Expert Guide: How to put floss through piercing safely

According to piercing experts, maintaining the cleanliness of healed piercings is crucial for preventing infection and odor. For those seeking a deep clean, knowing how to put floss through piercing using the right tools and technique is a safe and effective method to remove built-up debris.

Quick Summary

Using specialized piercing floss—never regular dental floss—with a sterile saline solution is the recommended method for cleaning a fully healed piercing channel. This process involves gently threading the soaked floss through the channel to remove debris and promote hygiene.

Key Points

• Use Specialized Floss Only: Never use regular dental floss on your piercings, as it contains harsh chemicals and can cause irritation or damage.

• Ensure Piercing is Fully Healed: This cleaning method is only for piercings that have completely healed. Attempting this on a new piercing can lead to infection.

• Always Use Sterile Saline: Soak the piercing floss in sterile saline solution before use to lubricate and clean the channel effectively.

• Proceed Gently and Slowly: Insert the floss with a slow, gentle motion. Forcing the floss can cause micro-tears and injure the delicate skin.

• Prioritize Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly and work in a clean area to prevent introducing bacteria to the piercing site.

• Consult a Professional: If you have any doubts or concerns about cleaning your piercing, seek advice from a qualified professional piercer.

Understanding Piercing Floss vs. Dental Floss

Many people mistakenly believe that dental floss can be used for cleaning piercings, but this is a common and potentially harmful misconception. The key to successful piercing hygiene lies in using the right tool for the job. Specialized piercing floss is designed to be gentle on delicate skin and is made from materials that won't irritate the healed tissue inside the piercing channel. Dental floss, conversely, is often coated in waxes, flavors, and chemicals that can cause severe irritation, allergic reactions, and hinder the overall health of your piercing. The material is also typically much thinner and less absorbent, making it less effective at cleaning and more prone to causing micro-tears.

Why dental floss is a bad idea

• Harsh Chemicals: Dental floss can contain mint, fluoride, and other additives that are not meant for use on skin.
• Potential for Damage: The thin, sharp nature of some dental floss can cause tiny nicks or tears inside the piercing channel, which can lead to infection.
• Incorrect Material: The material and coating on dental floss are not porous or designed to hold a cleaning solution, making it ineffective for the task.

The Proper Tools and Preparations

Before you begin the cleaning process, you need to gather the correct materials to ensure a safe and successful experience. Using sterile, purpose-built piercing floss is the most important step. These kits are widely available online and at many piercing studios. You'll also need a sterile saline solution, which is the gold standard for cleaning piercings. Avoid using harsh antiseptics like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can dry out and damage the surrounding skin.

Required supplies

• Piercing Floss: Look for a kit that includes pre-treated or sterile floss specifically for piercings.
• Sterile Saline Solution: A pre-packaged saline spray or a simple homemade mixture (1/4 teaspoon non-iodized sea salt to 1 cup distilled water) will work.
• Clean Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching your piercing.
• Clean Surface: Work in a clean, well-lit area to prevent contamination.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Floss Your Piercing

This method is only for fully healed piercings. Attempting this on a new or unhealed piercing can cause significant damage and infection.

1. Prepare the Floss: Take one piece of piercing floss. If it is not pre-soaked, dip the soft, spongy end into your sterile saline solution. Ensure it is saturated but not dripping.
2. Locate the Piercing: Gently hold the healed piercing with one hand and find the entry point. With your other hand, hold the stiffened, leader end of the floss.
3. Insert the Floss: Slowly and carefully insert the stiffened end of the floss into the piercing hole. Use gentle, consistent pressure. Do not force it. The stiffened end is designed to guide the softer portion through the channel.
4. Pull Through: Once the stiffened end has passed through the entire piercing channel and emerges from the other side, grasp it firmly. Gently pull the entire length of the soft, spongy floss through the piercing until it exits completely.
5. Examine and Repeat: Look at the used floss. It may have collected debris, indicating a successful cleaning. Use a new piece of floss for each subsequent piercing you wish to clean. Never reuse the same piece of floss.
6. Final Rinse: After flossing, you can give the area one last gentle rinse with saline solution to wash away any remaining debris.

Comparison Table: Piercing Floss vs. Alternatives

Feature	Piercing Floss	Dental Floss	Fine Silk Thread	Cotton Swabs
Material	Sterile, soft cotton or nylon	Waxed nylon or PTFE	Natural silk	Cotton fiber with plastic rod
Purpose	Designed specifically for cleaning piercing channels	For cleaning between teeth	Alternative for healed piercings, requires sterilization	For external cleaning, not internal channels
Safety	High; sterile, pre-soaked, no irritants	Low; coated with irritants, can cause micro-tears	Medium; requires proper sterilization	Low; can leave fibers and push bacteria inward
Effectiveness	High; spongy material cleanses and removes debris	Low; ineffective and potentially damaging	Medium; better than dental floss, but less effective than specialized floss	Low; only cleans surface-level buildup
Ease of Use	High; stiff end for easy insertion	Low; flimsy and not designed for piercings	Medium; can be difficult to thread	High; but only for external use

Advanced Piercing Care and Maintenance

For those with multiple or more complex piercings, regular flossing might be part of a broader maintenance routine. While flossing is effective for removing stubborn buildup within the channel, it doesn't replace regular cleaning with sterile saline spray. It's best used as a periodic deep-clean measure. For ongoing advice on proper piercing care, consulting with an experienced professional is recommended. For example, the Association of Professional Piercers provides valuable resources and a directory of qualified piercers who can offer personalized guidance for your specific piercing type and needs.

What to Avoid While Cleaning

• Don't Rush: Aggressive or hurried movements can injure the tissue. Always proceed slowly and gently.
• Don't Use Unsterile Materials: Never use dirty hands or non-sterile thread, as this significantly increases the risk of infection.
• Don't Use Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, or any other antiseptic not recommended by a professional piercer. These can kill healthy skin cells and prolong healing.
• Don't Floss Unhealed Piercings: Flossing is strictly for healed piercings only. Using it on a healing piercing will introduce bacteria, irritate the wound, and severely disrupt the healing process.

Conclusion

Keeping your piercings clean is a vital part of body modification health, and knowing how to put floss through piercing correctly can be a powerful tool in your hygiene arsenal. By using specialized, sterile piercing floss and a gentle technique, you can effectively remove built-up residue and maintain the long-term health of your piercing channel. Remember to always use the right tools, work in a clean environment, and never attempt to floss an unhealed piercing. Consistent, careful attention to your piercing's needs will ensure it remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular dental floss to clean my piercing?

No, you should never use regular dental floss. It is not sterile, often coated with irritants like mint or fluoride, and is not designed for use on delicate skin. Only use specialized piercing floss.

How often should I put floss through my piercing?

Flossing your piercing should not be a daily routine. It is best used as a periodic deep-clean measure, perhaps once every few weeks or months, to remove stubborn buildup in a fully healed piercing.

Is piercing floss safe for a new piercing?

Absolutely not. Using any type of floss on a new or unhealed piercing will severely irritate the wound, introduce bacteria, and disrupt the healing process. Flossing is strictly for fully healed piercings.

What is the best way to lubricate the piercing floss?

The best and safest lubricant is a sterile saline solution. You can purchase a pre-packaged spray or make your own with non-iodized sea salt and distilled water.

What if the floss won't go through my piercing?

If you meet resistance, do not force it. It could mean your piercing is not fully healed, the channel is too tight, or there is a blockage. Consult a professional piercer for assistance.

How can I tell if my piercing is fully healed?

A fully healed piercing will have no pain, swelling, redness, or discharge. The area around the piercing will look and feel like normal, healthy skin. When in doubt, consult a professional.

Can piercing floss be used on any type of piercing?

Piercing floss is generally safe for standard earlobe and cartilage piercings that are fully healed. For more complex or sensitive piercings, it is best to consult with a professional piercer to determine the most appropriate cleaning method.