Yes, you might be forgetting about this part of your body too! Most of us follow a pretty standard routine when we hop into the shower: wash the hair, scrub the body, maybe throw in a face wash if we’re feeling ambitious. But did you know there’s a part of your body that almost everyone forgets to clean? It’s a tiny area that often goes unnoticed, but neglecting it can lead to a buildup of bacteria and even some unpleasant health issues. It’s time to give your belly button a little more attention.

It turns out, according to a study, that a surprising number of people forget to wash their belly button when they shower. Despite being diligent about washing all the other major areas of the body, this small spot is often overlooked. Maybe it’s because it’s not as visible, or maybe because it’s just easy to ignore—but either way, this means that the belly button doesn’t get cleaned very often. And as a result, a lot of germs can accumulate there.

Why Does My Belly Button Smell? Causes and How to Clean It

If you’ve ever noticed that your belly button smells a bit funky, you’re definitely not alone. According to Dr. Travis Stork, the belly button can harbor more than 60 different kinds of bacteria. That’s right—sixty! And it’s not just germs hanging out in there. Because the belly button is essentially a small crevice, it’s the perfect place for sweat, soap residue, dirt, and even body lotion to get trapped. Over time, all these things can build up, creating a rather unhygienic situation. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also lead to inflammation and irritation, which isn’t exactly comfortable.

Your belly button, which sits right in the middle of your stomach, may not seem like a high-priority area, but it definitely shouldn’t be ignored. If left uncleaned, the buildup can lead to bad smells, itchiness, or even infections in some cases. Imagine all the germs and dirt that accumulate there just because it’s easy to miss in our daily shower routine. And yes, having an inflamed belly button isn’t fun at all—it’s uncomfortable, and in some cases, you might even need medical attention to get it treated.

How to Properly Clean Your Belly Button

So, what’s the best way to clean your belly button? Thankfully, it doesn’t require anything too complicated. In fact, keeping your belly button clean is pretty straightforward.

You don’t need to clean it every single day, but making it a habit a few times a week will help prevent buildup. The best way to clean your belly button is with mild soap and water. Strong soaps or harsh cleaning agents aren’t necessary and may even cause irritation. Instead, use a gentle soap—ideally one that is free from alcohol and harsh chemicals. Alcohol can dry out the skin, and that’s the last thing you want for such a delicate area.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Lather Some Mild Soap: In the shower, use a gentle soap, lather it up in your hands, and then use your finger to carefully wash your belly button. Be sure to get into the nooks and crannies, especially if you have an “innie.”
2. Rinse Thoroughly: After applying the soap, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water. It’s important to make sure that no soap residue is left behind because leftover soap can also contribute to buildup and cause skin irritation.
3. Dry It Well: Once you’re out of the shower, use a soft towel to gently pat the belly button dry. Moisture can lead to more bacteria growth, so it’s crucial to ensure the area is completely dry before getting dressed.

You don’t need to go overboard with cleaning—washing your belly button a couple of times a week is generally sufficient for most people. However, if you’re someone who sweats a lot or uses a lot of body lotions, you might want to clean it a bit more frequently to ensure that nothing is getting trapped in there.

Different Types of Belly Buttons Need Different Care

It’s also worth mentioning that “innies” and “outies” need slightly different attention. If you have an innie, you’re more prone to buildup because it’s an enclosed area where things like lint, dirt, and sweat can easily accumulate. Be sure to get in there and give it a good, gentle wash. On the other hand, if you have an outie, cleaning is generally a bit easier, but you should still make sure you’re giving it the attention it needs.

Why Cleaning Your Belly Button Matters

While it might seem like a small and unimportant area, keeping your belly button clean can have a positive impact on your overall hygiene. No one wants to deal with bad odors or uncomfortable inflammation, especially when the solution is as simple as giving this tiny part of your body a little extra love. Taking those extra few seconds in the shower to clean your belly button can help you avoid potential problems in the future and make sure that your entire body is as fresh and clean as possible.

So next time you hop into the shower, remember to add your belly button to the list of spots that need scrubbing. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your overall hygiene and comfort. Don’t let your belly button be the forgotten part of your shower routine—it deserves to be clean too!

Let me know if there are any other details or changes you’d like me to make!