Introduction
Caring for your intimate accessories is essential to maintaining your health and well-being as an adult. Proper cleaning and storage of these delicate items will prolong their lifespan and prevent the spread of bacteria. In this article, you will learn the fundamentals of sex toy hygiene.
We will cover cleaning methods for different materials when you need to clean them and best practices for keeping your toys in top shape between uses. With some essential maintenance, your bedroom companions can give you years of safe enjoyment and fun.
With this knowledge, you can integrate toy care into your self-care routine.
Why It's Important to Clean Your Sex Toys
Hygiene
Cleaning your adult toys after each use is crucial for good hygiene and health. Bacteria, viruses, and other microbes can build up on toys over time and with use, which may enter the body during play and cause infection.
Proper cleaning helps remove these pathogens, reducing risks like bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and STDs.
Longevity
Not only does regular cleaning promote good hygiene, but it also helps extend the lifespan of your toys. Built-up dirt, debris, and bodily fluids can break down materials, weaken surface finishes and seams, and damage mechanical parts.
Properly cleaning toys after each use removes contaminants before they can degrade them, helping ensure maximum pleasure over the long run.
Safety
Some sex toys contain porous materials like rubber, jelly, and cyberskin that can harbor mold, mildew, and other unhealthy contaminants if not properly cleaned. Non-porous toys made of glass, stainless steel, silicone, and ABS plastic are easier to clean and sterilize, making them safer and more hygienic.
Regardless of the material, thoroughly cleaning, sanitizing, and drying your toys after each use helps remove harmful buildups and keeps you enjoying them safely.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your toys are clean and ready to use provides peace of mind before, during, and after play. By developing a regular cleaning routine, you can feel fully confident that your toys are hygienic and safe each time you use them.
Your intimate experiences will be all the more enjoyable without worries in the back of your mind. Make cleaning your toys a priority, and focus on the pleasure and intimacy they help create.
How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys
Disinfecting Before First Use
Before using a new silicone sex toy for the first time, it is essential to disinfect it properly. Submerge the entire toy in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Be extremely careful when removing the toy, as the water and toy will scald hot.
Allow it to cool completely before handling or using it. Boiling is the only method for properly disinfecting a silicone toy before its first use.
Regular Cleaning After Each Use
After each use, wash the silicone toy with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. Gently lather the entire surface of the toy with soap and water, paying extra attention to any textures or crevices. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all soap residue.
Air dry the toy thoroughly before storing it to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Periodic Disinfecting
For optimal hygiene, periodically disinfecting silicone toys is recommended. The three most effective methods for disinfecting silicone are:
- Boiling: Submerge the toy in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Remove carefully and air dry completely. Boiling kills bacteria, viruses, and other microbes.
- Bleaching: Create a solution of 5% bleach and 95% water. Soak the toy for 15 minutes, then rinse and air dry thoroughly. Bleach is very effective at disinfecting but may cause discoloration of some silicone toys over time.
- UV Sterilizer: Use a UV sterilizer device according to the product instructions. UV light kills microbes and is a chemical-free method, but it may require multiple cycles to disinfect a toy fully.
With proper cleaning and occasional disinfecting, silicone sex toys can last for years while remaining hygienic and safe for use. Always inspect toys before and after each use and discard them if there are any signs of damage or tears in the silicone.
How to Clean PVC, Jelly, and Rubber Sex Toys
Cleaning sex toys made of porous materials like PVC, jelly, and rubber requires thorough sanitation after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Please wash toys right after use.
Rinse toys with warm water to remove bodily fluids and debris. Apply antibacterial soap and scrub the entire surface of the toy with a soft cloth or sponge. Pay close attention to any textured areas where fluids can collect.
Disinfect toys after washing
Soak toys in a 5-10% bleach solution and water for 2-5 minutes. Rinse toys thoroughly with water after disinfecting to remove any remaining bleach residue. Alternatively, you can boil toys in water for 2-5 minutes.
Boiling is an effective method for thoroughly disinfecting toys. However, it can damage some toys. Check the specific care instructions for your toy before boiling.
Air-dry toys completely
Pat toys with a clean towel to remove excess moisture, then allow toys to air dry completely before storing. Moisture breeds bacteria, so toys must be completely dry to prevent re-contamination.
Store toys properly after drying
Place toys in a clean bag, pouch, or container before storing them. Do not store toys in a sealed plastic bag. Store toys in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
Inspect toys regularly
Examine toys closely before each use for any signs of damage or tears. Porous toys degrade over time with repeated use and cleaning. Look for cracks, rips, or peeling in the material.
Please don't use toys immediately if you notice any damage. Even with proper care and cleaning, it is best to replace porous toys every 6-12 months to prevent bacterial growth.
Cleaning Metal, Glass, and Wood Sex Toys
Metal Sex Toys
Metal sex toys should be cleaned thoroughly after each use to prevent the buildup of bacteria. Wash the toy in warm, soapy water using a mild antibacterial cleanser. Gently scrub the entire surface of the toy with a soft cloth to remove any debris.
Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all soap residue. Allow all parts to air dry thoroughly before storing. Alternatively, you can sanitize metal toys by boiling them in water for 3-5 minutes. Remove and allow to air dry.
Glass Sex Toys
Glass sex toys should be cleaned in a similar manner as metal toys. Wash the toy in warm, soapy water and scrub gently with a soft cloth to release any stuck-on debris. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow all parts to air dry completely.
Glass toys can be sanitized in a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for 5 minutes. Remove and rinse with water, then allow to air dry. Handle glass toys carefully to avoid breakage.
Wooden Sex Toys
Wooden sex toys require special care to prevent damage. Please don't submerge wooden toys in water or boil them. Gently wipe the entire surface of the toy with a clean, damp cloth to remove any built-up residue and debris. Allow the toy to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Once dry, apply a conditioning oil, such as coconut oil, to the wood to prevent drying out and cracking. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth before storing. Avoid harsh soaps, as these can damage the wood finish.
With proper care and conditioning, wooden sex toys can last for many years.
What NOT to Use When Cleaning Sex Toys
Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or anything containing alcohol when cleaning your toys. These substances can damage the material of your toys, compromising their structure and safety.
They may also irritate sensitive genital tissue. Instead, stick to mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water.
While boiling water may sterilize other items, it can damage most sex toys. The high heat can warp toys, melt components like wiring or motors, and cause plastics and rubbers to break down. Do not submerge any part of a toy in boiling water.
Bleach and other disinfectants may seem appealing for sanitation purposes, but they should never contact your toys. Like harsh chemicals, bleach can damage materials, fade colors, and irritate the body.
It is also difficult to rinse away thoroughly, even with thorough washing, and any residue left behind could cause issues. Disinfecting wipes and UV sanitizers should also be avoided for the same reasons.
The heat and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can easily damage most sex toys. The high temperatures can melt toys or cause them to warp and break down over time.
Dishwasher detergents also typically contain bleach and degreasers, which, as discussed above, should not be applied to toys. Hand washing with a mild cleanser and air drying toys is the gentlest and most effective method.
Best Cleaners for Sex Toys
To properly sanitize your intimate products and ensure safe usage, cleaning them after each use is crucial. There are several options available for thoroughly cleaning your toys, each with its benefits:
- Mild soap and warm water: A simple solution of warm water and a fragrance-free, mild soap is suitable for most sex toys. Gently wash the toy with soapy water, paying close attention to any ridges or creases where bodily fluids can collect.
Rinse thoroughly with plain water to remove any remaining soap residue. Air-dry the toy thoroughly before storing it. This method works for most non-porous materials like silicone, ABS plastic, and glass.
- Sex toy cleaner: Specialized sex toy cleaners are available from many manufacturers and adult retailers. These specialized formulas are designed to clean intimate products and kill bacteria and other microbes.
Spray the cleaner onto the toy as directed and wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth. Rinse and air dry completely. Sex toy cleaners can be used on all non-porous sex toy materials.
- Bleach solution: For more intensive cleaning, you can make a diluted bleach solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Soak the toy in the solution for 2-3 minutes, then remove and rinse thoroughly with plain water. Air dry completely.
A bleach solution will sanitize and disinfect the toy. Only use this method for non-porous, bleach-safe materials like silicone, ABS plastic, and glass. Do not use bleach with electronic components in toys.
- Boiling: Boiling is an effective disinfecting method for non-motorized silicone toys only. Submerge the toy in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
Remove and allow to cool before handling. Boiling will thoroughly sanitize the toy. Make sure the toy can withstand high heat before boiling. Do not boil toys with electronic components.
Proper Sex Toy Storage for Cleanliness
Proper storage of sex toys is imperative for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. After cleaning your toys thoroughly following use, store them in a dedicated storage container away from other belongings.
Designated Storage Container
It is recommended that you designate a sealable storage box or drawer specifically for your sex toys. Ensure it is lined with non-porous material like glass, hard plastic, or stainless steel, which can be adequately disinfected.
Do not use cardboard, fabric, or wood, which can harbor bacteria. The container should have a lid to remove dust and any odors. Store each toy separately in its pouch or sleeve inside the main container.
Proper Location
Place the storage container away from direct heat or sunlight in a cool area. Extreme temperatures can damage materials and shorten the lifespan of toys. The location should also be discreet and inaccessible to children or non-consenting adults.
Regular Disinfection
In addition to cleaning toys after each use, disinfect the entire storage container once a month or if there are any visible stains or spills. Remove all toys and wash the container with hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Disinfect by wiping down all surfaces with a bleach solution of no more than 10% and 90% water. Rinse and air dry. This helps eliminate bacteria, viruses, or other microbes that may build up over time.
Do Not Share
Never share sex toys with another person. Even with proper cleaning, there is still a risk of transmitting infections. Do not donate used sex toys to charities or resell them. When toys show significant wear or damage, they should be discarded and replaced.
Keeping Your Sex Toys Fresh and Clean
To properly care for your sex toys and ensure maximum safety and hygiene, regular cleaning is essential. After each use, you should promptly wash and sanitize your toys to remove any fluids or bacteria and prevent the spread of STDs.
The following steps will help keep your toys in pristine condition:
Thoroughly wash all toys with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap after use. Pay close attention to any ridges, crevices, or textures where fluids can collect. Rinse all parts entirely with water to remove any remaining soap residue.
Never submerge the entire battery-operated or electronic toy in water. Carefully wipe the exterior and remove any batteries before cleaning to avoid water damage.
Dry all toy parts with a clean cloth before storing them to prevent mold or mildew growth. For a deeper clean, you can also sanitize your toys using a commercial sex toy sanitizer or by soaking them in a solution of bleach and water (10 parts water to 1 part bleach).
Be sure to rinse and air dry thoroughly after sanitizing before subsequent use.
Store toys in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Do not store toys in airtight containers or bags. Separate toy parts into compartments or pouches to avoid contact and prevent damage. Check toys regularly for any signs of wear or damage before using them and replace them as needed.
Establishing a regular hygiene and care routine for your toys can help you feel confident in using them safely and frequently.
Keeping your toys fresh and clean is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring maximum pleasure from every experience. Proper cleaning and storage allow your toys to provide enjoyment for years.
FAQ - How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys
To properly sanitize your silicone sex toys and ensure they last, it is essential to clean them regularly and thoroughly after each use. Silicone is a durable material, but it can still harbor bacteria without proper care.
The following steps will help keep your toys hygienic and in good working condition:
After use, wash your silicone sex toy with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap, such as one containing triclosan or benzalkonium chloride. Pay close attention to any ridges, seams, or textures where bodily fluids can collect. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all soap residue.
For more intensive cleaning, you can soak your toy in water, hydrogen peroxide (3%), white vinegar, or bleach. Use 1 part solution to 10 parts water. Avoid submerging any areas with electronic components. Rinse and air dry completely.
Boil your silicone sex toys in a pot of water for 3 to 5 minutes to thoroughly sanitize. Make sure to remove any batteries or charging cords first. This method is very effective at killing bacteria but can damage some silicone toys depending on the quality. Check with the manufacturer to ensure it is boil-proof.
The dishwasher can also be used to sanitize silicone sex toys on the top rack without detergent. Run on the hottest setting for maximum disinfection. Place the toys in a mesh or lingerie bag first to prevent damage and ensure small pieces are not lost.
For storage, keep your silicone sex toys in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Do not store them in an airtight container or bag, as silicone needs to breathe. Clean your toys before storing them to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Conclusion
In summary, keeping your sex toys clean is vital for your health and safety. By washing them regularly with mild soap and water, using condoms when sharing, and storing them properly, you can avoid infections and damage.
While it may seem awkward initially, establishing a routine for cleaning your toys after each use will ensure they last longer and provide you with more enjoyment. Taking just a few minutes to care for these intimate devices demonstrates self-love and respect for your body.