Are you worried about getting an infection when using jewelry after getting your piercing done? If you have piercings and wear body jewelry then you must understand what a dirty piece of jewelry can do to you. The standard method used to sterilize your jewelry and pieces is by using an Autoclave machine. But an Autoclave machine isn’t something that every individual can buy for their homes.

This will raise the question “How to sterilize body jewelry without an Autoclave” in your mind. The answer is yes, there are several ways to clean your jewelry at home without an autoclave working. But first, let us understand what sterilizing and autoclave machines are.

 

WHAT IS AUTOCLAVE

 

An autoclave is a machine that is known as a killer of germs and bacteria. This machine works like a pressure cooker as it uses steam to damage germs and bacteria from your jewelry before inserting it into your piercing. Most of the major jewelry shops use this machine to sterilize your jewelry to protect you from infection.

Other than jewelry shops, These machines are also used to clean and sterilize surgical equipment, medical accessories, and laboratory waste because of their workings. Now let’s talk about ways in which you can sterilize your jewelry without an autoclave machine even at your home.

 

BY USING BOILING WATER

 

The most traditional way to kill bacteria and germs is by using heat. You can also use this method to clean your jewelry and sterilize it. Following are the steps to use boiling water.

 

PREPARE YOUR WATER

 

Place the pot filled with clean water on the stove and boil it for at least 5 minutes so it is hot enough to purify the jewelry.

 

CLEAN THE JEWELRY

 

Now put your jewelry in the boiling water for 10-15 minutes to kill the germs with the heat of boiling water. Ensure that jewelry is properly dipped into the water.

 

REMOVING THE JEWELRY

 

Remove your jewelry from the boiling water using heat-resistant gloves. Place the jewelry on a clean towel until it is cooled. Now pick up the pieces and use a clean cloth to dry your jewelry.

Keep in mind that you can only use this method with glass, bioplastic, titanium, and stainless steel.

 

USING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

 

Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill bacteria and germs using oxidation because of its antiseptic properties. Following are the steps to use this method.

 

CLEAN YOUR JEWELRY

 

The first step is to clean your jewelry with warm water to clean any type of dirt and oil present on your jewelry.

 

USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

 

Put your jewelry in a container filled with hydrogen peroxide and soak it for at least 30 minutes to ensure that all the germs and bacteria are dead. Ensure that your jewelry is properly dipped in the solution.

 

REMOVE THE JEWELRY AND DRY IT

 

Remove your jewelry from hydrogen peroxide and rinse it with clean water to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide stored in your jewelry. Now dry your jewelry with clean water to complete the process.

Keep in mind that this method is not suitable for gemstones and pearls.

 

USING RUBBING ALCOHOL

 

Rubbing alcohol also has properties to kill germs and bacteria on the surface of your jewelry. The steps to use this method are similar to using Hydrogen Peroxide.

 

PREPARE THE PROCESS

 

Start the process by cleaning your jewelry properly warm water and filling a pot with rubbing alcohol. Keep in mind to use 70% of concentration.

 

CLEAN THE JEWELRY

 

Soak your jewelry in rubbing alcohol for 30 minutes. This will kill all the bacteria and germs on their jewelry.

 

REMOVE THE JEWELRY AND DRY IT

 

Remove the jewelry from the rubbing alcohol after 30 minutes and dry it using a clean cloth after rinsing it with clean water.

This method is also not suitable for gemstones and pearls.

 

SALINE SOLUTION

 

You can also use saline solution which is a mixture of water and salt to cleanse your jewelry. Following are the steps to use this method. You can use this method in most of the jewelry materials.

 

CLEAN YOUR JEWELRY

 

Clean your jewelry using water to remove any dirt or oil from its surface.

 

USE SALINE SOLUTION

 

You can use saline solution in both ways by spraying it on your jewelry or soaking it in the saline solution. Keep your jewelry covered for at least 30 minutes in both ways.

 

CLEAN AND DRY YOUR JEWELRY

 

After 30 minutes, clean your jewelry with water and dry it using a clean cloth. Now your jewelry is good to go.

 

USING WATER AND VINEGAR

 

The mixture of water and vinegar also creates a solution that is capable of killing bacteria and germs on your jewelry. But you can't use this method to clean gemstones and pearls. Following are the steps for this method.

 

PREPARE THE PROCESS

 

Clean your jewelry with water mix an equal concentration of water with white vinegar and boil it.

 

CLEAN THE JEWELRY

 

Dip your jewelry properly in the solution and boil it for 5-10 minutes to kill all the germs.

 

REMOVE AND RINSE YOUR JEWELRY

 

After 10 minutes, carefully remove your jewelry from the boiling solution and rinse it with water after it is cooled. Use a clean cloth to dry it and now it is good to go.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

 

Q1. Can I use household bleach to sterilize body jewelry?

 

It isn’t recommended because Household bleach can damage your jewelry. After all, it will be too harsh. Meanwhile, the sterilized jewelry may also cause skin irritation when worn.

 

Q2. Is boiling water safe for all types of body jewelry?

 

It is mostly safe to use boiling water materials that can endure the hot water without being deformed. But it will not be suitable for your gemstones, pearls, and other sensitive components.

 

CONCLUSION

 

These are the methods you can use to clean your jewelry while being at home. Keep in mind to be careful during the process and maintain proper hygiene. Please visit T Bird Jewels for professional assistance and services about jewelry with expertise.