INTERA GEAR 101 · LIVING IN GEAR
Clean it. Dry it. Store it well.
Good care can help gender-affirming gear stay comfortable, functional, and in better condition for longer. The details depend on the product and material, but a few basic habits apply across many kinds of gear.
GEAR CARE
Fabrics, silicone, foam, adhesives, prosthetics, and other materials do not all need the same care. When a manufacturer provides cleaning, drying, or storage instructions, use those as your starting point.
There is no single care routine for every kind of gear. The right approach depends on what your gear is made from, how you use it, and the instructions provided for that specific product. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's care guidance first.
THE BASICS
Most gear care comes back to these three things. The exact method depends on the product and material, so check the manufacturer's instructions whenever they are available.
Clean gear regularly enough to remove sweat, body oils, adhesive residue, dirt, and other buildup. Use a cleaning method that is appropriate for the material and avoid assuming that every product can be washed the same way.
Pay particular attention to areas that sit directly against the skin.
Let gear dry fully before storing or wearing it again. Trapped moisture can affect comfort, odour, adhesives, fabrics, and some prosthetic materials.
Heat can damage some materials, so do not assume a dryer or direct heat is appropriate unless the care instructions say it is.
Store clean, dry gear somewhere that protects its shape and material. Avoid leaving products compressed, folded, stretched, or exposed to heat, moisture, or direct sunlight when that could damage them.
Keep adhesive surfaces and soft prosthetic materials protected from lint, dust, and unnecessary contact.
When in doubt, use the product instructions. Care recommendations can vary even between products that look or feel similar.
DIFFERENT MATERIALS, DIFFERENT CARE
A binder, silicone breast form, foam pad, and TPE packer should not automatically be cleaned or stored the same way. Knowing what your gear is made from can help you choose a care routine that protects both the product and the parts of your body it touches.
FABRIC & TEXTILES
Fabric gear collects sweat, body oils, skin cells, deodorant, and other everyday buildup. Regular washing helps keep it comfortable while protecting the stretch, compression, and structure that make the garment work.
Check the garment label first. When the manufacturer allows it, cooler water and gentler washing are often easier on elastic, stretch fabrics, compression panels, and printed finishes.
Fasten zippers, hooks, or other closures before washing when appropriate so they are less likely to catch on the garment or other laundry.
High heat can be hard on elastic and stretch fibres. Air drying is a useful default when the care label does not specifically recommend machine drying.
Let the garment dry completely before wearing or storing it, especially after a sweaty day.
Store fabric gear clean and dry. Avoid leaving it twisted, stretched around another object, or crumpled while damp.
TIPS & TRICKS
SILICONE
Silicone is used in many realistic gender-affirming products because it can be soft, flexible, durable, and easy to clean. The finish, coatings, adhesives, paint, and construction of the product can still change how it should be cared for.
Many non-adhesive silicone products can be cleaned with mild soap and water, but use the cleaning method recommended for your specific product.
Pay extra attention to areas that sit directly against the body and to openings, channels, or textured areas where residue can collect.
Rinse away cleaning residue and allow the product to dry fully. Patting with a clean, soft cloth can remove excess water without aggressive rubbing.
Store silicone gear somewhere clean and protected from excessive heat, direct sunlight, lint, dust, and anything that could puncture, crush, or distort it.
Products with painted surfaces, specialty finishes, or adhesive backing may need more specific storage precautions.
TIPS & TRICKS
TPE & OTHER SOFT MATERIALS
Some soft packers and prosthetics are made from TPE or similar elastomer materials rather than silicone. They can feel very soft and realistic, but their surface, porosity, and long-term care needs may be different.
Clean according to the product instructions using a method that is compatible with the material. Because some soft elastomers are more porous than silicone, keeping the product clean and allowing it to dry thoroughly is especially important.
Let the product dry completely before it goes back into a pouch, drawer, storage container, or securing garment.
Avoid high heat unless the manufacturer specifically says the material can tolerate it.
Store soft elastomer gear away from excessive heat and direct sunlight, and avoid leaving it pressed against objects that may distort its shape or affect the surface.
Some products may become tacky over time or may have manufacturer-specific recommendations for renewal powder or surface care.
TIPS & TRICKS
FOAM & PADDING
Foam and padded products are lightweight and versatile, but they can absorb moisture and lose their shape if they are soaked, wrung out, folded, or compressed in ways the product was not designed for.
Check whether the insert is intended to be washed separately, spot cleaned, hand washed, or washed inside its garment. Avoid soaking foam unless the product instructions say that it is safe to do so.
Foam can hold moisture inside even when the outside feels dry. Give inserts enough time and airflow to dry completely before putting them back into pockets or storage.
Avoid wringing or twisting foam to remove water.
Store pads and forms in a position that lets them keep their intended shape. Avoid folding, crushing, or leaving heavy objects on top of them.
TIPS & TRICKS
ADHESIVE & ADHESIVE-BACKED GEAR
Reusable adhesive surfaces need care for both the gear and the adhesive itself. Skin oils, lint, dust, lotions, and residue can all affect how well the surface adheres.
Use the cleaning method recommended for the adhesive system. Scrubbing, harsh cleaners, oils, or products that leave residue may damage the adhesive or reduce how well it works.
Allow reusable adhesive surfaces to dry as directed before replacing protective backing or putting the product into storage.
Avoid wiping or rubbing a tacky adhesive surface unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Replace protective films, liners, or covers when provided. Keeping the adhesive surface covered helps protect it from lint, dust, hair, and contact with other objects.
TIPS & TRICKS
MULTI-MATERIAL GEAR
Gender gear is rarely made from just one thing. A single product may combine fabric, elastic, mesh, foam, silicone, plastic, adhesive, zippers, hooks, clasps, or adjustable hardware.
Follow the instructions for the complete product rather than choosing a cleaning method based only on the most visible material.
Remove detachable components before washing when the product is designed for them to be removed.
Different parts of the same product may dry at different speeds. Pockets, padded areas, seams, elastic, and enclosed spaces may still be damp after the outer fabric feels dry.
Store the product in a way that protects both its soft materials and its structure. Close or cover hardware when useful, and avoid letting hooks, zippers, or rough surfaces catch on other gear.
TIPS & TRICKS
You do not need to become a materials expert. Know what your gear is made from, keep the care instructions when you can, and check before introducing heat, cleaners, oils, powders, adhesives, or other products that could change the material.
NEED HELP NAVIGATING GEAR?
If you're not sure what kind of gear might work for you, we can help. Book a free Gender Gear Consultation to talk through your goals, comfort, fit, access needs, and the options available to you.
Your Body. Your Journey. Your Pace.