How to Clean Reusable Nipple Covers (And Make Them Last for Months)
How to Clean Nipple Covers: The Complete Care Guide
Nipple covers are one of those wardrobe essentials that, when properly cared for, can last for dozens of wears. Whether you own a pair of Breasties Grippies or Stickies, knowing exactly how to clean nipple covers is the single most important thing you can do to extend their life, maintain their hold, and keep them feeling fresh against your skin. This guide walks you through everything: the right washing method, what to avoid, how to dry them, and how to store them so they are always ready to go.
Quick answer: Hand wash your nipple covers with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently rub the surface with your fingertips, rinse thoroughly, and air dry face-up away from direct heat. Never scrub, never machine wash, and never use alcohol or harsh cleansers.
Why Cleaning Your Nipple Covers Properly Matters
Nipple covers lose their grip and their shape for one primary reason: residue. Sweat, body oils, skincare products, and leftover adhesive all build up on the surface of your covers with each wear. That build-up is what makes adhesive covers stop sticking and what causes reusable silicone covers to feel less secure.
The good news is that this build-up is almost entirely preventable with a straightforward cleaning routine. Clean nipple covers after every single wear, even if you only had them on for an hour, and you will be genuinely surprised by how long they last.
Breasties nipple covers have earned a 4.8 star average across 2,140+ reviews, and a consistent theme in that feedback is longevity. Customers who follow the care instructions get the full life from their Stickies, up to 10 wears a pair, and describe their Grippies as virtually indefinitely reusable. The cleaning method is a large part of that.
Know Your Nipple Covers Before You Clean Them
Before diving into the step-by-step method, it is worth understanding the difference between Breasties' two styles, because the cleaning process is the same but the reasons for cleaning differ slightly.
Breasties Grippies
The Grippies are adhesive-free and infinitely reusable. They stay in place through the natural suction created by the silicone against your skin, not through any glue or sticky layer. Because there is no adhesive to restore, cleaning the Grippies is purely about removing oils and sweat so the silicone surface can maintain its natural suction. Think of it like cleaning a suction cup: the cleaner the surface, the better it holds.
Breasties Stickies
The Stickies use the Inner Circle ring adhesive design, which means the adhesive ring sits around the outer edge of the cover rather than directly on the nipple. This is an important distinction because it means you are never applying glue to your most sensitive skin. The adhesive layer is what allows the Stickies to bond to a wider range of skin types and fabrics. Cleaning the Stickies after each wear actually reactivates the adhesive, restoring its tackiness so you get a strong hold wear after wear, up to 10 wears when cared for correctly.
Sizes and Shades
Breasties nipple covers come in three sizes to suit a full range of body types: 8cm Chic Cherries (best for AA to A cups), 10cm Peach Perfect (best for B to DD cups), and 13cm Full Bloom (best for DDD and above). They are available in five skin-tone shades: Ivory, Latte, Honey, Toffee, and Espresso. The size you choose should feel comfortably snug without pulling; the correct size also makes cleaning easier because there is less surface area stretched awkwardly.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Nipple Covers
This method works for both the Grippies and the Stickies. The process takes no more than two or three minutes and makes a significant difference to how long your covers last.
- Remove them gently. Peel your nipple covers off slowly, starting from the outer edge and working inward. Never rip them off quickly. Gentle removal protects both your skin and the structure of the cover.
- Rinse with lukewarm water immediately. The sooner you clean them after wearing, the easier it is to remove residue. Run both covers under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp silicone and degrade adhesive.
- Apply a tiny amount of mild soap. Use a fragrance-free, oil-free soap or a gentle baby cleanser. Place a small drop on your fingertips, not directly onto the cover. Harsh soaps, antibacterial formulas, and anything with alcohol, sulphates, or strong fragrances will damage the surface of the silicone and break down the adhesive on Stickies.
- Gently cleanse the surface with your fingertips. Use the pads of your fingers in slow, circular motions across the entire surface of the cover, including the edges. Do not use a cloth, sponge, brush, or any abrasive material. These will scratch the silicone, creating micro-grooves that harbour bacteria and reduce the cover's ability to stay in place.
- Rinse thoroughly. Hold each cover under running lukewarm water until all traces of soap are gone. Any soap residue left on the surface will act as a barrier and reduce stickiness or suction on your next wear.
- Shake off excess water gently. Do not wring, squeeze, or press the covers with a towel.
- Air dry face-up on a clean, flat surface. Place them adhesive or suction side facing upward, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or fans. Drying them face-up prevents dust and lint from settling on the functional surface. Allow them to dry completely before storing, which typically takes 20 to 40 minutes at room temperature.
- Return them to their case or liner. Once completely dry, place your Stickies back on their plastic liner and your Grippies back in their original case or a clean, dry container. Storing them correctly is just as important as cleaning them correctly.
Pro tip: Clean your nipple covers the same evening you wear them, not the next morning. Oils and sweat that sit on the surface overnight are significantly harder to remove and are more likely to cause permanent damage to the adhesive layer.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Nipple Covers
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the correct method. These are the most common mistakes that shorten the lifespan of nipple covers.
- Machine washing: The agitation, heat, and spin cycle of a washing machine will distort the shape of silicone covers, destroy adhesive layers, and cause the covers to pick up lint and fibres from the drum. Never machine wash nipple covers.
- Dishwashers: The high water temperature and strong detergents used in dishwashers are far too aggressive for delicate silicone and adhesive materials.
- Alcohol-based cleaners or hand sanitiser: Alcohol rapidly degrades silicone and destroys adhesive. Even a single application can permanently reduce the stickiness of your Stickies.
- Baby wipes or makeup wipes: Most wipes contain oils, fragrances, or preservatives that leave a residue on the silicone surface, which actually reduces adhesion rather than improving it.
- Hot water: Temperatures above approximately 40°C can warp silicone and compromise the adhesive's chemical structure. Always use lukewarm water.
- Leaving them to dry face-down: Drying face-down allows dust and fibres to settle on the adhesive or suction surface, which will immediately affect performance on your next wear.
- Direct sunlight or heat to speed drying: Placing nipple covers in direct sun or near a radiator to dry them faster causes silicone to become brittle over time and adhesive to separate from the backing.
- Touching the adhesive or suction surface unnecessarily: Handle your covers by the edges as much as possible. Fingerprints transfer oils that accumulate over time and reduce performance.
How to Restore Stickiness to Nipple Covers
If your nipple covers feel less tacky than they used to, the first thing to check is whether they have been cleaned recently. In the majority of cases, a round of the gentle wash method described above is enough to restore their hold completely. The water essentially rinses away the oils and residue that are dulling the surface, and once they dry, the adhesive or silicone surface is refreshed.
If your Stickies have been stored without their liner and collected dust or fibres, a thorough rinse with lukewarm water alone can sometimes remove enough debris to restore function. If soap residue from a previous clean is the issue, a longer rinse under running water usually resolves it.
There is no need to apply any sprays, powders, or adhesive boosters to Breasties nipple covers. These products are not designed for silicone or the Inner Circle ring adhesive and are more likely to cause damage than to help.
How to Prepare Your Skin Before Wearing
Clean covers on unprepared skin will not perform as well as they should. Your skin preparation is half of the equation.
- Apply nipple covers to clean, dry skin. Shower or bathe before wearing them if possible, and ensure the area is fully dry before application.
- Avoid applying lotion, body oil, or perfume to the chest area on the day you plan to wear nipple covers. These products create a barrier between the cover and your skin that significantly reduces hold.
- Wait at least 20 minutes after applying any skincare product to the surrounding area before putting your covers on, even if the product has visibly absorbed.
- If you sweat heavily, gently pat the area dry with a clean tissue just before application for the best possible adhesion.
How to Store Nipple Covers Between Wears
Storage is the overlooked step in nipple cover care. You can clean them perfectly and then undo all of that effort with poor storage.
- Always store Stickies on their plastic liner. The liner protects the Inner Circle ring adhesive from dust, fibres, and contact with other surfaces. Without the liner, the adhesive will collect debris and lose its tack far more quickly.
- Store Grippies in their original case or a clean, sealable container. A small resealable bag works well if the original case is unavailable. The goal is to keep the suction surface from coming into contact with dust, fabric, or other objects.
- Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat. A drawer or wardrobe away from windows is ideal. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or near a sunny windowsill.
- Do not store nipple covers loose in a bag with other items. Contact with fabric, zips, and other surfaces will transfer fibres and oils onto the functional surface and reduce performance.
How Often Should You Clean Nipple Covers?
After every single wear, without exception. Even if you wore them for only 30 minutes, even if you feel they are still clean. The oils from your skin transfer to the cover the moment it is applied, and that transfer continues throughout the time you are wearing them. Cleaning after every wear keeps that build-up from becoming permanent.
For Grippies, which are intended for indefinite reuse, consistent post-wear cleaning is the main factor that determines how long they remain effective. Grippies that are cleaned every time they are worn can genuinely last for years. Grippies that are only cleaned occasionally will begin to lose their suction within weeks.
For Stickies, cleaning after each wear actively extends the number of wears you get from each pair. You can get up to 10 wears from each pair with proper care, and cleaning them every time is how you get there.
When to Replace Your Nipple Covers
Even with perfect care, nipple covers do not last forever. Here are the signs that it is time to replace yours:
- The cover no longer lies flat against your skin after application, even on clean, dry skin.
- The edges curl or lift during wear rather than staying flush.
- The silicone has developed visible cracks, tears, or permanent creases.
- The cover slips or shifts despite correct application and good skin preparation.
- For Stickies: the adhesive ring has become discoloured or feels rough to the touch rather than smooth and slightly tacky.
- The cover no longer returns to its original shape after washing.
If any of these apply, it is time for a fresh pair. Trying to extend the use of covers that have reached the end of their life leads to the frustrating experience of covers that fall off at inconvenient moments, which is entirely avoidable with timely replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use micellar water to clean nipple covers?
It is best to avoid micellar water. Most micellar formulations contain surfactants and sometimes oils that can leave a residue on silicone. Plain lukewarm water and a drop of fragrance-free, oil-free soap is the most reliable approach.
Can I wear nipple covers in the shower to clean them?
No. You should remove your nipple covers before showering. Wearing them in the shower exposes them to shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, all of which leave residue on the surface. Remove them first, then clean them separately using the hand wash method described above.
My nipple covers have white residue on them. What is it and how do I remove it?
White or cloudy residue is almost always dried soap that was not fully rinsed away during a previous clean. Rinse the covers thoroughly under running lukewarm water, using only your fingertips to gently work the residue loose. Avoid adding more soap until all of the existing residue is gone. Allow them to dry fully before assessing whether any residue remains.
Can I clean silicone nipple covers with vinegar or bicarbonate of soda?
Neither is recommended for nipple covers. While diluted white vinegar is sometimes used to clean other silicone items, it can affect the adhesive layer on Stickies and is not necessary when a gentle soap rinse does the job effectively. Bicarbonate of soda is mildly abrasive and can scratch the silicone surface.
How long do Breasties Stickies last if I clean them properly?
The Stickies are designed to last up to 10 wears with proper care. That means cleaning after every wear using the gentle hand wash method, drying completely before storage, and keeping them on their plastic liner between uses.
Are Breasties Grippies really infinitely reusable?
The Grippies are adhesive-free, so there is no adhesive layer to degrade over time. Provided they are cleaned correctly after every wear, stored away from dust and heat, and not subjected to any of the damaging treatments listed in this guide, they can last for a very long time indeed. The silicone itself is extremely durable under normal conditions.
What soap is safe to use on nipple covers?
The safest options are fragrance-free, oil-free liquid soaps or gentle baby cleansers. Castile soap diluted in water is a popular choice. Avoid any soap labelled antibacterial, exfoliating, or moisturising, as these formulations contain additives that leave residue or degrade silicone and adhesive.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to clean nipple covers properly takes two minutes and saves you money in the long run. The method is straightforward: lukewarm water, a small amount of mild fragrance-free soap, gentle fingertip cleansing, a thorough rinse, and a complete air dry before storage. Avoid anything abrasive, anything hot, anything with alcohol or strong fragrances, and any machine-based cleaning.
Whether you are caring for the adhesive-free Grippies or the Inner Circle ring adhesive Stickies, the same principles apply. Keep them clean, keep them dry between wears, and store them correctly, and your nipple covers will reward you with consistent, reliable performance wear after wear.
If you have any questions about caring for your specific pair, the Breasties customer care team is always happy to help. And if your covers have genuinely reached the end of their life, you can shop the full range, including all three sizes and all five shades, on the Breasties website.
