How to Sterilize Body Jewely Without an Autoclave

There are many ways you can sterilize metal body jewelry without having your own autoclave. The autoclave works by using hot, high-pressure steam to kill bugs and germs, but autoclaves are expensive. You can still sterilize your jewelry using simple methods and things readily available at home or from most drug and grocery stores. Keeping your body jewelry clean will save you from infections. If you've had an infection, it is particularly important to sterilize the jewelry used in the infected area.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Hot water
• Rubbing alcohol
• (Optional) Flame

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your body jewelry with antibacterial soap and hot water. The soap will kill a number of bacteria and will clean off any skin cell debris that may have collected on your jewelry.

• 2

  Boil your body jewelry in hot water for 10 minutes. Boiling hot water also kills off many bugs and germs. Take the jewelry out carefully so you don't burn your fingers.

• 3

  Pass the jewelery alongside an open flame, letting the fire sterilize it. This is not recommended if your jewelry has any gemstones. If it's only metal, you can sterilize by fire. Pass the jewelry along the side of the fire. Do not stick it directly into the fire or pass it over the top.

• 4

  Soak your body jewelry in rubbing alcohol to sterilize it. Let it soak for a couple of minutes then remove and rinse it off and pat it dry. Alcohol has long been used as a sterilizing agent for metal.