For those unfamiliar with pup play, it is a role-playing activity in which the participants dress up like and take on the role of a canine. As you can likely imagine, it is crucial to keep the gear we use in pristine condition. But, unfortunately, many of us do not know how to care for our puppy play apparel. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your gear clean and ready for use at any moment. Today, I will provide tips, tricks, and methods to keep your pup play gear in pristine condition.
Many believe that caring for their gear requires spending excessive money on cleaning supplies. However, this could not be further from the truth. Many of the tools necessary to clean your gear can be found under your sink. While some can go out and buy silicone spray every time they want their neoprene pup gear to look as good as new, this is likely not feasible for every pup. Today, I will teach you how to care for your gear, including common mistakes, even if you are a pup on a budget.
What is Pup Gear?
As you surf the web, you will likely see online stores with a plethora of pup play items, from chew toys to tail plugs. However, some of the main toys used by pups today are collars, hoods, and tails. Pup gear enables pups to get into the pup headspace and immerse themselves in the puppy play experience.
What is It Made of?
Pup gear can be made of a wide range of materials, but the main types of materials are neoprene, leather, rubber, latex, and silicone. Depending on the item, a different cleaning method will likely be required. I recommend checking the materials your item is made from, researching the advantages and disadvantages of the product, and learning how to clean them before considering purchasing each product.
How to Clean Neoprene
- Remove any dirt or grime on the surface.
- Use a mild dish soap like Dawn to clean the item.
- Gently wipe the surface with a sponge or damp cloth in a circular motion.
- Rinse under lukewarm water to remove soap residue.
- Pat dry with a towel.
- Set the item in a shaded spot to dry.
How to Clean Leather
- Remove any dirt on the surface.
- Mix mild soap with warm water.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface in a circular motion with light pressure.
- For tough spots, use a toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning.
- Pat dry the item.
- Let it air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
How to Clean Silicone or Rubber
- Remove any excess dirt or grime from the item.
- Mix mild soap with warm water.
- Gently wipe the surface using a damp cloth or sponge with light, circular motions.
- Rinse under lukewarm water to remove soap.
How to Get Rid of Creases
- For neoprene gear, start by placing a towel inside the hood.
- Dampen the area with the crease slightly.
- Allow it to air dry.
- If creases remain, use an iron or a steamer to smooth them out.
- As a quick solution, hang your hood near a steamy shower for about ten minutes.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes with pup play gear often involve safety, material choices, and unrealistic expectations. Beginners should prioritize comfort and research gear to avoid injuries. Safety errors include neglecting protective equipment, like knee pads and pup play padded gloves, which are essential for active play. Inappropriate accessories, such as sharp items or tight collars, can also pose risks, so it’s important to remove jewelry and ensure proper fit.
Regarding materials, delicate fabrics like latex should be avoided during rough play to prevent damage; instead, opt for durable options like spandex or thick leather. Additionally, focus on mindset over gear—expensive equipment isn’t necessary to enjoy pup play, and respect each pup’s unique expression without judgment.
Ultimately, prioritize connections and the personal headspace that pup play offers, viewing gear as an expression rather than the core of one’s identity.
Tips for Longevity
To make your pup play gear last longer, focus on proper cleaning, drying, and storage according to the material.
For neoprene and fabric hoods, gently hand-wash with cool water and a mild detergent. Air dry thoroughly—never use a machine dryer or direct sunlight—as heat can weaken the material. Hang it by the straps in a shaded area until fully dry. If machine-washing is allowed, hang it up right away to avoid creasing.
For rubber and silicone masks, clean with a damp cloth or mild soap, and use an alcohol-based disinfectant for silicone interiors. Always air-dry and keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent degradation. Store masks with soft padding to maintain shape, and be gentle to avoid overstretching.
For collars, leashes, and harnesses, rinse metal hardware after use, especially near saltwater, and clean fabric and synthetic gear regularly.
Leather requires a damp cloth and conditioning to stay flexible. Always air dry your gear and check for wear and tear to repair or replace as needed.
Conclusion
If you are looking for good and long lasting gear, BadPups offers a wide variety of gear choices, and merch you can pick from. Their gear is made of the best materials, of great quality, and is sure to give you the best value for its price. BadPups supplies everything a pup like you could need. Check out their store today and grab some gear before they are gone. What are you waiting for? Get quality (and custom!) products at the BadPups Store today. Shop now: https://store.badpups.com
Written by: Holden Ferguson (Alpha Haze)
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