How To Clean A Strap-On? PRO TIPS from a Sex Toy Tester!

Whether you are the wearer or the receiver, strap-on dildos can be a super fun part of a partnered sex life. They are a great way to experiment with a little role reversal when it comes to penetrative sex, or for couples to experience penetrative sex when there is no flesh-and-blood penis in the mix.

However, we need to be extra-diligent about care and cleaning when it comes to sex toys that we share with our partners. It’s also good practice to clean, check over, and store sex toys properly. This lengthens their lifespan and ensures that they are always ready for action. Our Ph.D. sexologist, Rachel Sommer, will explain the “hows” and “whys”, but to make a long story short:

Cleanliness Is Next to…

Strap-ons are by design used internally, which means that they encounter bodily fluids and skin cells. No matter how clean you and your partner are, these secretions harbor bacteria that can grow into something unpleasant. We also usually use lube with strap-ons, and that is not only messy but provides even more opportunity for bacterial growth.

Plus, cleaning and caring for your strap-on properly not only keeps you and your partner healthy, but it keeps the strap-on healthy. Contamination can degrade the toy, which can lead to cracks and tears, which can lead to further contamination. It’s a vicious cycle, but you can stop it dead in its tracks with soap and water. Read on to learn how to care for sex toys made from any material.

Cleaning Your Strap-On

1. Non-Porous Dildo

If the dildo portion of your strap-on is made from a non-porous material like silicone or stainless steel and is waterproof/submersible (most are), the first step is to rinse it under hot tap water to clean off bodily fluids and leftover lube. Next, scrub it well with a fragrance-free soap – artificially scented products are not healthy for your toy or your body. Rinse it under running water until all suds are gone.

Next, to ensure that it has been thoroughly disinfected (especially important if it has been used with multiple partners), you can boil it! Bring clean water to a boil in a pan large enough that the dildo will not touch the sides, drop the dildo in, and boil it for a few minutes.

After your toy has been cleaned (and boiled, if you choose to do that), lay it on a clean, soft, lint-free towel to air-dry. Inspect it for any signs of damage, and then store it in a soft fabric storage bag along with its harness and any attachments.

2. Porous Dildo

We’ll clean a dildo with a porous surface a little differently, but no less thoroughly. First, let’s wipe it down with a warm damp cloth to remove any lube or bodily fluids. Next, hand-wash it with warm water and mild soap. If necessary, use a soft brush or washcloth to scrub any ridges or textured areas. You can also use a specialized sex toy cleaner if it is safe to use on toys with porous surfaces. Dry it and put it away as described above.

3. Dildo with Electronics/Vibrator

If your dildo is also a vibrator or has any electrical components, unplug it before you start to clean the toy. If it has a travel lock feature, you can also use that to protect both you and your vibrator.

Wipe down the vibrator with a warm, damp cloth. We recommend using one cloth for the first pass to remove any lube or secretions, and then a second clean cloth for a final pass. Air-dry it, check the batteries or recharge the motor, and then store it in a soft fabric bag.

Don’t Forget the Harness

While the dildo is the business end of a strap-on, the harness also comes into contact with lube and bodily fluids, so we should clean it as well before putting it away. We will give some general instructions, but (as always) check your user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specifics.

1. Leather Harness

You may not have thought about it, but a leather harness can actually be more of a challenge to clean than the “active ingredient” if you’re enjoying a non-porous, non-electric dildo. Don’t worry, though, because we are here to walk you through it.

Use a soft-bristled brush — a clean paintbrush is ideal here — or a dry sponge to knock off any visible debris. Make sure to check any buckles or other fastenings as well.

Mix up a solution of warm water and mild fragrance-free soap. If you are shopping for the right soap to use, unscented baby wash is a very safe choice. Wet a soft cloth and wring it out as much as possible. It should be barely damp. Wipe down the leather harness and the buckles and the straps. Use another barely-damp soft cloth to rinse off any soap solution.

Air-dry the harness on a clean, soft towel. Do not blow-dry it or put it out in the sun or you will risk cracking the leather, which is uncomfortable, unsafe, and unaesthetic. If the leather looks dry or brittle, condition it with leather conditioner or saddle soap. You can also condition it preventatively; you don’t need to do this every time, but it will help your harness look better, feel better, and last longer.

2. Fabric Harness

If you use a fabric harness with your strap-on, check the user manual or manufacturer’s website to determine if it can be safely machine-washed. If so, remove any attachments and use a soft brush or sponge to brush off any hairs, dried fluid, or other detritus. Then carefully tuck the harness into a zippered mesh laundry bag to protect against tangling, put it in the washer with gentle fragrance-free detergent, and run it on the delicate cycle. Then skip to the section about drying and storing below.

Otherwise, we will hand-wash the harness. Start by removing any attachments. Brush or sponge off the harness as described above. Then fill a sink or basin with comfortably warm water, add a little gentle detergent (no bleach, fabric softener, or added fragrance), and mix it up until it is sudsy. If you find that your harness holds onto smells, you can add a few drops of essential oil here — lavender or tea tree are natural disinfectants and deodorizers.

Air-dry your harness on a soft, lint-free towel. Try to reshape your harness as you lay it on the towel so that it holds its shape. Do not put the harness in the dryer or in the sun, and do not stretch it out in any way. Wait until it is completely dry, and then store it in a soft cloth storage bag. Make sure to store all attachments with the harness.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Aftercare is important for you, your partner, and your sex toys! And cleanup is just one part of good aftercare and maintenance.

You should always check your toys thoroughly before you store them away. This is not only the best way to keep all of them in good shape — they are an investment, after all — but it helps avoid an unpleasant surprise at the wrong moment. Look it over for scratches, rips, or tears. These can harbor bacteria, and they can also irritate sensitive tissue. Check any buckles or fastenings and make sure they are all in working order.

If your toy has a motor, check the batteries or charge up the toy. You want it to be ready when you are! Gather up all attachments, accessories, and cords so that they stay with the toy. This is also a good time to check the levels of your favorite lube. Future-you will be appreciative.

Sex toys should not be stored away until they are completely dry. Moisture can harbor mold and bacterial growth, which is unhealthy for you and can also degrade the toy. Some people like to give silicone toys a light dusting of corn starch as an extra layer of protection. The best way to keep toys safe and organized is in soft storage bags made of fabric that does not produce lint. Every toy deserves its own bag.

We hope that this article will help you get the most out of your strap-on sex toy. We are here to educate as well as entertain!

Happy vibing!

Rachel

Rachel is a clinical sexologist with a focus on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC issues. Originally from Texas, she loves sushi, white wine, and spending time with her partner Jessica. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Yahoo.com, Women’s Health, Healthline, Glamour, and MindBodyGreen.
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