How to Get Rid of Belly Button Odor

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Adrián González de la Peña/Demand Media

One of the most baffling body odors is belly button odor. A smelly belly button can be caused by many things, such as increased activity in your sweat glands, rashes, or an infected piercing. Cleaning your belly button isn't hard, but should be done carefully to avoid making the problem worse. Cleaning your navel thoroughly and regularly can go a long way toward keeping it fresh.

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Adrián González de la Peña/Demand Media

Fill a clean bowl with hot water -- however, not hot enough to irritate your skin -- just a degree or so warmer than your fingertips.

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Adrián González de la Peña/Demand Media

Add a tablespoon or two of salt to the hot water. Table salt will do, though you can also use sea salt. Stir it slowly with your fingers to let the salt dissolve.

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Adrián González de la Peña/Demand Media

Soak a clean, lint-free cloth in the salted water. Wring out the excess moisture and press the cloth gently against your belly button. Rinse the cloth and repeat this three to five times to soften and clean the area.

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Adrián González de la Peña/Demand Media

Apply a little bit of mild soap to a clean cotton swab and carefully clean out your navel area. Don’t poke or dig, just gently remove anything that might be hiding in there.

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Adrián González de la Peña/Demand Media

Check your belly button for signs of infection, if you have a piercing. If you see redness, swelling or pus, contact your doctor immediately, because you might need antibiotics.

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Adrián González de la Peña/Demand Media

Rinse your belly button area well to make sure that all of the soap residue is removed, and pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid scratching, poking or tugging at your belly button, and make sure your clothing doesn’t irritate it.