Should you clean inside your belly button? The essential guide to navel hygiene

September 30, 2025 •

5 min read

According to researchers at North Carolina State University, the average human belly button is home to a surprisingly diverse microbiome, harboring an average of 67 different species of bacteria. While many of these are harmless, this thriving ecosystem highlights why you should clean inside your belly button to prevent unpleasant odors, infections, and buildup from occurring.

Quick Summary

The belly button needs regular, gentle cleaning to prevent bacteria, dead skin, and lint from accumulating. Proper technique with mild soap and water is key to avoid odor, infection, or irritation.

Key Points

Regular cleaning is necessary: The belly button's moist, warm environment is a breeding ground for bacteria, sweat, and lint, necessitating regular cleaning to prevent odor and infection.
Clean 'innies' gently: For concave navels, use a cotton swab or washcloth corner with mild soap and water, wiping gently inside the folds.
Clean 'outies' easily: Convex navels can be cleaned with mild soap and a washcloth during a regular shower.
Dry completely after cleaning: After washing, use a dry cotton swab or towel corner to ensure the navel is completely dry, as trapped moisture promotes bacterial growth.
Avoid harsh products and scrubbing: Harsh chemicals, scented lotions, and vigorous scrubbing can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of infection.
Special care for piercings: New navel piercings require special saline cleaning as instructed by a piercer; once healed, mild soap and water can be used.
Recognize signs of infection: Persistent odor, discharge, swelling, or pain are signs of infection and require consultation with a healthcare provider.

The belly button, or navel, is a small yet intricate part of the body that is often forgotten during daily hygiene routines. For many, a quick rinse in the shower is all the attention it receives. However, a buildup of sweat, dead skin cells, and lint can create a dark, moist environment ideal for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Neglecting this area can lead to several unpleasant issues, from foul odors to more serious infections and complications.

The risks of neglecting navel hygiene

Poor belly button hygiene can cause a variety of skin problems. The confined space, especially in those with deep 'innie' navels, traps debris and moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms. Regular cleaning is a simple preventative measure against several common conditions:

Unpleasant Odor: The most common and noticeable sign of poor hygiene is a foul smell. This is the result of bacterial overgrowth feeding on trapped dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells.
Infections: This moist environment can lead to both bacterial (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus) and fungal (e.g., Candida) infections. Symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling, discharge (yellow, green, or dark), and pain.
Omphaloliths (Navel Stones): In rare but possible cases, accumulated sebum (skin oil), keratin (skin protein), and dirt can harden over time into a stone-like mass called an omphalolith. These are more common in people with deep navels and can cause infection and inflammation if left untreated.
Skin Irritation: The constant presence of bacteria and fungi can irritate the sensitive skin of the navel, leading to redness and discomfort.

How to properly clean your belly button

The correct cleaning method depends on your navel type. Regardless of whether you have an 'innie' or an 'outie,' gentleness is key to avoid micro-abrasions that could increase the risk of infection.

For 'innies' (concave navels)

Preparation: Before or during your shower, apply mild, fragrance-free soap to a clean, soft cotton swab or the corner of a clean washcloth.
Gentle Cleaning: Gently move the cotton swab or washcloth inside the folds of your navel to remove dirt and lint. If the swab becomes visibly dirty, discard it and use a new one until it comes out clean.
Rinse Thoroughly: Use a fresh cotton swab dipped in water to rinse out any soap residue, as leaving it behind can cause irritation.
Dry Completely: Use a clean, dry cotton swab or the corner of a dry towel to thoroughly dry the inside of your belly button. Trapped moisture promotes bacterial growth.

For 'outies' (convex navels)

Lather: Use your hands or a washcloth with mild soap and water to gently lather the navel area.
Rinse: Rinse away all the soap with water.
Dry: Pat the area completely dry with a towel.

A special note on navel piercings

For those with navel piercings, proper cleaning is even more critical, especially for new piercings, to prevent infection.

New Piercings: Follow the specific cleaning instructions provided by your piercer, which often involve using a saline solution.
Healed Piercings: Once healed, you can clean the area using the mild soap and water method for your navel type. A saltwater compress can also be used to remove any crusty discharge. Ensure you gently rotate the jewelry to clean all surfaces and rinse thoroughly.

Comparison of cleaning methods


Feature	'Innie' Belly Buttons	'Outie' Belly Buttons	Navel Piercings	What to avoid
Recommended Tool	Cotton swab or washcloth corner	Washcloth or hand	Sterile saline solution (new) / Cotton swab (healed)	Harsh scrub brushes
Solution	Mild, fragrance-free soap and water	Mild, fragrance-free soap and water	Sterile saline or specific cleaning solution	Harsh chemicals, scented lotions
Technique	Gentle wiping inside folds	Gentle lathering	Follow piercer's instructions, use sterile saline for new piercings	Vigorous scrubbing
Drying	Dry with clean, dry cotton swab or towel corner	Pat dry with a towel	Pat dry with sterile gauze or paper towel	Leaving moisture behind
Frequency	Once or twice a week, plus daily showering	During daily showers	Depends on healing stage (follow instructions)	Forgetting to clean

What to avoid during navel cleaning

To keep your belly button healthy, certain practices should be avoided:

Harsh Scrubbing: Aggressive scrubbing can irritate the sensitive skin and cause small tears, making it easier for bacteria to enter.
Strong Soaps and Chemicals: Avoid strong antibacterial soaps or harsh chemicals that can disrupt the natural skin microbiome and cause irritation. Rubbing alcohol can be used cautiously for extra cleaning, but it can also dry out the skin if used too frequently, leading to irritation.
Scented Lotions or Creams: Applying lotions or creams inside the navel should be avoided, as the extra moisture and ingredients can trap bacteria and encourage growth.

Conclusion: A simple, essential habit

Proper navel hygiene is an important but often-overlooked aspect of general health. By incorporating a simple, gentle cleaning routine into your weekly schedule, you can effectively prevent the accumulation of dirt, lint, and bacteria that lead to odors and infections. For 'innies,' a cotton swab with mild soap and water works best, while 'outies' can be cleaned with a washcloth. Always remember to dry the area completely to prevent moisture buildup. If you experience persistent odor, pain, swelling, or discharge, it may be a sign of infection and warrants a visit to your primary care provider or dermatologist. A few moments of attention each week is all it takes to keep this small part of your body clean and healthy.

Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials offers further details on effective belly button cleaning methods.

Symptoms that require medical attention

While good hygiene can prevent most issues, some symptoms indicate a more serious problem requiring professional medical advice. If you notice any of the following, consult a healthcare provider:

Persistent foul odor despite regular cleaning.
Discharge that is yellow, green, or dark in color.
Increased redness, swelling, or blistering around the navel.
Persistent or worsening pain and tenderness.
Fever alongside other symptoms of infection.
Any hard, stone-like mass within the navel that you cannot easily remove.

Taking these steps will ensure your belly button remains a clean and healthy part of your body, preventing discomfort and promoting overall skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally recommended to perform a focused cleaning of your belly button once or twice a week, in addition to rinsing it during your daily shower. If you notice an odor or buildup, you may need to clean it more frequently.

For an 'innie,' use a mild, fragrance-free soap on a cotton swab or the corner of a washcloth. Gently wipe inside the folds to remove debris, rinse thoroughly with water on a fresh swab, and then dry completely with a clean, dry swab.

While some sources suggest using rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, it can be very drying and irritating to the skin. Mild soap and water is generally the safest and most recommended method, as it is less likely to cause irritation.

Belly button lint is a collection of fibers from clothing, dead skin cells, and hair that accumulates in the navel. Regular cleaning is the best way to prevent it, and some people may find that shaving the hair around the navel or wearing smoother fabrics reduces lint formation.

Omphaloliths are rare but hard, stone-like masses that form from the long-term accumulation of dead skin cells, oil (sebum), and dirt in a deep navel. They can lead to infection and should be professionally removed by a doctor.

A persistent odor could be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like redness, itching, or discharge. It's best to consult a doctor if the smell continues despite regular, gentle cleaning.

While uncommon, an untreated belly button infection can potentially spread and, in very rare cases, lead to sepsis. Timely treatment is essential. If you suspect an infection, contact a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include antibiotics or antifungal medication.