How would one securely erase a SSD? Use the "clean all" command, use DBAN and do a quick erase or DOD wipe? Delete the partitions and do a regular format?
Do any of these methods hurt a SSD? I've read that too many read/writes can hurt a SSD after a while. Was that on older SSD's or do the newer ones suffer from that too?
Most SSDs (and HDDs) support a low-level 'secure erase' command. It's quite different to traditional 'zeroing' in that for SSDs it generally takes only seconds or minutes. In many cases it can be done through the manufacturer's utility. I generally use Linux command hdparm. The process is considered mildly risky, so be sure you fully understand what you're doing if you attempt it.
As for SSD lifespan, recent testing suggests that quality SSDs should outlive their usefulness.
Also, the myths of yore indicating that HDDs need to be overwritten multiple times with random or varying data to prevent data retrieval have largely been debunked. Unless your adversary has access to a clean room and a scanning electron microscope, a single zero pass is sufficient.
Edit: See here.
I have did securely erasing on my Intel SSD's (4) and have had no problems.
I have used Mini Tool Partition Wizard and the Cmd Prompt.
Using a Format method does not remove everything.
If you are going to keep the SSD's for your own use a Format most likely will be all you need.
I have tested my Intel SSD's with the Intel SSD Toolbox and they still test 100% with absolutely no problems after a Clean Wipe.
I don't baby my SSD's, I just use them.
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