How to Clean Kegel Balls After a Good Long Squeeze

They've spent the whole afternoon inside you, rolling around every time you moved and reminding you of their presence on the way up the stairs. Now they need a wash. Clean your kegel balls before and after use, rinse them thoroughly and dry them before you put them away.

For washable, non-electric balls, warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap will do the trick. The bits to pay attention to are the holder, the retrieval loop and any joins, because a quick splash over the shiny part doesn't quite finish the job.

Take removable balls out

If your balls sit in a removable silicone holder, like some sets do, separate the pieces and wash the holder as well, including the little gaps. Sealed weighted balls like the Fun Factory Smartballs Duo stay sealed. Don't prise them open because you can hear something moving inside. That rolling weight's the whole point, and it's what makes them so distracting in the first place.

Electric trainers need a different approach around charging points and battery covers. Being sold for vaginal use doesn't automatically make the whole device suitable for dunking, so check its rating.

Wash the loop too

Use clean fingers or a soft cloth to wash the surface gently. Work around the retrieval loop and where it attaches, then rinse off all the soap. Abrasive scourers belong nowhere near this. A compatible toy cleaner's another option, if you use it as directed. More spray isn't automatically a better clean, and a coating of perfume isn't what your vagina asked for.

Keep household solvents and harsh chemicals away. Boiling isn't a default method either, since some sealed balls and their parts can't take the heat.

Dry every part

Pat them dry with a clean, lint-free cloth, then let the rest of the moisture evaporate. Leave removable pieces apart until they're dry, especially where the balls sit in the holder. It takes a little patience, but a lot less effort than opening the pouch next time and wondering what the hell happened in there.

Replace damaged balls and worn loops

Look for splits, chips, rough patches, corrosion or a retrieval loop that's fraying or coming loose. Stop using damaged pieces. A loop you can rely on is the difference between an easy finish and a very stressful afternoon. Wash the storage pouch when it needs it, and keep it all somewhere clean, dry and out of direct sun. A separate pouch also saves you fishing past three charging cables to find them.

Our sex toy storage guide helps organise the rest of your drawer. And if you're replacing a set, read our kegel ball size and weight guide before you browse the kegel ball range. They'll be clean, dry and ready the next time you feel like a walk around the shops with a secret.