How To Clean Belly Button

How to Clean Your Belly Button Properly

Short Answer

To clean your belly button safely, gently wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in mild soap or saline, rinse, and dry it completely.

Have You Ever Ignored Your Belly Button?

Maybe you wash your face, underarms, and feet every day. But have you ever stopped and wondered, “Did I wash my belly button today?” Most people forget it. But your belly button can collect sweat, oil, and dirt fast.

A study found that an average belly button can hold 67 different types of bacteria. That means if you never clean it, it can smell, feel itchy, and even get infected.

So, learning how to clean belly button the right way is very important.

Why Belly Button Hygiene Matters (Explained by Dr. Syra Hanif)

According to Syra Hanif M.D., Primary Care Physician at Manhattan Medical Arts (Manhattan, NYC), cleaning your navel is part of basic skin care and infection prevention.

If you ignore it, it can turn into a dirty belly button, which may cause:

• Bad smell (a stinky belly button)Itching or redness
• Infection or swelling
• Fungal or bacterial growth
• Build-up of inside belly button dirt
• Dark gunk or even navel stones (hardened debris)

Have you ever seen dark buildup and wondered how to clean black stuff in belly button? Or asked yourself, “Can I remove the brown stuff in my belly button?” Yes, you can — but only safely and gently.

What Causes Dirt or Black/Brown Stuff in the Belly Button?

Over time, the navel can trap:

• Dead skin cells
• Sebum (skin oil)
• Sweat and moisture
• Fabric lint
• Bacteria or yeast
• Old soap residue

If this mix sits too long, it may turn dark or form a sticky buildup. That’s when it’s time to learn how to clean your belly button properly.

Is It Bad to Pick Stuff Out of Your Belly Button?

You might think about scratching or digging it out with a nail. But is it bad to pick stuff out of your belly button? YES.
Picking can tear the skin, let in bacteria, and lead to infection.

❗It’s better to clean it gently with safe methods (coming next).

How to Clean Belly Button At Home (Step-by-Step)

If you’re wondering How to clean belly button At Home, here’s an easy way recommended by Dr. Syra Hanif. This method is safe and gentle.

For Innie Belly Buttons

1. Dip a cotton swab in warm water mixed with mild antibacterial soap.
2. Gently rotate it inside your navel to remove inside belly button dirt.
3. If there is stubborn buildup, you can use saline (½ tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) or diluted rubbing alcohol.
4. Wipe again using a fresh swab dipped in clean water.
5. Dry the belly button completely with a soft cloth or cotton pad.

💡 Tip: If the buildup looks dark, this method helps if you’re learning how to clean black stuff in belly button.

For Outie Belly Buttons

1. Apply mild soap to your finger or a soft washcloth.
2. Gently clean around the outer area while showering.
3. Rinse well with warm water.
4. Dry fully to stop moisture problems.

📌 Keeping it dry helps prevent a dirty belly button from turning into a stinky belly button.

What to Clean Belly Button With (Safe Products)

Not sure what to clean belly button with? Here are Dr. Hanif’s safe choices:

✅ Mild antibacterial soap
✅ Warm water
✅ Saline solution (½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water)
✅ Rubbing alcohol (only for stubborn debris, used rarely)
✅ Sterile cotton swabs or cotton pads

❌ Avoid:

• Harsh scrubbing brushes
• Too much hydrogen peroxide
• Scented lotions inside the navel
• Digging with nails

What Can I Pour in My Belly Button to Clean It?

Many people ask, “What can I pour in my belly button to clean it?” You should avoid pouring random liquids like vinegar or essential oils. These can irritate the skin.

✅ Instead, stick to:

• Mild soap and water
• Saline solution

If there is strong odor or discharge, don’t experiment — visit a doctor.

Can I Remove the Brown Stuff in My Belly Button?

Yes — but be careful. So if you’re thinking, “Can I remove the brown stuff in my belly button?” the answer is YES, but do it gently.

✅ Use:

• Cotton swab
• Mild soap or saline
• Gentle movement

If it is hard or painful, it might be a “navel stone,” and you should see a doctor instead of forcing it out.

Cleaning Your Belly Button with a Piercing

If you have a belly button piercing, it needs extra care. A new piercing can trap sweat, dirt, and bacteria faster, which may lead to infection.

Here’s how to care for a pierced navel:

✅ Use a sterile saline spray or piercing aftercare solution
✅ Gently clean around the jewelry twice daily
✅ Do not twist or move the jewelry too much
✅ Pat the area dry afterward

📍 If it swells, has pus, or feels very sore, see a doctor right away.

When Belly Button Cleaning Should Be More Frequent

Some people may need to clean more often. You may need regular cleaning if you:

✅ Sweat a lot (gym-goers, athletes)
✅ Have deep folds (common in overweight people)
✅ Live in hot or humid places
✅ Wear tight clothes often
✅ Have diabetes or weaker immunity (higher infection risk)
✅ Have a history of yeast infections

💬 Have you ever noticed your belly button smells stronger after a workout? That’s a sign it needs more care.

Signs of Infection – When to See a Doctor

A stinky belly button or discharge might be more than just dirt. It may be infected. Watch out for these signs:

🚨 Yellow, green, or bloody discharge
🚨 Persistent odor even after cleaning
🚨 Redness or swelling
🚨 Itching or burning
🚨 Pain when touched
🚨 Fever or spreading rash

If you see these signs, do not wait. Schedule a check-up.

👉 Learn more about serious conditions here: Can a Belly Button Infection Kill You?

Why Does My Belly Button Smell?

A stinky belly button may be caused by:

• Moisture trapped inside
• Bacterial overgrowth
• Yeast or fungal infection
• Navel stones
• Piercing infection

👉 Want more reasons? Read this full guide: Why Does My Belly Button Smell?

Prevention Tips to Keep a Clean Belly Button

Cleaning is good — but preventing buildup is even better. Here’s how to avoid a dirty belly button:

✅ Add belly button care to your weekly routine
✅ Always dry it after showers
✅ Avoid using lotion inside the navel (it can trap moisture)
✅ Wear loose, breathable clothes
✅ Wipe sweat after workouts
✅ Check for unusual discharge or redness

💡 Did you know? Moist, unclean skin can let bacteria multiply quickly — some bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes in warm, wet places (CDC).

FAQs – Common Belly Button Questions

When to Visit Manhattan Medical Arts

If cleaning does not remove odor, pain, or discharge, do not ignore it. Early care can prevent bigger problems.

✅ Schedule an appointment with Dr. Syra Hanif M.D. at Manhattan Medical Arts in Manhattan, NYC for a safe evaluation and treatment plan.

📞 Your health begins with small habits — even something as simple as learning how to clean your belly button.

Final Thought

Think of your belly button as a small space that deserves big care. A clean navel keeps you fresh, prevents infection, and helps you feel more confident. If anything looks unusual, let a doctor help — you are not alone.

Disclaimer 

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health-related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.