While it may not be the most appealing idea, cleaning your sex toys is crucial to longevity and intimate health. Neglecting this step can lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria, which can lead to discomfort or infection. Whether it’s a dildo, vibrator or anal toy, make sure you clean it before and after each use to maintain hygiene standards and ensure a smooth experience.
Let’s learn about the best ways to clean sex toys at home. Whether your toys are made of glass, plastic, metal, wood, or silicone, they must be cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of STIs and STDs. Following these guidelines will ensure that your toys stay sanitary and ready to use when the mood strikes.
The cleaning products you choose for your sex toys may affect your body's natural pH balance, potentially causing discomfort or infections such as thrush, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections. They recommend choosing an unscented or antibacterial soap, similar to what you use for your body, and ensuring proper drying and storage to keep your toys clean and ready for future use.
Here are six basic tips for cleaning your toys effectively, since a simple rinse may not be enough, especially if you have a variety of toys…
1. Understand the materials of toys
Before you start cleaning, it's crucial to know what your sex toys are made of. Check the packaging and consider whether the toy is motorized as this will affect cleaning methods.
For silicone, glass, stainless steel or wooden toys with motors, wipe them clean with mild soap and a damp cloth. For non-motorized toys made of these materials, soak them in boiling water for eight to ten minutes to clean them thoroughly without damaging any mechanical parts.
When it comes to electronic skin toys, treat them with caution. Use only a small amount of warm soapy water for cleaning, as too much soap can damage delicate materials.
2. Prioritize battery safety
Avoid immersing battery-operated toys in water for cleaning. While this may seem simple, be cautious about exposure to water if your toy requires batteries, hums, or plugs into a wall plug. Instead, opt for wiping with warm soapy water to be safe.
If you're not sure, check the product packaging or search the product page online to determine whether the toy is labeled "splash-proof" or "waterproof." Trust us, this distinction is crucial.
3. Use soaps and detergents sparingly
While mild soap and water are enough to clean most sex toys, especially those made of silicone, glass, and stainless steel, it's important to use caution. Many commercial soaps and detergents are not suitable for intimate use because they contain harsh ingredients, fragrances, and irritants that can cause discomfort, disrupt the microbial balance, and even cause infection.
Parabens are common preservatives in drugs and cosmetics and are considered safe in low doses but may trigger skin sensitivities and contact dermatitis in sensitive skin. Given the unpredictability of genital skin reactions, even people with no previous history of allergies should exercise caution.
To prevent the risk of itching, infection, and discomfort, it's crucial to rinse the toy carefully with water and dry it thoroughly.
4. Keep toys dry
Making sure your toys are thoroughly dry after cleaning is just as important as the cleaning itself. Choose a clean, lint-free towel or paper towel to dry. While fluffy towels are comfortable, they are not suitable here as they may leave behind microfibers that can cling to your toys and potentially irritate your vagina if introduced inside.
To prevent bacterial growth, it is important to dry toys thoroughly. Allowing them to dry further ensures no moisture remains. Once dry, store the toys in a safe place to keep them clean and ready for next use.
5. Wear a condom
For sex toys made of porous materials, such as some glass or crystal variations, thorough sterilization can be challenging because the tiny pores can harbor bacteria. Condoms must be used when sharing these toys with a partner to prevent the spread of germs. When using these toys on their own, careful cleaning after each use is essential for maintenance. This precaution also applies to jelly toys, as they can contain potentially harmful chemicals such as phthalates, which are known to make plastic pliable but can also cause skin irritation or More serious health problems. To be safe, use a condom on the toy or verify that the toy is made of "body-safe" or "medical-grade" materials as noted on the packaging.
6. Toy Storage
Proper storage of sex toys is just as important as thorough cleaning. Accidentally throwing it into a drawer full of dust and debris is a big no-no. You certainly don’t want any of the lint in your drawer to get inside your body! For this reason, it's wise to use the dust bags that often come with toys. These bags are designed to keep your toys clean and lint-free.
Direct sunlight is not good for your toys, especially those made of jelly and rubber materials, as it can degrade them. Choosing to store your toys in bags or dedicated drawers or boxes will protect them from light and discreetly hide them.
Always make it a priority to research and choose the best practices for cleaning and storing toys to avoid infection and maintain good intimate health. Remember, avoid harsh soaps!