Quick Answer: That funky smell coming from your belly button is usually caused by trapped bacteria feeding on dead skin cells and moisture. About 67% of people harbor bacteria in their belly buttons, making odor surprisingly common. The good news? Simple daily cleaning and keeping the area dry will eliminate the smell within 3-7 days for most people. You're getting dressed and catch a whiff of something... unpleasant. You sniff around, trying to locate the source, and realize with horror that it's coming from your belly button. Cue the embarrassment and frantic Googling: "Why does my belly button smell like cheese?" or "Is belly button odor normal?" First, take a deep breath (away from your midsection) and know that you're definitely not alone. Belly button odor is far more common than most people realize, and it's usually caused by simple hygiene factors that are easily fixable. Let's get to the bottom of what's causing that smell and how to make it disappear for good.

What's Actually Happening in Your Belly Button?

Your belly button is essentially a small, warm, moist cave on your body—and caves are perfect environments for bacteria to thrive. Unlike other parts of your skin that get regular air exposure and movement, your belly button is:

• Protected from airflow by clothing and its inward shape

• Naturally moist from sweat and body oils

• A trap for dead skin cells that shed naturally from your body

• Often forgotten during regular washing routines

Here's the science: Your belly button contains its own unique ecosystem of bacteria and sometimes yeast. Research has found that the average belly button harbors 67 different species of bacteria—more diversity than many other parts of your body. When these microorganisms feed on trapped dead skin cells, oils, and moisture, they produce waste products that create that distinctive smell. It's the same basic process that causes foot odor, just in a different location.

The 4 Most Common Causes of Belly Button Smell

1. Poor or Inconsistent Cleaning

The #1 cause of belly button odor is simply not cleaning it regularly or thoroughly enough. Many people either skip it entirely during showers or give it just a quick, superficial wipe. Why it happens: Dead skin cells accumulate faster than you might think. Your body sheds about 30,000-40,000 dead skin cells every day, and your belly button is particularly good at trapping them. Signs it's a cleaning issue:

• The smell is cheesy, musty, or sour

• You can see visible buildup or lint

• The odor improves temporarily after showering but returns quickly

2. Trapped Moisture and Sweat

Moisture is bacteria's best friend. If your belly button stays damp from sweat, shower water, or tight clothing, it creates an ideal breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. Common moisture traps:

• Not drying your belly button after showers

• Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing

• Excessive sweating during exercise or hot weather

• Deep "innie" belly buttons that don't air-dry easily

3. Bacterial or Yeast Overgrowth

Sometimes the normal bacteria in your belly button can multiply excessively, or yeast can take hold, leading to stronger odors and possible irritation. Signs of overgrowth:

• Strong, persistent smell even with good hygiene

• Itching or irritation around the belly button

• Unusual discharge or moisture

• Redness or inflammation

4. Belly Button Piercings

Pierced belly buttons require extra care and are more prone to odor issues, especially if the jewelry isn't properly cleaned or if the piercing hasn't fully healed. Piercing-related odor causes:

• Bacteria buildup around jewelry

• Inadequate cleaning of piercing and jewelry

• Irritation from low-quality metals

• Normal healing process producing discharge

When Should You See a Doctor?

Most belly button odor is harmless and easily treated at home, but certain symptoms warrant medical attention: See a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Strong, persistent odor that doesn't improve with proper cleaning

• Discharge that's yellow, green, or bloody

• Pain, redness, or swelling around the belly button

• Itching or burning that doesn't resolve

• Fever along with belly button symptoms

• Signs of infection like warm, tender skin

These could indicate a bacterial infection, yeast infection, or other condition requiring medical treatment.

4 Proven Ways to Eliminate Belly Button Odor

1. Master the Proper Cleaning Technique

Daily cleaning is essential, but technique matters more than frequency. The right way to clean your belly button:

• Use warm water and antibacterial soap

• Apply soap to a cotton swab or soft washcloth

• Gently clean inside the belly button, being careful not to scrub harshly

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water

• Pat completely dry with a clean towel—this step is crucial

Pro tip: If you have a deep "innie," use a cotton swab to ensure you're reaching all areas and removing all soap residue.

2. Keep It Dry Throughout the Day

Moisture control is key to preventing bacterial overgrowth. Daily moisture management:

• Thoroughly dry your belly button after showers

• Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothing when possible

• Change clothes if they become sweaty

• Consider using a small amount of antifungal powder if you're prone to moisture issues

For deep belly buttons: Point a hair dryer on cool setting toward your belly button for 10-15 seconds after showering to ensure complete drying.

3. Use Targeted Cleaning Products

Sometimes regular soap isn't enough for persistent odor issues. Effective cleaning solutions:

• Hydrogen peroxide (diluted 1:1 with water) for weekly deep cleaning

• Antibacterial soaps with tea tree oil or chlorhexidine

• Antifungal creams if yeast overgrowth is suspected

• Saline solution for gentle daily cleaning of sensitive skin

Weekly deep clean routine:

• Apply diluted hydrogen peroxide with a cotton swab

• Let it bubble for 30-60 seconds

• Rinse thoroughly with water

• Dry completely and apply a thin layer of antifungal cream if needed

4. Address Underlying Contributing Factors

Look at the bigger picture of what might be contributing to the problem. Lifestyle adjustments:

• Lose excess weight if your belly button is frequently covered by skin folds

• Improve overall hygiene routine

• Choose moisture-wicking fabrics for clothing and exercise wear

• Manage excessive sweating with clinical-strength antiperspirants if needed

Special Care for Belly Button Piercings

If you have a belly button piercing: Daily care routine:

• Clean both the piercing and jewelry with saline solution

• Rotate jewelry gently during cleaning (only if fully healed)

• Use antibacterial soap around the area

• Ensure jewelry is made from high-quality, hypoallergenic materials

Avoid: Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals directly on healing piercings.

Prevention Tips That Actually Work

Once you've eliminated the odor, keep it gone: Daily habits:

• Include belly button cleaning in your regular shower routine

• Wear loose, breathable clothing when possible

• Change sweaty clothes promptly

• Keep the area dry throughout the day

Weekly maintenance:

• Do a deep clean with hydrogen peroxide solution

• Inspect the area for any signs of irritation or buildup

• Replace any belly button jewelry that shows signs of tarnishing or buildup

Seasonal considerations:

• Pay extra attention during summer months when sweating increases

• Be more vigilant during humid weather

• Consider using antifungal powder during high-moisture periods

Products That Can Help

For daily cleaning:

• Antibacterial soap with natural ingredients like tea tree oil

• Gentle, fragrance-free body wash for sensitive skin

• Cotton swabs for precise cleaning

• Soft, clean washcloths

For persistent issues:

• Antifungal creams (miconazole or clotrimazole-based)

• Hydrogen peroxide for weekly deep cleaning

• Saline wound wash for gentle daily care

• Moisture-absorbing powders with antifungal properties

For pierced belly buttons:

• Sterile saline solution specifically for piercings

• High-quality jewelry made from surgical steel or titanium

• Specialized piercing cleaning solutions

The Bottom Line

Belly button odor is embarrassing, but it's also incredibly common and usually very easy to fix. Most cases are simply due to inadequate cleaning and moisture control—problems that can be resolved with better daily hygiene habits. The three-step solution that works for most people: 1. Clean daily with antibacterial soap and a cotton swab 2. Dry thoroughly after every shower or bath 3. Keep moisture away with breathable clothing and prompt clothing changes If you implement these changes consistently, you should notice a significant improvement within 3-7 days. Most people see complete resolution of odor within 2 weeks of proper care. Remember, your belly button is just another part of your body that needs regular attention. Once you establish a good routine, maintaining a fresh, odor-free belly button becomes as automatic as brushing your teeth. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have persistent symptoms, unusual discharge, or signs of infection, consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.