Here's the most effective way to clean your belly button

This is not exactly a conversation starter but it’s high time that the belly button gets some respect. Just because it’s on your body and not at eye level doesn't mean you should ignore it. In fact, a study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2012 suggests that the typical belly button has 67 distinct species of germs. A clean belly button is a healthy belly button, so here are some tips for keeping yours squeaky clean:

Gently scrub the area with a cotton swab

Healthline suggests that if you've got a lot of buildup in your belly button, it's best to use a soft brush or cotton swab to gently scrub the area. You can also soak in warm water and then gently wipe away any dirt with a washcloth.

If you have a pierced belly button

Clean your navel jewelry before and after wearing it. This prevents infection and keeps it looking nice and shiny! To clean it, Healthline recommends gently washing the pierced area with a cotton ball that’s been soaked in a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 8 ounces of boiled water that’s been cooled.

Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or other harsh solutions. These can irritate your skin and cause scarring if used too often on sensitive areas of your body.

Dry the area before dressing

After you've cleaned your belly button with the above methods, make sure to gently dry the area before dressing. Don't use a paper towel or washcloth that has been used for cleaning other parts of your body, such as your hands or face. Your belly button is a sensitive area and can become irritated if dripped on by water or any kind of soap residue.

That’s it! Remember, it is a simple task that will take just a few minutes of your time every day to ensure you are not enabling a yeast infection in your belly button!

Sources used:

National Library of Medicine: A Jungle in There: Bacteria in Belly Buttons are Highly Diverse, but Predictable

Healthline: Dirty Bellybutton