How To Clean 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.