When you first get your belly button pierced, a silver hoop belly button ring is usually inserted. Additionally, some silver hoops can be purchased to wear after the piercing jewelry is removed. After you wear the silver ring for a period of time, you will probably want to remove it to wear a different type of belly button ring. But you must first make sure the piercing is healed. This takes four months to a year, reports the Center for Young Women’s Health at Children’s Hospital, Boston.

Wash your hands and your belly button area with an antibacterial soap. Rinse well. Dry your hands and the belly button ring off with a paper towel to minimize the transfer of bacteria.

Loosen the ball on the hoop by turning it to the left with one hand while holding the hoop steady with the other hand. If the ball turns but does not loosen, try sliding it along the hoop to reveal the opening.

Slide the silver belly button hoop out of the belly button piercing. If it doesn’t slide easily, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the hoop to facilitate movement.

Clean the belly button hoop with antibacterial soap if you plan on wearing it again. Allow it to dry before you put it away. Leaving silver wet can cause tarnishing or rust to form.