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Last updated: 16th of December 2025
Let’s be honest , most men are never really taught how to clean their balls properly. We learn to shower, shave our face, maybe trim our beard… but proper groin hygiene? That’s usually ignored until something feels off. I’ve had my share of uncomfortable, sweaty, not-so-fresh moments over the years — usually at the worst possible time. That’s exactly why I ended up building a simple, no-nonsense routine that actually works.
I’m 51 now, and this is the exact routine I’ve followed for years to stay clean, comfortable, and confident. It’s not about vanity or perfection: it’s about hygiene, skin health, and feeling good in your own body.
And this is a topic I know well. Before becoming a full-time lifestyle blogger, I worked as a healthcare assistant in a pharmacy. Questions about intimate hygiene, sweat, odor, irritation, and discomfort came up far more often than most men would admit: usually quietly, and often with embarrassment. That experience shaped how I approach this subject today: practical, respectful, and based on real life.
Here’s my simple 5-step routine to clean your balls properly, built on both personal experience and what I’ve seen men struggle with for years.
Why Ball Hygiene Matters (More Than You Think)
Good ball hygiene isn’t just about smell or sex. The groin area has more sweat glands, limited airflow, and constant skin-on-skin contact. Without proper care, that environment can lead to:
persistent odor
skin irritation and chafing
fungal or yeast infections
ongoing discomfort
Spending a few extra minutes each day can prevent most of these issues and make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Step 1: Trim or Shave to Reduce Sweat and Odor
Managing hair is the foundation of good ball hygiene. Less hair means less trapped moisture, fewer bacteria, and easier cleaning overall. Whether you trim short or shave completely is a personal choice. I’ve tried both over the years, and for me, shaving works best. It keeps sweat under control, makes washing easier, and simply feels cleaner.
That said, shaving isn’t for everyone. If you have sensitive skin or deal with ingrown hairs, trimming short is often the smarter option. Hygiene matters far more than being completely smooth.
What I personally use:
Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra (on Amazon): reliable, skin-friendly, and designed specifically for delicate areas. I’ve tried many tools over the years, and this is the one that’s consistently worked best for me.
Step 2: Wash Your Balls Properly (Not Just With Water)
Letting shower water run over your groin isn’t enough. Because this area sweats more and stays warmer, bacteria can build up quickly if it’s not cleaned properly. Use warm water and a gentle body wash formulated for intimate areas. Avoid harsh soaps — they can dry out the skin and cause irritation.
Take your time and clean all areas carefully, including the crease between your thighs and groin and, yes, the butt crack. If you’re not circumcised, gently washing under the foreskin is essential to prevent buildup and odor.
Key point: clean thoroughly, but gently. This skin doesn’t need aggressive scrubbing.
What I use:
Ballsy Ballwash with Activated Charcoal (Buy on Amazon-Here)— brilliant for washing your nuts, butt, and body. Smells fantastic and keeps you fresh all day.
Step 3: Dry Thoroughly (A Step Most Men Skip)
This is where many hygiene routines fail. Moisture left in the groin area creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Damp skin can quickly lead to itching, redness, and lingering odor.
After washing:
Pat dry gently with a clean towel
Make sure all folds and creases are completely dry
Never rush this step
On busy days, I sometimes use a hair dryer on a cool or low-warm setting to make sure everything is fully dry. It may sound excessive, but it works.
Rule of thumb: never put underwear on damp skin.
Step 4: Use a Ball Cream or Deodorant (Optional, but Helpful)
Once clean and dry, a ball cream or deodorant can add an extra layer of comfort: especially in hot weather or during long, active days.
These products help:
control sweat
reduce friction
prevent chafing
This step is optional. If you know you’ll be intimate later, clean and dry skin is often enough. But for everyday comfort, especially during summer, it can be a real game-changer.
What I use:
Happy Nuts Comfort Cream (on Amazon) : lightweight, non-greasy, and excellent at reducing sweat and friction without feeling heavy.
Step 5: Emergency Wipes (Because Life Happens)
Sometimes you don’t have access to a shower: workdays, travel, gym sessions, or long drives can all get in the way.
Intimate wipes aren’t a replacement for proper washing, but they’re incredibly useful in a pinch. And no, baby wipes don’t count , they’re not designed for adult skin or odor control.
What I keep on hand:
Manscaped Crop Mop On-The-Go (available on Amazon) — individually wrapped, discreet, and genuinely effective when you need a quick refresh.
FAQ: Ball Hygiene for Men
How often should you wash your balls?
At least once a day, and always after heavy sweating or exercise.
Is it better to shave or trim your balls?
It depends on your skin. Shaving reduces sweat buildup, but trimming is often better for sensitive skin.
Can poor ball hygiene cause irritation or infections?
Yes. Excess moisture and bacteria can lead to chafing, fungal infections, and persistent odor.
Final Thoughts: Clean Balls Are About Comfort and Confidence
Good ball hygiene isn’t complicated — it’s about a few consistent habits:
manage hair to reduce sweat
wash properly with the right products
dry thoroughly
use supportive products when needed
be prepared for those “emergency” moments
I’ve followed this routine for years, and it’s made a genuine difference to my comfort and confidence. This isn’t about impressing anyone it’s about looking after yourself properly.
Once it becomes routine, you don’t even think about it. It just becomes part of everyday life.
Take care of your crown jewels. They deserve it.
Jerome
ABOUT ME: Hi, I’m Jerome — a 51-year-old men’s lifestyle blogger and founder of Dapper & Groomed. I’ve been writing about men’s grooming, hygiene, skincare, and confidence for over a decade. Before that, I worked as a healthcare assistant in a pharmacy, where intimate hygiene concerns were a common (and often unspoken) issue among male clients. Today, as a husband, father of four, and full-time blogger based in the UK, I test everything myself and share honest, experience-based advice to help men feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.
Brickell Resurfacing Anti-Aging Cream review based on 3 weeks of real use at 51. An honest look at texture, ingredients, results, and who it’s best for.