Knowing how to clean your tools properly is part of using them well. Whether you are preparing for a session, returning from an event, or maintaining a shared collection, the right cleaning approach depends on the material.
This guide covers every product in the Claws and Clamps range: what it is made from, how to clean it, what sterilisation methods apply, and what to avoid.
The routine in five steps
- 1Identify the materialCheck what your product is made from before choosing a method. Titanium and aluminium Metal Claws, Crystal (resin) Claws, Premium Nylon Claws and Clamps each tolerate different treatments, and the right method for one can damage another.
- 2Wash with warm soapy waterFor routine hygiene after ordinary skin contact, wash with warm water and a mild soap, then rinse thoroughly. This is all any product in the range needs between uses by the same person.
- 3Sterilise when the situation calls for itIf play may break skin, or tools are shared between people, use a sterilisation method matched to the material. Metal Claws take any method, including autoclave and boiling. Crystal and Nylon Claws must stay away from high heat: wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a hospital-grade disinfectant such as Viraclean. Clamps take IPA or hospital-grade disinfectant.
- 4Dry completelyAllow everything to air dry fully before storage. Pay particular attention to Clamp joints and adjustment points where moisture can sit, and wipe Crystal Claws dry rather than leaving them to soak.
- 5Store away from harmKeep every product dry, out of direct sunlight and away from abrasive surfaces or other metal objects. A dedicated pouch or case per product is the simplest way to protect finishes and points.
Metal Claws
Metal Claws are the most technically specified product in the range. Precision engineered from two different alloys, titanium or aluminium depending on the variant, using advanced additive manufacturing. Both are extremely lightweight: what you notice instead of weight is temperature responsiveness and finish precision.
Titanium Metal Claws
Titanium variants are manufactured from Ti-6Al-4V Grade 23, meeting ASTM F136-02a and ASTM F3001. These are the same material standards used for surgical implants and orthopaedic hardware. Not because Claws and Clamps is a medical device (it is not), but because this grade conforms to implant-grade ASTM standards and performs predictably under sterilisation conditions.
Titanium Metal Claws can be sterilised by any of the following methods:
- Autoclave: standard steam sterilisation at 121-134 degrees C, the method used in clinical and professional settings.
- Boiling: submerge in boiling water for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- IPA wash: wipe down or soak with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry.
- Hospital-grade disinfectants: any hard-surface disinfectant rated for metal is compatible.
- Ethylene Oxide (EO): suitable where low-temperature sterilisation is required.
Sterilisability is a confirmed material capability, not a guarantee of sterile state out of the box or at any given moment. Ensure pieces are visibly clean before sterilising and follow the standard protocol for whatever method you choose.
Aluminium Metal Claws
Aluminium variants use AlSi10Mg or Al6061 alloys. All of the same sterilisation methods apply: autoclave, boiling, IPA wash, hospital-grade disinfectants, and Ethylene Oxide are all compatible.
One distinction worth noting: only the titanium carries the implant-grade material-standard conformance (ASTM F136 and F3001). The aluminium alloys do not, even though the sterilisation methods are equivalent. Where that material standard specifically matters, choose titanium. Aluminium Claws are not for internal use.
Care and finish
Both alloys are corrosion-resistant and hold up well to repeated cleaning cycles. Avoid abrasive cloths or scourers: they will not harm structural integrity, but they can affect surface finish over time. Store in a clean, dry environment away from other metal objects that could scratch the surface.
Crystal Claws
Crystal Claws are the visual statement of the range. Manufactured from a resin-based material, they are the ones that catch UV light and attract attention across a room. The material also delivers a distinct sensation profile: a smoother glide across skin compared to Metal, with less resistance.
Cleaning
Crystal Claws can be sterilised by wiping down with a hospital-grade surface disinfectant such as Viraclean or an equivalent product. Apply to a cloth or wipe, work across all surfaces including the inner rings, and allow to air dry fully before storage or use.
Crystal Claws are not suitable for autoclave or high-heat sterilisation. The resin material is not designed for sustained elevated temperatures, and high heat can cause warping or surface damage.
For routine cleaning between uses by the same person, warm water with a mild soap is appropriate. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry rather than leaving to soak.
Care notes
Keep Crystal Claws away from hard metal surfaces that could scratch them, and store in a soft pouch or case. Extended direct sunlight can affect colour in UV-reactive resins over time.
Premium Nylon Claws
Premium Nylon Claws are the reference point for sensation. They deliver the sharpest, scratchiest texture in the range. They are also vegan, built for long-term repeat use, and the easiest to maintain.
Cleaning
Wash with warm water and a mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. That is genuinely all that is needed for routine hygiene.
Avoid high-heat methods. Autoclave and boiling are not recommended for Nylon Claws. Nylon is a thermoplastic and can warp at sustained elevated temperatures, which would affect both the fit and the points.
Care notes
Avoid storing them against rough or sharp surfaces that could nick the points, and keep them dry between uses. They are built for durability.
Clamps
Clamps are a distinct product category from Claws. Rather than surface sensation, they work through controlled, adjustable pressure. The range includes Labia Clamps, Scrotum Clamps, and Flesh Clamps.
Cleaning
Wipe all surfaces, including the inner contact areas, with IPA wipes or a hospital-grade surface disinfectant. Allow to dry fully before storage. For general hygiene cleaning, warm water with a mild soap is appropriate. Dry thoroughly after washing, paying particular attention to any joints or adjustment points where moisture can sit.
Care notes
Check the tension adjustment mechanism regularly and ensure it moves smoothly through its range. Keeping the mechanism clean keeps the experience consistent.
Quick Reference: Sterilisation by Product
| Method | Titanium Metal | Aluminium Metal | Crystal (Resin) | Premium Nylon | Clamps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warm soapy water | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Autoclave (121-134 deg C) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Boiling (10 min min.) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| IPA 70% wipe or soak | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hospital-grade disinfectant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ethylene Oxide | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
General principles
Match the method to the need. Basic hygiene between solo uses is different from shared use. The right cleaning method is the one appropriate to your context.
Qualify your own process. Cleaning capability is confirmed; sterile state is not something any guide can guarantee for every scenario. Match the method to the hygiene standard you need, and apply it correctly.
Store well. Every product in the range lasts longer with appropriate storage: away from moisture, sunlight, and abrasive surfaces. A dedicated case or pouch for each product is the simplest reliable solution.
If you have a specific cleaning question not covered here, reach out directly. We know what our products are made from and what they can handle.
Have a question about care?
Get in touch via our contact page. We know the material specs and cleaning requirements inside out, and we would rather give you the right answer than a vague one.