If you really want to enjoy your strapons long-term, taking proper care of them and cleaning + storing them correctly will keep strapons safe. A little more preparation goes a long way in every session to have a good fun simultaneously maintain warmth peace and comfort.
Hygiene First
And even medical-grade silicone and other materials considered body safe can harbor yeast or bacteria beneath the crevices of tiny seams, ridges or textures, even in microscopic portions. A quick 60-second rinse after every play session and a deep clean every week for good measure keeps those risks down to virtually nil. With a clean set of strapons, you will sit back, relax and enjoy the fun and not take tension about whether your strap ons are clean or not.
Peak Performance
Strapons have a lot going on in them for precision mechanisms: Dust, lube residue and corrosion on the battery can affect both functionality (the vibrations become weak) and life expectancy. If treated with care — rinse, dry and store the strap ons properly — they’ll continue buzzing for years, delivering reliable pleasure long after other toys have expired.
Save Money—and the Planet
In fact, well-maintained strapons typically outlive neglected ones by many years. So you’ll have less stuff to replace, less money to spend, and more time to feel something new.” Not only is this a win-win for you, its also a win for our planet!
Confidence Boost
There’s really nothing that kills a vibe more than hesitation. When you grab for a clean, perfectly unblemished strap on, it gets rid of the “is this really clean? It keeps the doubt out in the moment and helps you stay present and fully confident in the scenario. Instead of worrying about cleanliness and functionality, your concern will be pleasure.
Cleaning Basics:
Rinse & Clean (Remove Residues & Bacteria)
Step 1: Feedback on Power Down & Remove Power Sources
Before you start cleaning, ensure that the device is powered down, any batteries are removed or the USB cable is disconnected.
Why this is important: Making sure the strapon isn’t powered on prevents electrical short-circuits, protects delicate internal components and keeps battery compartments completely dry to avoid damage or corrosion.
Step 2: Mild Rinse With Warm Water
Hold the strapon underneath warm, running water for about 5–10 seconds to loosen and wash off any last residue. Please don’t use hot water, the high amount of heat can warp TPE materials or push lubricants into small places, making it harder to clean thoroughly.
Step 3: Soap & Massage
Use a mild, nonfragrant soap and lather gently for about 20 seconds. Concentrate on working every ridge, groove, texture and suction cup to wipe clear all bodily fluids, lubricant and detritus.
Anal dildos: A single drop of antibacterial hand wash can give you extra protection from bacteria.
Textured sleeves or hollow dildos: If the design permits, turn them inside out to gain access to hidden channels where fluids can pool.
One rule of thumb: Fingertips are much better than a scrub brush — this helps avoid creating tiny scratches, which can hold bacteria or grime and cause your strap ons to stay rougher and dirtier longer.
Wipe Down (Disinfect & Dry Off Fast)
After rinsing and soaping your strapons, a quick surface disinfection eliminates any lingering germs and ensures the strap on is ready for safe storage or use.
What to Use
Use disinfectant wipes that are safe for strapons or a gentle, alcohol-free spray made for cleaning strapons. Opt for a pH-balanced (5.5–7) formula if you can to guard sensitive materials against degradation. Steer clear of abrasive cleansers that can scratch silicone, TPE or electronics.
Focus Areas
- Pay special attention to:
- Buttons and control panels
- Charging ports or plugs
- Seams in and around battery compartments or removable components
Pro Tip: When wiping or spraying, hold the strap ons upright. This prevents any accumulation of moisture to enter any of the internal channels which eventually causes damage and keeps the internal mechanism dry.
Shared Strap ons Advice
Even if you can’t immediately deep clean a strap on being shared between partners, there’s still risk reduction to be done quickly. Give all surfaces a good wipe-down, and then wrap the strap ons in a new condom barrier. This quick, hygienic barrier is a 30-sec. fix until deeds accrue for a thorough cleaning.
Patt Dry & Inspect (No Dam Marks, No Surprises)
After rinsing, soaping and disinfecting your strap ons, drying thoroughly and inspecting it carefully is key to achieving long-lasting use while keeping safe and ensuring maximum functioning. Even residual moisture can affect materials or electronics, so spend an extra few minutes to do it properly.
Drying the Strap ons
Use a lint-free towel like a microfiber cloth or good quality paper towel. Steer clear of towels made from loose fibers: Threads or fluff can get stuck to your strap ons and rub against skin during your next session. Lightly blot or pat dry all areas, including textured sections, grooves and seams and suction cups.
Video Pro Tip: If the strap on has electronic components or charging contacts, stand it upright on the towel for 5 minutes. This causes residual water to run off away from sensitive zones and prevents corrosion or short circuits.
Inspect Every Angle
Consider making an initial inspection of your strap ons from all angles (a 360° checklist):
- Hairline cracks or tearing in silicone: If you see even minor splits, book a more detailed examination or retire the strap ons to avoid injury.
- Cloudy or discolored patches on ABS plastic: This can be a sign of early chemical degradation, sometimes from an extended exposure to certain cleaners or lubricants.
- Sticky or stiff buttons: Dried lubricant or cleaning residue may jam micro-switches. However, wipe again carefully to re-enable smooth running.
A speedy but surgical check ensures each strap on is safe, hygienic and ready for your next escapade — while also enabling you to identify a potential problem early on, before it impacts functionality or your safety.
Beware of Harsh Chemicals (Save Your Strap ons & Materials)
Staying away from harsh chemicals is crucial for maintaining the integrity, longevity, and safety of your strap ons. Many harsh cleaners cause silicone, rubber, TPE, ABS plastic and adhesive coatings to break down as they age, which can cut your strap ons’ lifespan short or even make it dangerous to use for intimate activity.
What to Avoid
Steer clear of:
- Bleach or hydrogen peroxide — These powerful oxidizing agents can degrade silicone and harm sensitive surfaces.
- Scented body washes or soaps — Fragrances and additives can leave residues, irritate skin or react chemically with strap on materials.
- Lanolin or solvents in dish soaps — Not a problem for dishes but are too strong for intimate strap ons and can break down adhesives or coatings.
- Any other solvent-based cleaners — Alcohols, acetone and strong detergents can lead to warping, clouding or brittleness over time.
Safe & Effective Alternatives
Strap ons-specific sprays – Seek out water-based, alcohol-free and glycerin-free cleaners made specifically for intimate products. They are soft, active and harmless upon the most toy equipment.
DIY 50/50 water + white vinegar spritz — great for glass or stainless steel toys, it does a natural and non-toxic antibacterial clean.
70% isopropyl alcohol wipes — Use sparingly only on non-porous materials like hard plastic or metal when you need something to dry quickly. Do not leave them in contact with soft silicone or TPE for too long.
Warning Signs
If a cleaner:
Sends a shock wave of pain and stings your hand on contact, or
The smell a lot like a swimming pool
… —it’s too nasty for tender surfaces.” Using it also could hurt your strap ons or aggravate sensitive skin. Always use gentle, materials-safe products to maintain your strap ons in top condition.
Deep-Sanitize & Advanced Cleaning Methods
For a really thorough clean — especially if it’s a strap on that multiple partners share, or one that you use often — there are some deep-sanitizing techniques that are of the utmost value. These practices aren’t just rinsing and wiping, they’re ensuring your strap ons are hygienic and ready for safe play.
Soak or Boil (For Non-Electronic, Durable Strap ons)
Materials Safe for Boiling:
- 100% Silicone
- Borosilicate Glass
- Stainless Steel
Steps:
- Soak the strap ons for 3–5 minutes in water, continuously boiling at a rapid pace.
- To neutralize odors and hold mineral deposits at bay, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for each liter of water.
- Carefully remove with-use only for this-purpose tongs and air-dry completely.
So here is a list of materials that should never be boiled:
- ABS Plastic
- Acrylic
- Aluminium
Alternative Method:
- Soak in a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution for 5 min.
- Rinse well under running water for a minimum of 60 seconds.
Tip: Use separate “strap ons-only” pots and tongs. Do not ever mix with kitchen cookware due to contamination and the possibility of being burned from chemical exposure. 🔥
Spray & Wipe (For Porous, Mixed or Delicate Surfaces)
Ideal for:
- TPE
- PVC
- Dual-density silicone blends
- Leather cock rings
- Fabric harnesses
Steps:
- Give the strap ons a light misting with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol or a pH-balanced strap ons cleaner until the surface shines.
- Let it sit for 2 minutes — the contact time needed to kill germs.
- Blot dry gently with a lint-free cloth, then air-dry for at least 10 minutes before storing.
Pro Hack: Always have a little travel-sized atomiser on your nightstand. One to two sprays on each side can disinfect most vibrators or smaller toys in seconds.
High-Tech, Rapid UV & Steam Cleaning
Portable UV Boxes:
- Typically run 2–3 minute cycles.
- No chemicals, great for travel or hotel stays
Handheld Steam Cleaners:
- Suitable for non-waterproof strap ons only.
- This keeps at least 10 cm away from the strap ons and sweeps continuously to prevent warping or material damage.
Dishwasher Use:
- Top rack only, no detergent, air dry.
- Only for 100% silicone or stainless steel toys.
- When in doubt, avoid the dishwasher — it’s best to play it safe.
Check Manufacturer Guidelines:
Some high-end brands may void their warranties if warmth, steam and UV light exceed those recommended limits. Always read your strap ons manual before trying advanced cleaning methods.
Air-Dry And Store (To Prevent Mold, Moisture And Damage)
Reason: All strap ons need to be cleaned, dried and appropriately stored to maintain their performance, safety and long life. Despite thorough cleaning, moisture can remain and lead to mold growth, odors or corrosion over time. A few extra steps help keep your strap ons clean safe fresh and ready to play long after the moon has splashed into the ocean.
Air-Dry (Stop Mold & Moisture)
- After rinsing and disinfecting the strap ons, shake off excess water.
- Gently blot with a lint-free towel — no paper towels with loose fibers; they can cling to textures and agitate skin later on.
- Stand upright or place on a clean wire rack in a well-ventilated space for 4–6 hours, or until all grooves, crevices and channels are completely dry.
Here’s a pro tip: A small USB desk fan can cut your drying time in half. To minimize dust on the strap ons itself, ensure that airflow is as gentle as possible.
Breathable Bags (Dust-Free & Organized)
- You should keep each strap on in its cotton, satin or mesh pouch to prevent dust and lint from entering there as well as sunlight fading and color transfer between toys.
- PVC or zip-top plastic bags should be avoided as they trap humidity and silicone can degrade over time or sweat.
Organization Hack: Label each pouch with a small sticker with the following:
- Strap ons name
- Compatible lubricants
- Date of last deep-clean
You’ll be able to find and identify each strap on quickly — your future self will thank you.
Silica Packs (Control Hidden Humidity)
- All drawers, storage boxes, and bags can be safely sacheted up with reusable silica gel sachets to absorb any residual moisture that could lead to mold growth or battery corrosion if not properly dealt with.
- The packs need to be recharged (by cooking at 100 °C or 212 °F for 1 hour) once a month, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- A bonus: silica packs also prevent mineral deposits and watermarks on your glass and stainless steel toys.
Don't Store Strap ons in an Airtight Container (Give Them Air)
The humid conditions created by strap ons that are sealed inside air-tight containers can keep them captive in moisture long enough for mold and silicone degradation, plus unpleasant smells from those processes, to set in.
Opt for wooden drawers with fabric liners, open shelves or ventilated strap on chests, all of which promote airflow and protect against moisture buildup.
Keep in mind: Rotate storage spots every 30 days, so air is hitting everything and soft strap ons don’t develop any pressure points from lack of airflow. This process keeps the material in shape and does not lead to fatigue.
