In recent years, nipple pasties have transitioned to a fashion and comfort necessity girls can wear without a bra for a discreet and smooth look. Whether it’s a night out in a backless dress, a hot summer festival, or simply achieving a smoother look under your favorite top, nipple covers for women have become a must-have in many wardrobes. But with repeated use, have you ever pulled out your pasties and noticed… a smell?
You're not alone.
Many people face the slightly embarrassing but very real issue of stinky nipple pasties. The good news? It’s not hard to see how it happens, and even easier to correct.
Let’s get into what causes your nipple covers to stink, how to treat it and how to make sure it doesn’t occur again.
What Are Nipple Pasties and Why Are They So Popular?
Nipple pasties are adhesive or non-adhesive coverings that are used to cover the nipple not to show through clothing ( or to show for fashion-forward style. These are available in silicone, fabric, or disposable adhesive varieties and a variety of shapes and sizes. Though many serve the function of modesty, some are worn for show, particularly as costume or party dresses.
The demand for purchasing nipple covers that are trustworthy, breathable and reusable has become increasingly more popular as many people decide to live bra free. Companies such as SLICKNIPPS™ have recognized this need and responded by creating high-quality nipple stickers for women constructed of medical grade silicone that ensures comfortable adhesion.
But even high-quality products can run into trouble if not cared for properly.
Why Do Nipple Pasties Start to Smell?
Let’s break down the most common culprits behind the stench:
1. Sweat and Oil Buildup
There are lots of sweat glands in the nipple and areola. When you don nipple pasties, especially all day or when it’s hot, sweat and the natural oils of your skin collect under the covers. Left uncleaned, the moist space serves as an ideal location for bacteria — and this bacteria is the actual cause of the stink.
2. Improper Cleaning
Wash Reusable nipple pasties after each use very gently. Too many people either neglect cleaning it at all or use harsh soaps that weaken the silicone or adhesive. If it sits on the surface, odors can build up fast.
3. Wearing Them Too Long
The best nipple covers for women aren’t designed for more than 6-8 hours of wear at one time. When you wear them all day, sweat in them and then ball them up in your drawer without washing them, it becomes essentially an invitation for odor to establish residence.
4. Low-Quality Materials
Low-cost nipple pasties that are developed with low-grade silicone or artificial materials will be more porous. This is because it absorbs sweat, oil and bacteria, and the fabric can be more difficult to clean than a smooth-surfaced item, which makes the garment more likely to insult our senses.
5. Poor Storage
If you’re tempted to toss your pasties into an airtight ziplock bag right away, the moisture and warmth left inside can be the perfect incubator for bacteria. Moist, dim spaces only make it worse.
How to Fix Smelly Nipple Pasties
Don’t toss them in the trash just yet. If your nipple covers are starting to stink, here’s how to refresh them:
1. Wash Them Properly
Wash your reusable nipple pasties after every wear with lukewarm water and mild, oil free soap. Avoid alcohol based products which may dissolve adhesives and silicones.
Steps:
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Rinse under warm water
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Apply mild soap using your fingers
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Rub in a circular motion (do not use a brush)
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Rinse thoroughly
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Let them air dry sticky-side up
2. Disinfect Occasionally
Once a week soak your pasties in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water for 5-10 minutes. This will cause odor-causing bacteria to die but will not ruin the silicone.
Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol — they can break down the material.
3. Air Dry Completely
Ensure your nipple covers are completely dry before you store them. Drying them off with a towel can leave fibers, and closing them when wet just locks in bacteria.
Stick them onto their original plastic tray or breathable case (like the ones from SLICKNIPPS™) and leave them uncovered for a while before closing the case.
Preventing the Smell Before It Starts
Prevention is the best cure. Here’s how to prevent your nipple pasties from smelling right from the get go:
Apply to Clean, Dry Skin
Always clean the area that pasties will be applied. Skip moisturizers, oils or powders, which degrade adhesion and capture bacteria.
Limit Wear Time
Avoid wearing nipple pasties for over 8 hours. If you have been sweating, or dancing, you should take them off sooner.
Rotate Between Pairs
To clean them, having more than one pair means you can clean or dry one while wearing the other. This will prolong their life and keep them fresh.
Store in Breathable Containers
Always have these nipple covers stored in a box or place where it is well-ventilated. Stay away from plastic bags, particularly if they’re a bit damp.
When to Replace Your Nipple Covers
Even with the best care, all nipple pasties have a shelf life.
Signs it’s time to replace them:
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Persistent odor that doesn’t go away after cleaning
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Loss of stickiness
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Discoloration or surface cracks
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Deformation or curling edges
If you are looking for nipple covers that will last longer and are odor-resistant, look no further than SLICKNIPPS™. The company’s durable, high-quality silicone can be used again and again, making it the convenient choice that has women everywhere singing its praises.
What Makes SLICKNIPPS™ Stand Out?
SLICKNIPPS™ provides luxury ultra-thin nipple pasties made from a medical grade silicone. Here's why they're perfect for keeping odors at bay and for long term wear:
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Not porous: Bacteria have the harder time to grip and grow
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Easy to Wash: Gentle wash renews stickiness and freshness
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Skin-safe: No irritation or reactions from adhesives
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Eco-conscious design: Reusable up to 30–40 times with proper care
If you want to buy nipple covers that solve odor problems at the root, SLICKNIPPS™ is your go-to.
Natural DIY Deodorizing Tricks (Use Caution!)
If you’re on the hunt for home remedies to remove odors from your current nipple pasties, check these out, but always test in small area first:
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Baking Soda Paste: Prepare a paste with water, apply gently, and rinse thoroughly.
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Pure Essential Oil Mist: Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to water in a regular spray bottle. Mist lightly, let air dry.
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Activated Charcoal Container: Keep your pasties in a small charcoal container to trap odor.
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Please Note: DIY methods are suitable for silicone pasties such as SLICKNIPPS™ only, and should not be used on fabric pasties unless advised by the manufacturer.
Please Note: DIY methods are suitable for silicone pasties such as SLICKNIPPS™ only, and should not be used on fabric pasties unless advised by the manufacturer.
FAQs
Why do my nipple pasties stink after cleaning?
If you’re not drying them thoroughly, or if you’re using a cleaner that’s too harsh, bacteria can be trapped. Try vinegar soak or switch to higher-quality pasties.
How often should I clean my nipple covers?
After every use. Regular washing avoids build up and maintains the adhesive.
Can I share nipple pasties with a friend?
No—nipple pasties are intimate wear, and should never be shared to prevent exposure to potential germs.
What’s the best material to avoid odor?
SLICKNIPPS™ are made from medical grade silicone, the best material for non-porous, odor free wear.
Conclusion: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Comfortable
Nipple pasties are empowering, freeing and stylish — but, as is the case with anything that you wear close to your body, they take maintenance. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be: with a bit of cleaning, smart storage, and love, you can keep your nipple covers for women smelling fresh and acting like new.
Ready to say goodbye to smelly pasties?
It’s time to buy nipple covers from a brand that understands both fashion and hygiene. SLICKNIPPS™ offers premium, breathable, odor-resistant nipple pasties made to last—and made to keep you feeling confident.