After washing an onahole, the interior is the hardest part to dry. Even when the outside is dry, moisture left deep inside can lead to odor and mold.
An onahole drying stick is a good way to reduce moisture inside.
This article covers what a drying stick does, the basic way to use one, how to choose one, and precautions when using it.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Drying Stick?
- Do You Always Need One?
- Drain the Water Before Using a Drying Stick
- How to Use a Drying Stick
- Points for Choosing a Drying Stick
- Don't Stuff In Tissue or Paper Towels
- Don't Dry It with Hot Air from a Hair Dryer
- If Odor Remains, Review Your Drying Method
- A Drying Stick Is a “Moisture-Reducing Aid”
What Is a Drying Stick?

A drying stick is a care product you insert into a washed onahole to help absorb and remove moisture left inside. Most are rod-shaped and made from absorbent materials like diatomaceous earth, porous ceramic, or microfiber.
That said, inserting a drying stick alone doesn't guarantee complete dryness. Think of it as an aid for wiping away moisture inside the onahole, not a full solution.
Do You Always Need One?
It's good to have a drying stick on hand, but depending on the onahole's shape, it isn't always necessary. For products with a shallow interior or a through-hole design that drains easily, kitchen paper, a towel, or simple air-drying may be enough.
On the other hand, drying sticks are genuinely useful for products with a deep interior, a non-through design, complex ridges, or a large body that's hard to lift.
See the article below for the general washing, drying, and storage steps.
Drain the Water Before Using a Drying Stick
Rather than inserting a drying stick right after washing, drain the water naturally first. If the interior is still soaked, the drying stick's effectiveness drops.
- Rinse thoroughly after washing
- Set it down with the entrance facing down somewhere stable
- Let the water drain naturally
- Blot the outside moisture with a soft towel
- Use a drying stick if needed
For large types, avoid shaking it vigorously to remove water, since this risks dropping or damaging it.
See the article below for the drying steps for large products.
How to Use a Drying Stick
Keep the following points in mind to use a drying stick effectively.
Insert It Slowly from the Entrance
Insert the stick slowly, following the shape of the interior. Forcing it in to reach the far end can damage the interior, so don't push through if you feel resistance.
Don't Scrub the Interior Hard
The purpose of a drying stick is to reduce moisture, not to polish the interior. Repeatedly forcing it in and out, or rotating and scrubbing with it, can damage soft materials.
Once the stick is inside, gently press the outside to help it make contact with the interior walls, rather than moving it aggressively.
Remove It Once It's Absorbed Moisture
Don't leave the stick inside for a long time once it's absorbed moisture. Follow the product instructions to replace, wash, or dry it as needed.
Finish with Natural Air-Drying
Even after using a drying stick, a small amount of moisture remains. Finish by air-drying it somewhere shaded and well ventilated.
Forcing a finger in to check whether it's fully dry risks damaging the body. It's better to check for visible moisture in a range you can see, like near the entrance.
Points for Choosing a Drying Stick

A Thickness That Suits the Body
Forcing in a stick that's too thick puts strain on the entrance and interior. Choose one that matches the product's size.
A Surface That Isn't Too Hard
Choose a soft material or a dedicated product that's unlikely to damage the interior. If you're substituting a household item, avoid anything with a hard, pointed tip or that might leave fibers behind.
Whether It Can Be Washed and Reused
For reusable types, like a diatomaceous-earth stick, you also need to keep the stick itself clean. A tool that's hard to dry after washing can actually make hygiene management more difficult, so keep that in mind.
Don't Stuff In Tissue or Paper Towels
Avoid stuffing tissue or easily-torn paper deep inside to remove moisture. Once wet, it can tear apart and remain inside.
Trying to pull it back out and scrubbing hard can also damage the interior. If you use an absorbent item, choose a dedicated product that's unlikely to tear or leave residue inside, or the method the manufacturer recommends.
Don't Dry It with Hot Air from a Hair Dryer
However eager you are to dry it quickly, avoid applying hot air from a hair dryer or raising the temperature with a heater or similar.
This can cause the material to deform, harden, or degrade. Even if it takes a little longer, the basic rule is natural drying in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight.
If Odor Remains, Review Your Drying Method
If odor doesn't go away even after washing, moisture or grime may still be trapped inside. If it stays damp even when using a drying stick, review your washing method, rinsing, and storage environment.
See the article below for more detail.
A Drying Stick Is a “Moisture-Reducing Aid”
An onahole drying stick helps reduce moisture left inside and supports drying. It's especially useful for maintaining deep-interior types and large products, but a stick alone doesn't guarantee complete dryness.
After washing, drain the water thoroughly and use the stick without forcing it. From there, finish by letting it air-dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.