It is important to keep the tattoo area clean to avoid infection and to help the tattoo heal quickly and evenly. Scrub your tattoo vigorously with anti-microbial soap and water then make sure it is completely dry before applying a layer of anti-bacterial ointment or Vaseline. Repeat this process twice a day, every day, until your tattoo has healed. It is important to keep the area clean and free of any potential infection-causing bacteria in order to help it heal quickly and evenly.