about once a week.

If you often use body lotion, make sure to keep it away from your belly button because it may promote bacterial growth in there and, as we know, there's already enough of that going on in a belly button!

How to Clean an Outie

Don't worry, because the process for cleaning an outie belly button is actually so much easier:

Hop in the shower and take a wash cloth with soap and gently scrub your belly button.
Rinse off the soap.
Dry off the area when you get out of the shower.

How to Clean a Pierced Belly Button

OK, now here's when things get complicated because if you have a piercing on your belly button, you need to make sure you're taking the right steps to avoid getting an infection in the area.

First, wash your belly button normally using the instructions above, depending on your type of belly button.
Boil 8 ounces of water and let it cool off.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Dip a cotton ball in the solution and gently wash around the pierced area.

A Dirty Belly Button Can Be Dangerous

You may be thinking, I've gone years without cleaning my belly button and I'm doing just fine, why should I start now? Well, yes you probably have been doing OK, but that doesn't mean one day you won't wake up with some issues! Here are some problems that could occur if you continue with your non-washing ways.

Yeast Infection

Yup, you could get a yeast infection in your belly button! As I said before, there are about 67 different types of bacteria that can grow inside your belly button. And because the area is dark and moist, it's prime real estate for an infection if not washed properly.

Smell

If you're smelling something weird on your body, even after a shower, it could be your belly button. All of the dirt, sweat, and bacteria that gets caught up there can cause an unpleasant odor.

Omphaloliths

An omphalolith is also known as a navel stone, and it's very similar to a blackhead because the surface will turn black. This will occur when dead skin sells and oil accumulate in your belly button and it can be painful.

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Carolyn Twersky Associate Editor Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health.

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