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Why Do Earring Back Smell Bad: Find Out How To Avoid Ear Cheese

Posted on December 13 2022

 

What causes that pesky ear cheese smell? And how can you prevent it from happening in the first place? In this blog post, we'll answer all your questions about why earrings smell and give tips on keeping your ears smelling fresh. So keep reading to learn more!

 

Why might some earrings smell of cheesy?

 

A variety of factors can cause earrings to smell like cheese. Bacteria growth, sweat, and the accumulation of oils from the skin can all contribute to an unpleasant odour emanating from earrings. In addition, when moisture or sweat mixes with bacteria that are naturally present on our skin, it causes a reaction that produces an acidic smell, similar to cheese. 

Additionally, earrings made of certain materials, such as nickel or silver, can cause a cheese-like odour. These metals contain sulfur compounds that react with sweat, oils, and other substances on the skin to produce a foul smell. It is important to clean your earrings regularly to prevent buildup and reduce the intensity of this unpleasant odour.

 

How to Avoid Getting Ear Cheese?

 

Ear cheese, also known as ear wax or cerumen, is a natural substance that can accumulate in the crevices of earrings and cause irritation. It's important to avoid getting it in your jewellery, as it can be difficult to remove once it has built up. Here are some tips to help you keep your earrings free from ear cheese.

1. Keep your ears and earrings clean: Regularly wiping the jewellery with a soft cloth can help keep dirt, sweat, and oil from building up on the earring. If you have pierced ears, use an alcohol-free solution and gentle cleaning wipes to avoid irritating the skin.

2. Dry your ears after showering: Water can cause ear wax to accumulate more quickly, so ensure you dry your ears thoroughly after getting out of the shower or swimming in a pool.

3. Wear earrings made from hypoallergenic materials: Earrings made from hypoallergenic metals such as titanium or stainless steel will be less likely to cause a reaction with your skin that could lead to ear cheese.

4. Clean your earrings regularly: Use mild soap and water or a specialized jewellery cleaner to remove dirt and oil from your earrings at least once a month. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and wax that can cause ear cheese.

5. Change your earrings often: Wearing the same pair of earrings all day long allows sweat and bacteria to accumulate on them, leading to ear cheese buildup. When changing your earrings, remove old metal backing pieces and replace them with new ones.

6. Avoid wearing earrings for extended periods: Try to limit your wearing time to 1-2 hours at a time, and remove them when you feel the area start to itch or become uncomfortable. Doing so will help prevent irritation and infection that can lead to ear cheese.

 

How to Prevent Your Earrings from Smelling?

 

Various reasons, such as sweat, oils, and dirt, can cause earring odour. While this odour is usually not harmful to your health, it can still be unpleasant and embarrassing. Luckily, there are ways to prevent your earrings from smelling in the first place and eliminate any odours. 

1. Clean your ears regularly: Make sure to remove any dirt and ear wax from the piercings in your ear so that bacteria won't build up and cause an odour. You can do this with a cotton swab or a damp cloth, but be gentle so as not to damage the skin of your earlobe.

2. Change your earrings often: Wearing the same pair of earrings every day can cause them to collect bacteria and sweat that can cause a bad odour. If you wear pierced earrings, switch them out with new ones several times a week, so they don't have time to accumulate any odours. 

3. Store your earrings properly: Make sure you store them in an airtight container so that bacteria or moisture won't accumulate on them. Avoid storing them in damp places, such as the bathroom, and don't forget to clean the containers regularly. 

4. Use a cleaning solution: If your earrings already have an odour, try cleaning them with a mild soap and water solution. You can also use rubbing alcohol or mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen up the earrings. 

5. Use anti-bacterial sprays: If you want to ensure that your earrings won't accumulate any odour-causing bacteria, spray an anti-bacterial solution before and after wearing them. This will help keep the earrings clean and free of any bad smells. 

By following these tips, you can reduce the chance that your earrings will develop an unpleasant odour. With proper cleaning and storage, your earrings should stay smelling fresh for a long time.

How Often Should You Clean Your Earrings

 

Earring hygiene is important in keeping your ears healthy and preventing infection. It is recommended that you clean your earrings at least once a week. You can soak them in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. 

Rinse the earrings thoroughly with plain water afterwards, and dry them with a soft cloth. Remember to clean the backs of your earrings, as dirt and oil can also accumulate there. If you have pierced ears, it's also a good idea to clean the area around your piercing with an alcohol-based solution at least once daily. This will help keep bacteria from accumulating in the area, which can lead to infection. Cleaning your earrings properly can help ensure they remain in good condition and look their best.

 

Tips for Cleaning Your Smelly Earrings

 

Earring cleaning is important for personal hygiene, especially if you wear earrings regularly. This is because earrings can collect dirt and bacteria, which can cause bad odours. However, simple tips and tricks make it easy to keep your earrings clean and smell fresh! 

1. Soak the earrings in warm soapy water: This is the easiest way to remove dirt and oils from your earrings. Use a gentle, mild soap and allow them to soak for about 10 minutes before wiping them off with a damp cloth.

2. Use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide: These liquids kill bacteria and remove odours. Pour a small amount of either liquid onto a cotton swab and rub it over the earrings. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the liquids, as they can be very strong.

3. Use baking soda or lemon juice: Baking soda absorbs odours, while lemon juice helps reduce bacteria buildup. Mix one part baking soda or lemon juice with two parts water and let the earrings soak in the solution for a few minutes before wiping them off with a damp cloth.

4. Polish your earrings regularly: A good metal polish can help remove tarnish and dirt while freshening them with a pleasant smell. Follow the instructions on the polish for the best results.

Following these tips will help you keep your earrings clean and smelling fresh! Be sure to clean them regularly, as this will help prevent bacteria buildup and bad odours from developing. With a bit of effort, you can enjoy your earrings without worrying about unpleasant smells.

 

Conclusion:

 

In conclusion, understanding why earrings smell is important to avoid the development of ear cheese. While there are many potential causes of ear cheese, some basic hygiene practices can help reduce your risk. Make sure to keep your ears clean and dry, and don't wear tight-fitting jewellery that could trap moisture in the ears. See a doctor for treatment if you develop an infection or experience other symptoms related to smelly earrings.

 

FAQs

 

Why do my earring holes stink?

Earring holes can start to smell due to a buildup of sweat, dirt, and bacteria. To prevent this, clean your earrings regularly with soap and water. Additionally, switch out your earrings every few days to give your ears a break and reduce the bacteria that builds up around the hole.

What Exactly Is Ear Cheese?

Ear cheese is a buildup of wax, dead skin cells, and other debris accumulating in the ear canal. It is common in humans and animals and can cause hearing problems if left untreated. Ear cheese can vary in colour from yellow to brown depending on the number of bacteria present. Therefore, regular cleaning of the ears is important to avoid an accumulation of ear cheese.

How To Clean Earring Backs?

Earring backs can be cleaned with a few simple steps. First, mix mild soap and warm water in a bowl. Submerge the earring backs for a few minutes, then use an old toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or grime gently. Next, rinse the earrings with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth. You can also rub the earring backs with a jewellery polishing cloth for extra sparkle.

Is It Bad to Leave Earrings All the Time?

It is not recommended to leave earrings in all the time as it can cause skin irritation and infection. However, it is important to regularly clean your earrings and ears, especially if you are wearing them constantly. Also, sleeping with earrings can cause trauma to the piercing site, leading to scarring or other complications. To avoid these issues, removing your earrings at night is best.

Why does my ear piercing smell after years?

Ear piercings can smell for a variety of reasons. Bacteria buildup, poor hygiene, and not changing the earring often are all common causes. To prevent this from happening, clean your piercing regularly with an antiseptic solution and change your earring every few weeks. Additionally, avoid wearing heavy makeup or hairspray near the piercing, as this can also lead to a bad smell.

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