What to Use to Clean a Tattoo: Best Products and Practices

Taking care of a new tattoo is crucial for proper healing and to prevent infections. Cleaning your tattoo correctly ensures it stays vibrant and free from complications like scabbing, excessive fading, or infections. But with so many products available, you might be wondering: What is the best thing to use to clean a tattoo?

In this guide, we'll cover the best products, techniques, and aftercare tips for cleaning your tattoo properly.

Why Is Cleaning Your Tattoo Important?

A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, meaning bacteria, dirt, and irritants can easily enter the skin. Proper cleaning helps to:

✅ Prevent infections and bacterial buildup
✅ Remove excess blood, plasma, and ink leakage
✅ Keep the tattoo hydrated and healthy
✅ Avoid excessive scabbing and peeling

Neglecting tattoo aftercare can lead to scarring, patchy healing, or even long-term damage to the tattoo.

What to Use to Clean a Tattoo

1. Mild, Fragrance-Free Antibacterial Soap

Using a gentle, unscented, antibacterial soap is the best way to clean your tattoo. Look for soaps that are:
✔️ Fragrance-free (Perfumes can irritate the skin)
✔️ Hypoallergenic (Reduces allergic reactions)
✔️ Moisturizing (Prevents excessive dryness)
✔️ Antibacterial (Kills germs and prevents infection)

Best Soaps for Cleaning a Tattoo

Here are some highly recommended options:

Soaps to Avoid:

❌ Scented or exfoliating soaps (Can cause irritation)
❌ Alcohol-based soaps (Dries out the skin)
❌ Harsh antibacterial soaps (Can strip natural oils)

2. Lukewarm Water

Always use lukewarm or slightly cool water to clean your tattoo. Avoid hot water, as it can open the pores and cause ink to fade prematurely.

Why Water Temperature Matters:

🌡️ Hot Water = Ink Loss & Irritation
🌡️ Cold Water = Doesn’t Clean Properly
🌡️ Lukewarm Water = Perfect Balance for Healing

3. Soft, Lint-Free Paper Towels

After washing, gently pat (don’t rub) your tattoo dry using a clean, lint-free paper towel or a fresh, soft towel.

🚫 Avoid using regular bath towels—they can harbor bacteria and leave behind lint, which may get trapped in your tattoo and cause irritation or infection.

How to Clean a Tattoo Properly (Step-by-Step Guide)

🕒 How Often Should You Wash Your Tattoo?

• First 48 Hours: Wash 2-3 times per day (morning, afternoon, and before bed).
• After 3-4 Days: Reduce to once or twice a day, depending on skin dryness.
• After 1 Week: Wash once a day until fully healed (around 2-4 weeks).

🧼 Step-by-Step Tattoo Cleaning Process

Step 1: Wash Your Hands First

Before touching your tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap to prevent bacteria transfer.

Step 2: Wet Your Tattoo with Lukewarm Water

Gently splash or cup lukewarm water onto your tattoo—do not place it directly under running water.

Step 3: Apply a Small Amount of Soap

• Put a pea-sized amount of antibacterial soap in your palm.
• Use your fingertips (not a washcloth) to gently massage the tattoo in circular motions.
• Avoid scrubbing or using excessive pressure.

Step 4: Rinse Off the Soap

• Use lukewarm water to rinse off all soap, plasma, and excess ink.
• Make sure no soap residue remains, as it can cause dryness or irritation.

Step 5: Pat Dry (Don’t Rub!)

• Use a clean, soft paper towel to pat the tattoo dry.
• Avoid rubbing or using a regular towel, as they can irritate the skin.

Step 6: Apply a Tattoo Moisturizer

Once dry, apply a thin layer of a tattoo-approved moisturizer to prevent dryness.

Best Tattoo Aftercare Products to Use After Cleaning

Once your tattoo is clean and dry, apply a fragrance-free, hydrating lotion or tattoo balm to keep the skin healthy.

Best Tattoo Moisturizers

🚫 Avoid Petroleum-Based Products (Vaseline, Neosporin)
These block oxygen from reaching the tattoo, which slows down healing and may cause ink fading.

What NOT to Use to Clean a Tattoo

Certain products can be too harsh on healing tattoos and should be avoided:

❌ Rubbing alcohol (Dries out and damages skin)
❌ Hydrogen peroxide (Kills bacteria but also healthy skin cells)
❌ Scented body washes or lotions (Contain irritating chemicals)
❌ Makeup wipes or baby wipes (May contain alcohol or fragrances)

Common Tattoo Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overwashing: Washing too often can dry out the tattoo, leading to cracking and irritation.
🚫 Using dirty hands or towels: Always use clean hands and fresh paper towels to dry.
🚫 Scrubbing or exfoliating the tattoo: This can damage healing skin and cause ink loss.
🚫 Skipping moisturizer: Dry tattoos can crack, fade, or scab too much.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Tattoo Clean for Faster Healing

Cleaning your tattoo correctly and consistently is key to a smooth, infection-free healing process. Stick to mild, fragrance-free soaps, lukewarm water, and clean drying methods to maintain your tattoo’s vibrant look.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Use mild, antibacterial, fragrance-free soap
✅ Wash 2-3 times a day for the first few days
✅ Dry with clean, lint-free paper towels
✅ Apply a thin layer of moisturizer to prevent dryness
✅ Avoid scrubbing, hot water, or harsh chemicals

A well-maintained tattoo lasts longer and looks better for years to come!

FAQs About Tattoo Cleaning

1. How long should I clean my tattoo?

You should clean your tattoo daily for 2-4 weeks until the skin is fully healed.

2. Can I use bar soap to clean my tattoo?

Yes, but only unscented, antibacterial bar soap like Dove or Cetaphil.

3. Should I wash my tattoo before or after applying lotion?

Always wash and dry your tattoo before applying lotion to avoid trapping bacteria.

4. Can I use coconut oil to clean my tattoo?

No, coconut oil is not a proper cleanser—it can clog pores and slow healing.

5. What happens if I don’t clean my tattoo properly?

Neglecting to clean your tattoo can lead to infection, fading, excessive scabbing, and poor healing.