So, you’ve invested in a strap-on. Good for you, kinky minx! But now comes the not-so-fun part: cleaning it. Whether you’ve just used it for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, cleaning is an important part of maintaining its longevity and hygiene.
Lucky for you, we have our resident sex toy guru, Rachel Sommer, who will share some tips and tricks to make the process of how to clean a strap-on as painless as possible. Let’s get it!
Begin with a quick hot water rinse for your strap-on dildo to clear off any surface leftovers. Next, give it a detailed scrub with a fragrance-free soap, ensuring you get into every little space for a thorough clean. For an extra level of cleanliness, especially after sharing, you can boil the dildo for a few minutes (you can only do this if it has no motor and is waterproof) If you’re using a leather harness, you can condition it with a leather conditioner or saddle soap, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Table Of Contents
Why Is Cleaning Important?
Your strap-on is getting pretty up close and personal, right? So, obviously, it’s going to pick up bodily fluids and, yep, that means bacteria too. You definitely don’t want to be passing those germs back and forth. A good cleaning after using your strap-on is key to keeping both you and your partner safe and happy.
Another thing is that cleaning your strap-on can also extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning can help prevent wear and tear, which can lead to cracks, tears, or even breakage. Plus, it can also help preserve the quality of the material, especially if it’s made of body-safe silicone, stainless steel, and other non-porous materials.
Now that you know why cleaning sex toys is important, it’s time to learn how to do it properly.
How to Clean a Strap-on Properly?
Non-Porous
A Deep Clean: Start by rinsing the dildo with hot water to get rid of any body fluids or lubricants, sort of like a quick shower to wash off the surface stuff. Then, take a fragrance-free soap – it’s gentler on the toy – and give it a good, detailed scrub, making sure to reach every nook and cranny. This step is like a deep clean, ensuring everything’s hygienic for the next use and keeping your toy in top shape.
Disinfecting via Boiling Water: Here’s a handy tip for keeping your dildo super clean, especially if it’s been a hit with multiple partners: give it a quick spa treatment in boiling water! Just drop it in for a few minutes, and voilà – you’ve got a disinfected toy. But hey, remember to let it cool down before you handle it again. You wouldn’t grab a pot straight off the stove, right?
Air-drying and Leather Harnesses: Place your strap-on on a lint-free towel and allow it to air-dry completely before storing it away. Now, if you’re rocking a leather harness, you’ll want to treat it a bit differently. Grab some leather conditioner or saddle soap to keep it in good shape. Leather harnesses can be more difficult to clean than the non-porous toy itself, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Porous
Wipe It Down: First things first, grab a damp cloth and wipe down the surface. This will remove any surface dirt or debris. If you want to get fancy, you can hand wash them with sex toy cleaners instead. Just make sure it’s safe for use on porous products.
Clean It Up: After the initial wipe-down, it’s time to dive into a more thorough cleaning of your strap-on. This is where you can either use warm water with a mild soap or a sex toy cleaner that’s safe for a porous material. Avoid using anything too harsh, as this can damage your porous sex toy and cause it to degrade over time.
If your toy has tiny holes or crevices, you may need to use a soft-bristled brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Just be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the toy.
Dry It Off: Once your strap-on is sparkling clean, the next step is drying it off. You’ve got a couple of options here: either lay it out flat on a clean towel or hang it up to air dry. Whichever way you choose, just be sure it’s totally dry before you put it away. Think of it like letting your favorite shirt dry completely before folding it back into the drawer.
And there you have it! With a little bit of elbow grease, you can keep your sex toys clean and ready for action. If you want extra tips on how to clean the dildo, you can refer to our separate guide about it.
Cleaning Strap-Ons With Electrical Parts
Make sure to unplug any electrical components from your strap-on dildo before starting the cleaning process. You don’t want a ‘shocking experience’ while you’re trying to clean it (and I mean that literally, ouch!). Once you’ve unplugged everything, wipe down the components with a damp cloth. Avoid getting any water on the electrical parts, as this can damage them.
Next, remove the dildo from the harness and clean it separately. You can use a mild soap and water (make sure it’s warm) to clean the dildo. Make sure you’re getting into every little space and crevice – these spots can harbor bacteria, and we don’t want that. If the dildo is made of silicone, avoid using silicone-based lubes, as this can damage the material. Instead, opt for water-based lubes.
Cleaning A Leather Harness
Grab a soft-bristled brush or a sponge – nothing too harsh, we don’t want to leave any battle scars on the leather strap-on harness. Gently brush off any dirt or bits and pieces that might’ve found a home on it.
Next, it’s time to play mixologist. Whip up a simple cocktail of warm water and a squirt of mild soap – nothing too strong or fancy, we’re not trying to bleach the thing!
Now, find a clean cloth, dunk it in your homemade concoction, and give it a good wring. It’s showtime: gently wipe down your harness, making sure you get into all the nooks and crannies. Don’t forget those buckles and straps – they need love too.
Rinse time! Splash some clean water over the harness to wash away the soapy mix. Finally, pat it dry with a soft towel. Remember, no sunbathing or blow drying for the harness – we don’t want it cracking up on us.
Cleaning A Nylon Harness
If you’re using a nylon strap-on harness, start by removing any attachments because it’s time for a solo mission. Fill the sink with warm water – not too hot, not too cold, Goldilocks-style – and add a squirt of mild detergent. Think of it as a spa bath for your harness. Gentle is the name of the game here, so no bleach or fabric softeners – they’re the party crashers we don’t want.
Grab a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush, and get to work. Gently does it – scrub away the dirt and stains with the care of a cat grooming its whiskers. Once you’ve given it a good, thorough scrub, it’s time to rinse. Wash away all the soapy stories under clean running water until it’s all clear.
Cleaning A Fabric Harness
Check those care instructions that came with your fabric strap-on harness. They’re like the treasure map to keeping your harness in shipshape. If it’s cool with the washing machine, just chuck it in there with a mild detergent.
But if it’s a hand-wash-only situation, no worries. It’s just a bit of effort. Grab some gentle soap and warm water, and get to washing. Make sure you rinse it really well afterward – we’re going for ‘clean as a whistle,’ not ‘soap opera.’
Got some stubborn stains or a bit of a funky smell? A fabric stain remover or odor eliminator can be your secret weapon. Just remember to do a little spot-check first. We don’t want any “oops” moments. And if you’re feeling fancy, a few drops of essential oils in the wash can leave your harness smelling like a walk in the park.
What Should I Do After Cleaning?
Congratulations! You have successfully cleaned your strap-on. But before you put it away, there are a few things you should do to ensure it stays in tip-top condition.
To get started, make sure you dry your strap-on thoroughly. Moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow, which is not only gross but can also damage the material. If yours is made of leather, be sure to condition it with a dedicated conditioner for it to keep it soft and supple.
Just like any other sex toy, most harnesses need to be stored in a cool, dry place. Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and materials to crack or warp. If you have a leather harness, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid cracking or fading.
Hey, just a little reminder: looking after your strap-on is key. Not only does it help your trusty toy stick around for the long haul, but it also keeps it clean and ready to go for your next adventure!
Rachel
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