Caring for Floggers and Other Impact Play Toys
Floggers and other impact play tools are beautiful beasts that demand maintenance. Careing for them not only keeps them hygienic and safe for skin contact, but also significantly extends their lifespan.
I cannot emphasize it enough how important it is to clean impact play items on a regular basis.
Even without visible blood or fluids, skin contact can transfer sweat, skin oils, bacteria, and microscopic amounts of bodily fluid onto the flogger. Over time, this can cause unpleasant odors, bacterial growth, or potential health risks—especially if the flogger is used on multiple people or sensitive areas like genitals.
Here are my key tips for caring for your floggers and other tools.
1. Buy Good Quality Pieces
Start with quality. Invest in floggers made from high-grade leather and solid, well-crafted hardware. Cheap leather or poorly constructed tools are not only less durable but can also be unsafe during use (e.g., breaking off of the dye, snapping handles, or developing sharp edges over time).
2. Clean Them Regularly
Just like skincare, consistent and gentle cleaning is the secret to healthy skin - and healthy leather. I recommend cleaning your floggers every 3–5 sessions, or immediately after an intense scene, even if there’s no visible blood or body fluid.
Laundry day!
Here’s how I like to clean my leather floggers:
Prepare a gentle bath using lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, unscented soap (like baby shampoo or saddle soap).
Submerge and gently wash the falls, avoiding soaking the handle if it’s made of wood or non-waterproof material.
Rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water.
Lay them on a clean towel, then pat gently to remove excess water.
Air-dry by hanging, making sure to separate the falls by hand occasionally as they dry. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once nearly dry, apply a small amount of avocado oil to a clean cloth and massage it into the leather - go from one fall to another. Avocado oil is skin-safe, natural, and helps soften and nourish the leather.
Avoid oiling non-leather parts like plastic or metal handles—these won't absorb the oil and may become slippery.
Let the oil absorb fully before storing or using the flogger again.
3. Cleaning Non-Flogger Tools
Any tool that can break the skin should be cleaned after every single use—no exceptions.
This includes:
Wartenberg wheels
Vampire gloves
Spiked or studded paddles
Plastic or silicone brushes
Clean them by:
Boiling (if the material allows), or
Using a 70% isopropyl alcohol-based disinfectant,. Thoroughly, everywhere.
After cleaning, let them air-dry completely before storing.
4. Caring for Impact Toys Used on Genitalia
Impact toys used on or near genital areas require extra care due to the risk of bacterial transfer and microtears in the skin.
Leather floggers should ideally be dedicated to one person only when used on genitalia, as leather is hard to disinfect thoroughly.
After each use, wipe down rubber or silicone toys with warm water and mild soap, or use an alcohol-based disinfectant if the material allows.
5. Proper Storage of Floggers
Storing your floggers properly helps maintain their shape, condition, and hygiene.
Store in a clean, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources (which dry out and damage leather).
Ideally, hang them by the handle, allowing the falls to drape freely.
I personally store my floggers in my clothes cabinet on belt holder. It meets all of the above criteria, with the added benefit of seeing my beautiful beast first thing in the morning!
6. Floggers on the Road
To safely transport your floggers from place to place, it's best to wrap them in cotton-based fabric or carry them in a natural-fiber bag. Breathable materials like cotton help protect the leather or rubber from moisture buildup, and dust during transit and on the floor of a dungeon or a club. Plus a fabric bag is washable. Avoid plastic or synthetic bags, which can trap humidity and damage the material over time.
Does it seem like a lot of effort just for flogging? That’s because it is. But it comes with the territory. Get used to it—and consider carefully whether a scene with someone is worth the work of giving your flogger a proper cleaning afterward.