No matter how often you clean and wash, sometimes you still have to deal with it. Ear cheese. And unfortunately it is not limited to your plugs or tunnels, but every piercing can create a layer of piercing funk. What exactly is it and how do you get rid of it? Read more about it in this blog post!

What is ear cheese aka piercing funk?

When you wear jewelry in your (stretched) piercings, all kinds of residues can remain in them. Think of soap, shampoo, but certainly also skin flakes and skin oils. These residues together form a layer that adheres to your jewelry and can build up over time to a considerable deposit. Sounds gross? Yes, it is, a little bit. Of course it is normal for your skin to leave behind oils and flakes, but if your collection is already getting quite stale, you will have to take some action. Now in most cases it will remain a funky smell that you only smell when you remove your jewelry, but even then it is an indication that your piercing deserves some cleaning attention. Once you have reached the aroma of a mature Blue Stilton, it is really time to bring out the big guns, but hopefully it will not come to that after reading this blog.

Oh yes, small side note: we are of course talking about piercings that are 100% healed. If your piercings are not yet healed and you have doubts or are worried, check with your piercer first before you start using a different aftercare method.

Titanium, glass or organics for your piercings?

Switching to a different material piercing jewelry can in some cases prevent a lot of piercing funk. Plugs and tunnels made of steel or titanium are of course comfortable and easy to clean, but they also do not allow oxygen to pass through and therefore close off your skin somewhat. The build-up of piercing funk is also visible quite quickly with steel piercing jewelry. The same goes for glass.

Plugs and tunnels made of wood, horn and bone are probably the best choice for stubborn piercing funk. When you wear a beautifully finished piece of wooden jewelry, you give your piercing the chance to breathe and you are less likely to get a build-up of skin and soap residue. Horn is of course also a great choice, as is bone. All light, natural materials that keep your piercing fresh and fruity!

Variation can also be a great trick. And that way you actually have the best of all worlds! For example, wear jewelry made of a smooth material on some days, and a set of organic jewelry on other days. And not wearing jewelry every now and then will do your stretched piercings a lot of good! This way your skin can recover and keep the blood circulation going.

Your cleaning tactics

Cleaning, how exactly do you do that? Of course, that depends entirely on the material of your jewelry. Do you prefer to wear piercing jewelry made of titanium, steel or glass? Then clean them every day with a little water and soap. Good basic hygiene prevents most odors. Dry your skin thoroughly before putting the jewelry back and use a little nourishing oil or better yet: our Piercing Deo to care for your skin.

If you wear organics, make sure your jewelry doesn't get wet! Polish it with a clean cloth and a little jojoba oil. Of course, you can just give your stretched earlobes and other piercings a quick wash and rinse so that they are completely clean again. Dry your skin thoroughly, apply a little nourishing oil or Piercing Deo and voila, done!

What piercing aftercare can you use?

To wash your piercings and piercing jewelry, it is best to choose a mild piercing soap without synthetic perfumes. The Easypiercing soap, for example, is perfectly suitable for this.

Piercing Deodorant is really great for caring for your piercings. All Over Piercings Piercing Deo is an easy-to-apply balm with a pleasant scent, which is specially designed to prevent piercing funk. And it also lasts a super long time! Our own Fix piercing oil is also ideal for caring for your stretched earlobes and other piercings.

Do you prefer a more basic care? Then choose neutral jojoba oil or earwax piercing balm. Both are perfectly suitable for caring for your skin and your organic plugs and tunnels will also benefit from this.

Of course, we have many more aftercare products in our range! You can view our complete range of piercing soap and piercing aftercare in our online shop. Do you have any questions about keeping your piercings clean or about piercing aftercare? Feel free to ask them via info@alloverpiercings.nl or 072-7370119