Your chew spends a lot of time in your mouth (or your child's), so looking after it matters. The good news is that caring for a chew doesn't take long, and a few simple habits keep it clean, safe and ready when you need it.
Always start with your product's care instructions
Different chews can have different care needs, so the most important rule is simple: follow the care instructions on your product. That's the best guide to how to clean it, and what to avoid.
Everything below is general advice about good habits. It isn't a replacement for the instructions that come with your chew.
Make cleaning part of your routine
It's much easier to remember if cleaning happens at the same time each day. Some ideas:
- clean it in the evening, so it's ready for the morning
- give it a clean when you get home from school or work
- add it to your usual washing-up routine, if the product's instructions allow
The school sensory tools policy we mentioned in our school guide (New Milton Junior School) asks for chews to be "cleaned daily or as recommended by the manufacturer". That's a sensible rule of thumb for home too.
Don't forget the cord and clasp
Cords and clasps aren't for chewing, but they still get handled and can pick up grime. Keep an eye on them and follow the product instructions for cleaning. If a cord looks tired or frayed, it's easy to swap. Our spare cord bundles come in sets with a spare clasp attached, and spare clasps are also sold in sets.
One chew, one person
It's a good idea for each person to have their own chew, and not to share. The New Milton policy describes chews as "single-user only", stored in a labelled box or cup with the pupil's name. At home, a named pouch or box works well, especially if you have more than one chewer.
The wear check
Chews are designed to be chewed, which means they wear over time. Everything breaks eventually. The important thing is to spot wear early.
Get into the habit of giving your chew a quick look and feel before you use it. You're looking for:
- small nicks, cuts or bite marks that go into the surface
- tears or splits, however small
- pieces coming away, or thin, weakened areas
- anything that feels different, such as rough patches where it used to be smooth
- a frayed or damaged cord, or a clasp that isn't working properly
Children may not notice or mention damage, so it's worth adults checking regularly too.
When to replace it
Our advice has always been clear: replace a chew at the very first sign of wear and tear. Don't wait for it to get worse.
It can be tempting to keep going with a favourite, especially if it's only a little damaged. But a chew that's starting to break is a chew that could break further, so it's time for a new one.
How long will my chew last?
Honestly, it depends, and we'd rather not guess. How long a chew lasts depends on the product, how hard and how often it's chewed, and whether it's also used as a fidget. A gentle nibbler may keep a chew going for a long time, while a strong chewer may need to replace theirs much more often.
If you find you're getting through chews very quickly, it may be a sign you'd suit something firmer. Our chew strength guide on the Chewigem blog can help you choose.
Why a spare is a lifesaver
Anyone who's lived with a chewer knows the moment a favourite chew breaks, or goes missing, right before school or work. A spare makes that moment much easier.
- keep one at home and one in the school or work bag
- swap straight away if you spot wear, with no waiting for a delivery
- have a back-up if one gets lost
Many of our chews come in multipacks or with extra pieces. Chubes can be worn on a cord as a necklace with spares, the Mini Rings come in a 6 pack, and the Twister Bangles come in a pack of two. Or simply pick up two of your favourite, like the Realm Ring.
Storing your chew
When it's not in use:
- keep it somewhere clean and dry, like a named pouch or box
- keep it away from pets (they like chews too!)
- keep it out of reach of very young children, especially necklaces, which aren't suitable for under 3s because of the cord
Quick checklist
- Follow the care instructions on your product.
- Clean it regularly, ideally at the same time each day.
- Keep one chew per person.
- Check it before use for nicks, tears or loose pieces.
- Replace it at the very first sign of wear.
- Keep a spare ready.
Time for a new one?
Browse our pendants, bangles and accessories, including spare cords. A little care goes a long way, and a spare means you'll never be caught out.
Sources
- New Milton Junior School, "Sensory Tools in School: Staff Guide" (published PDF): newmiltonjuniorschool.co.uk
- Chewigem product guidance ("Everything breaks eventually when chewed… discard after the very first signs of wear and tear"; necklaces not suitable for under 3s): Chewigem product listings