How To: Clean Your Sex Toys

SEX

Feb 4

Hygiene is important, you shower, you brush your teeth, you wash your dishes, common things we do every day to make sure we stay clean and healthy… so why do so many people over look the importance of cleaning their toys? These are things we’re putting inside of our bodies! And a lot of them aren’t good for us… that article is coming soon.

Your toys should be cleaned after every use and stored correctly – No throwing them on the floor when you’re done!

via GIPHY

How you clean your toy will be determined by what it’s made from, it’ll either be made from porous or non-porous materials. Some non-porous materials are ABS Plastic, Borosilicate (Pyrex & similar) glass, Soda-lime glass, Silicone & Metals like Stainless Steel, these are the most common materials used in the manufacturing of higher end toys. Porous materials like Thermoplastic rubber TPR & Thermoplastic elastomer TPE – sometimes referred to as “skin safe rubber”, Jelly Rubber & Latex are usually the main ingredient in cheaper toys and they are the ones to be weary of.

To find out what your toy is made from check the packaging or do a quick search online. How you use your toy is also something to take into consideration, for example it is important to disinfect and sterilise (if possible) any toys used to anal play and especially any instruments used for medical play.

Now, most high-end toys will have instructions for cleaning and maintaining your toy in the packaging. But since you’re already here, here is a general guideline;

Silicone, glass, stainless steel or wood with a motor: use a mild soap and cloth to wipe the toy clean. Do not submerge in water unless specifically stated in the instructions that it is safe to do so without damaging the motor.

Silicone, pyrex, stainless steel or stone: These you can place in boiling water for a deeper clean.

*High end products- Fun Factory Stronic/We-Vibe Tango/Glass Dildo/ Silicone Rabbit*

Hard plastic, elastomer, TPR or jelly rubber: Use a mild soap and cloth to wipe the toy clean. These porous materials can still contain bacteria and they can spread and re-infect you with any previous bacterial or yeast infections. AND they can spread STI’s!!! Use a condom. Seriously, putting on a condom on your toy will prevent any bacteria from being re-introduced to your system. If not for yourself, at least put on a condom on any toys you plan on sharing.

*Generic toys made from soft plastics, jelly rubber and latex*

My preferred method is using toy cleaner, a ton of companies make toy cleaner that is specifically formulated to clean and disinfect toys. I spritz it on my toy and then give them a wipe down with a damp tissue or some paper towel. Then when I am going to use it again, I give it a once over with a toy wipe, just because I am paranoid and want to get rid of any dust or debris particles that could have gathered while stored.

Toys should be stored in their case or in a drawstring bag. If your toy is battery operated, make sure you take the batteries out before storing.