How to Clean Nipple Covers and Make Them Last Longer
Reusable nipple covers can be worn again and again, but how long they last depends heavily on how you clean, dry and store them.
Body oils, moisturiser, sweat, dust and clothing fibres can gradually build up on the silicone. For adhesive nipple covers, this can make them feel less sticky and prevent the edges from sitting smoothly against your skin.
Thankfully, cleaning nipple covers only takes a few minutes. Here is how to care for them properly and help every pair last for as long as possible.
How often should you clean nipple covers?
You should gently clean your nipple covers after every wear.
Even if they look clean, the silicone may have collected natural oils or product residue from your skin. Washing them promptly helps prevent this residue from building up and protects the adhesive before you wear them again.
Do not leave worn adhesive nipple covers uncovered in your bag or on a dressing table. Dust, hair and fibres can quickly stick to the surface and make them harder to clean.
How to clean adhesive nipple covers
Follow these simple steps after each wear:
1. Wash your hands
Wash and dry your hands before handling the covers. This prevents additional oil, dirt or product residue from transferring onto the adhesive.
Try to hold each cover around the edges rather than repeatedly touching the sticky surface.
2. Use lukewarm water
Rinse each nipple cover under lukewarm water.
Avoid extremely hot water, as excessive heat may affect the silicone or adhesive over time.
3. Add a small amount of mild soap
Apply a small amount of mild, skin-friendly soap to the adhesive surface.
Avoid harsh detergents, alcohol-based cleansers, exfoliating products, oils and heavily moisturising soaps. These may leave a residue or damage the adhesive.
4. Clean them gently
Using clean fingertips, gently rub the adhesive surface in small circular motions. Pay particular attention to any areas where oil or residue has collected.
Do not use your fingernails, a brush, sponge or rough cloth. Scrubbing too firmly can damage the adhesive or create marks in the silicone.
5. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse away all of the soap using clean, lukewarm water.
Make sure no residue remains, as leftover soap may affect how well the covers stick during their next wear.
6. Leave them to air-dry
Place the nipple covers with the adhesive side facing upwards and allow them to dry naturally.
Do not wipe the sticky side with a towel, tissue or cotton pad. Small fibres can transfer onto the adhesive and become difficult to remove.
Avoid using a hairdryer or placing them on a radiator. Heat can damage the silicone and adhesive.
7. Replace the protective backing
Once your nipple covers are completely dry, place the original protective film back over the adhesive.
Store them flat in their case until you are ready to wear them again.
Can washing make nipple covers sticky again?
If your adhesive nipple covers feel less sticky because of natural oils, sweat or light product residue, gently washing them may help restore their grip.
However, cleaning cannot repair adhesive that has naturally worn down or been damaged. It may be time to replace your covers if they no longer hold securely after being washed and dried correctly.
Jolene Premium Adhesive Nipple Covers are designed to last for at least 15 wears when they are applied, cleaned and stored with care.
Exactly how long they last will vary depending on factors such as your skin, the climate, how frequently they are worn and whether skincare products come into contact with the adhesive.
How to clean Adhesive Free nipple covers
Adhesive Free nipple covers do not contain a sticky layer, but they should still be washed after each wear to remove sweat, body oils and product residue.
To clean them:
- Wash your hands.
- Rinse the covers using lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of mild soap.
- Gently wash the silicone using your fingertips.
- Rinse away all soap residue.
- Leave the covers to air-dry completely.
- Return them to their protective dome or case.
Jolene Adhesive Free Nipple Covers are endlessly reusable when they are properly cleaned, dried and stored.
Remember that Adhesive Free covers rely on snug clothing to hold them securely in place. They are designed for tight or fitted dresses, tops, bodysuits, activewear and swimwear rather than loose or flowing outfits.
What soap should you use?
Choose a simple, mild soap that does not contain oils, moisturisers, exfoliating particles or strong fragrances.
You do not need a specialist nipple-cover cleaner. A small amount of gentle soap and lukewarm water should be enough for regular cleaning.
If you are unsure about a particular product, check whether it leaves a moisturising film on your hands after rinsing. If it does, it may leave the same residue on your nipple covers and affect their grip.
How to store reusable nipple covers
Correct storage is just as important as cleaning.
After your nipple covers are completely dry:
- Replace the protective film or backing
- Keep them flat rather than folded
- Store them inside their case
- Keep them away from dust, hair and fabric fibres
- Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight
- Keep them away from radiators and other sources of heat
- Do not place heavy objects on top of them
Proper storage helps prevent the silicone from curling, creasing or losing its shape.
If you are travelling, keep the covers inside their case rather than placing them loose in a make-up bag or suitcase.
How to make nipple covers last longer
A few small habits can make a meaningful difference to the lifespan of your nipple covers.
Apply them to clean, dry skin
Before applying adhesive nipple covers, make sure your skin is completely clean and dry.
Do not use moisturiser, body oil, sunscreen or fake tan around the area immediately before wearing them. These products can transfer onto the adhesive and reduce its grip.
Avoid touching the adhesive unnecessarily
Hold the covers by their edges wherever possible. Frequently pressing your fingers against the adhesive transfers natural oils from your hands onto the surface.
Remove them gently
Peel each cover away slowly from the edge rather than pulling it off quickly.
Jolene’s adhesive is designed to feel gentle on the skin, but careful removal will also help protect the shape and edges of the covers.
Wash them promptly
Cleaning your nipple covers shortly after wearing them prevents sweat and oils from drying onto the surface.
Let them dry completely
Do not replace the protective film or put the covers back in their case while they are still damp. Allow them to air-dry fully first.
Keep the original backing and case
The protective film prevents dust and debris from settling on the adhesive, while the case helps the covers retain their shape between wears.
Common nipple-cover cleaning mistakes
Try to avoid:
- Washing nipple covers in a washing machine or dishwasher
- Using boiling or extremely hot water
- Applying alcohol, bleach or household cleaning products
- Scrubbing with a brush, sponge or fingernails
- Drying them with a towel or tissue
- Using a hairdryer or radiator
- Applying moisturiser or oil to the adhesive
- Storing them before they are completely dry
- Folding or creasing the silicone
- Leaving them uncovered between wears
These methods may damage the silicone, leave fibres behind or reduce the performance of the adhesive.
When should you replace adhesive nipple covers?
Adhesive nipple covers will not last forever. Their lifespan depends on how frequently they are worn and how carefully they are maintained.
Consider replacing your pair if:
- They no longer remain securely in place
- Washing no longer restores their grip
- The edges have started curling or lifting
- The silicone has become torn or permanently creased
- They no longer sit smoothly underneath clothing
Replacing worn covers is important for both security and a seamless appearance.
Reusable coverage for real life
Looking after your nipple covers properly helps you get more wear from every pair and ensures they are ready for your next outfit.
Jolene’s Premium Adhesive Nipple Covers are washable, reusable and designed with ultra-thin tapered edges for a smooth finish under clothing.
For fitted outfits, Jolene Adhesive Free Nipple Covers provide an endlessly reusable alternative without adhesive. Simply wash, air-dry and store them safely between wears.