Whether you're a first-time vibrator buyer or an experienced sex toy user, learning how to properly care for it is crucial. Despite the variety of toys available on the market, information about cleaning these products is often overlooked. If you want to fully enjoy these toys without worrying about the risk of infections, ensuring proper cleaning before and after use becomes crucial.
Considering cleaning your sex toys might not be the most pleasant thought. Sex, whether solo or with a partner, is a time to escape the stresses of daily life, and cleaning sex toys may seem like a tedious task (perhaps bringing to mind a hundred other things you'd rather be doing). However, once you understand the cleaning process, you'll realize it's actually a quick and simple task and a necessary step to ensure safe sexual practices. Keep reading to learn the best methods to keep your sex toys in optimal condition.
Choosing the right materials is crucial for sex toys.
The material is a key component in ensuring cleanliness, which is essential for maintaining both the toy and your protection against bacteria and infections. Generally, sex toy materials can be categorized into two main types: non-porous materials and porous materials.
Dildos made from clean, non-porous materials
If your sex toy manufacturer mentions glass, stainless steel, silicone, acrylic, or hard plastic as ingredients in the user manual, then the toy you have is made from non-porous materials. As a result, bacteria are less likely to penetrate and linger (although you should always be mindful of any indentations, cracks, or crevices in the toy). While for most sex toys made from non-porous materials, a gentle wipe with soap and water is sufficient, you may also want to consider using a specially formulated sex toy cleaner or solution for cleaning and disinfecting. These products are designed to preserve the integrity of your toy and can effectively clean and disinfect.
Dildos made from clean porous materials
Sex toys made from porous materials like rubber, "jelly" rubber, vinyl, cyber skin, soft skin, super skin, nylon, or leather often provide a more realistic feel. However, it's important to note that these materials require more maintenance than non-porous ones. If you opt for one of these types of toys, here is some crucial information about cleaning and maintenance that you should be aware of.
Materials that should not be cleaned
Sex toys made from porous materials like rubber, "jelly" rubber, vinyl, cyber skin, soft skin, super skin, nylon, or leather require more frequent cleaning as their structure makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate and accumulate. When cleaning, exercise caution and avoid using any substances that may be toxic or could cause adverse reactions for you and your partner. Instead, choose very mild soap or non-toxic cleansers specifically designed for porous toys to ensure the safety of your toy during cleaning.
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It is generally advisable to avoid using porous materials like leather for sex toys, as even with attempts to clean them, they may become breeding grounds for bacteria. For safety reasons, consider treating them as disposable toys!
Preparation for Cleaning
Before you begin the cleaning process, make sure to separate all detachable components. This is especially crucial for rechargeable or battery-powered toys; be sure to dismantle them to avoid submerging battery-powered parts in water during cleaning. While this may sound obvious, extra caution is needed when dealing with water and electricity. If your toy requires batteries and must stay dry during cleaning, you can gently wipe it with a damp cloth, making sure not to involve the battery components.
If you're uncertain about the cleaning method, we recommend checking checkboxes or searching the product page online to confirm whether the toy is labeled as "splashproof" or "waterproof." It's essential to ensure you understand this distinction correctly to keep your sex toy safe during the cleaning process.
Use Mild Soap and Water
Most sex toys can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using cleansers containing alcohol, acetone, or other strong chemicals, as they may damage the materials and cause discomfort.
Note that most commercially available soaps and cleansers are not safe for intimate use. These products often contain irritating ingredients, fragrances, and other substances that may cause discomfort, microbial damage, and infections. To avoid using potentially irritating and uncomfortable soaps, be sure to thoroughly rinse your sex toy with water and pat it dry with a soft towel. This step is crucial for ensuring your toy remains clean, odor-free, and safe for reliable use.
If your sex toy has any crevices
Be sure to clean these areas—bacteria can thrive there. You can use a soft toothbrush or any sufficiently sturdy brush to gently scrub, ensuring cleanliness without compromising the material integrity of the toy. This step is crucial as thorough cleaning of crevices can prevent bacterial residue, ensuring your sex toy stays clean and hygienic during use.
Disinfection
For the highest level of hygiene, you can choose to use a disinfectant specifically designed for sex toys. These liquid disinfectants ensure the toy's surface is free from bacteria or viruses. Follow the instructions on the cleaning product to ensure proper usage!
One thorough way to disinfect sex toys is by soaking them in hot water. Generally, if your toy is made of silicone, heat-resistant glass, or stainless steel, and is not a mechanical toy, the best method for disinfection is to immerse it in boiling water for a few minutes. This method is particularly suitable for cleaning glass, heat-resistant glass, and steel toys. For some silicone toys with built-in bullet vibrators, such as strap-on dildos, you can simply detach the removable parts and let hot water do its work. Of course, if your toy is a vibrator or you prefer not to immerse it in hot water, consider alternative options.
Precautions
Note that merely wiping the surface of toys does not guarantee complete disinfection. If you are the sole user of the toy, this may not be an issue, but if you share it with a partner, wiping alone may not be enough to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections or diseases such as chlamydia. After wiping the surface, you can immerse toys made of 100% silicone, glass, or stainless steel in boiling water for three minutes to ensure disinfection. Then, let them air-dry in a natural environment—be cautious not to attempt to speed up the cooling process by placing them in the fridge or immersing them in cold water, as temperature changes may also cause material deformation. This way, you can enjoy your toys with more peace of mind, knowing they are clean and safe.
Avoid Excessive Immersion in Electronic Products
For sex toys with electronic components, avoid excessive immersion. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or wet wipes, ensuring that water does not penetrate the electronic parts.
Remove the batteries, then close the battery compartment. Clean with a towel dipped in soap, then wipe with a damp cloth without soap. Reopen the battery port and air dry in an open compartment.
Regular Inspection
Regularly check if sex toys show signs of wear, cracks, or deformation. If any issues are found, cease use and contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options.
The lifespan of sex toys varies depending on their materials. With proper maintenance, high-quality silicone toys, deemed safe for the body, can last for many years. Materials like glass and metal can potentially accompany you throughout your life with regular maintenance. However, lower-end silicone toys may experience some discoloration and texture differences over time, requiring more careful and regular maintenance. To ensure your sex toys always stay in optimal condition during use, it's advisable to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's maintenance and cleaning instructions.
If you notice any wear, tear, or significant cracks in the material, dispose of the sex toy. Not only can it be uncomfortable to use, but safety becomes a concern when cleaning becomes too challenging.
Storage Methods
Properly storing sex toys is equally important. Use dedicated bags, boxes, or storage containers to ensure they don't come into contact with other items and avoid dust and foreign substances. When it comes to storage, you have the following options:
Use the Original Packaging
This is easy, isn't it? Just put them into the accompanying bag or box to protect them from the elements!
Purchase a Plastic Container
If you want to keep your sex toys clean and relatively organized, you can opt for a simple plastic container.
Get a Satin or Silk Bag
Consider purchasing a small satin or silk bag to ensure proper care for your sex toys during storage. While it may seem like an extra step for inanimate objects, this small measure can ensure you and your sex toys enjoy long and happy times together. It not only helps prevent wear and tear between toys but also prevents unnecessary contact with other items.
Before storing toys, make sure they are clean and completely dry to prevent bacteria/fungus growth. Your sex toys should be stored in a place away from sunlight and humidity—so, if you tend to keep sex toys in the bathroom, reconsider.
Personal Use and Cleaning
If multiple people share the same sex toy, be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect it before each use. Different types of sex toys may require varying degrees of personal cleaning, so understanding this and taking appropriate measures before use is crucial. This ensures the safety and hygiene of each user, preventing potential infection risks. Developing the habit of proper cleaning before each use will help keep sex toys in optimal condition while ensuring the user's health and comfort.
Placing a new condom on the sex toy each time it is used.
There's a simple yet effective solution: consider placing a new condom on the sex toy each time you use it, choosing an appropriate size based on the toy's shape. This way, you'll be able to eliminate the hassle of cleaning entirely. This is a practical trick for those who may not be inclined to clean frequently. Additionally, if multiple people share sex toys, using condoms is a wise choice, helping prevent potential bacterial transmission. When using condoms, make sure the lubricant you choose doesn't damage the condom (avoid using oil-based lubricants). This simple practice is both convenient and helpful in maintaining the hygiene of adult products.