Why clean sex toys?

I know, I know, it's kind of a buzzkill, but keeping your toys clean is a crucial for keeping your orgasm inducing friends in tip top shape, to prolong their lifespan, prevent damage, protect your genitals and keep you fit and healthy. We'll help you find out what you can do to clean your sex toys, as well as avoid common (and very avoidable) mistakes.

When you use Dildos, vibrators, butt plugs and the like for masturbation or sex, it is imperative that you learn how to clean them properly. The information provided here gives a general overview of how to clean different types of toys correctly, and is not intended to replace the instructions on how to actually clean sex toys.

Your vagina harbors countless bacteria and fungi that help keep it healthy. She's used to dealing with them so they don't pose a threat. But if you use sex toys, there is a chance that they bind microorganisms to themselves. For the most part it's not harmful, but this is not always the case.

Suppose you have a sexually transmitted infection, and you decide to masturbate with a toy or use it during intercourse. It is possible that the pathogen that caused the infection remains on the toy surface (if it is not porous or if there is a tiny hole in it that is porous enough to survive). If you don't clean the toy before sharing it with a partner, the infection can spread among partners, he explains. You also risk reintroducing the microorganisms into your system once you have eliminated the infection.

To be clear, you are not likely to get an infection every time you slacken in the thorough cleaning of sex toys, but it is important to know that infections can occur depending on the type of bacteria, viruses and situation in which you use the toys. The risk of infection is not limited to vaginal problems. The rectum harbours all sorts of bacteria that your vagina does not, such as E. coli, and these can be transmitted to the toy you are using. There are similar concerns about gastrointestinal bacteria (GIs). These bacteria can come into contact with your partner's urinary tract and cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).

When your toy changes colour or begins to smell, it's time to retire it.

Cleaning methods change, depending on the material

You might think you can just dip your sexual toys in soap and water and go with it. But don't do it that way. The first step to cleaning sex toys is to find out what material they are made of.

Most sex toys can be divided into two broad categories: porous materials and non-porous materials. Porous material is a material that has tiny holes and pores that could be filled with bacteria, fungi etc.  

There is a big difference between cleaning porous sex toys (such as those made of cyberskin or rubber elastomers) and non-porous sex toys: Porous sex toys harbour bacteria, so it is important to give them time to dry out before storage. Once your sex toy is dry, bacteria are unlikely to survive for more than a few hours.

If your sex toy is made of a non-porous material, it does not have these holes, so microorganisms are less likely to stick around.

Find out what material your toy is made of, this information will usually be available on the product packaging, the website you purchase it from or the manufactures website. 

It should be noted from the outset that if you clean your porous sex toy, you will not remove as many germs as you would remove with a non-porous toy. Therefore it is best to store it for personal play or to use it with a condom.

When you new toy arrives, you should wash your it immediately after you take it out of the packaging. Don't forget to not mix clean toys with any dirty toys, If you clean and put your toy with other dirty sex toys in a drawer it will pick up bacteria.

Incorporating these crucial step in your routine will keep your toys as hygienic as possible.

If your sex toys are made from durable non-porous materials such as silicone, pyrex or stainless steel and are not motorised, you can dip them in midly soaper warm water to clean them. For a deeper clean, it is best to leave them in boiling water for a few minutes to clean them thoroughly. For any removable parts, we suggest cleaning these in their removed state, for best results. 

The key to cleaning motorised toys is to be careful not to plunge your buddy into the water, which can ruin the engine. Use warm water with a mild soap on a damp cloth for best results. Any removable parts should be removed, and if not connected to the motor, fully submerged in warm soapy water, or boiled. 

Once your sex toys are clean, store them in clean boxes or bags, where they are less likely to collect dust.

Keep toys in containers or bags to keep them clean and in a cool, dry place.

Can I clean my sex toys in the dishwasher?

I do not recommend that you put your sexual pleasure device in the dishwasher in general, but glass and stainless steel toys will be fine. If you decide to use your dishwasher to clean your toys, avoid using detergent and give your toys a rinse with warm water afterwards.

You should always clean your toys after use

Porous toys are more likely to harbor bacteria and other microorganisms than non-porous toys, so it is a good idea to clean the toys you use as soon as you use them.

To prevent porous toys from collecting bacteria, all toys should be thoroughly cleaned. If you are using a porous sex toy with a partner or anal toy and you are prone to yeast infections, it's recommended that you use a condom to keep your toy clean.

If you're feeling lazy - use toy cleaner

Toy Cleaner is a quick, discreet option that allows you to disinfect your toy without damaging its materials, but it is not ideal for everyday use. It's like dry shampoo, it's great, but it cannot replace completely washing your hair. When you have an orgasm that is so earth-shattering that you simply cannot motivate yourself to move : you can wipe your toy with it and wash it deeper as soon as you are ready to be up.

Use condoms to make clean up easier - Especially if You’re sharing toys

If you choose to use condoms, make sure that any lubricant you use will not erode as easily as condom oil-based lubricants. There is a simple solution here: place a new condom on your sex toy every time you use it, depending on how it is shaped. This eliminates the need to clean up afterwards. This is a great hack for those of us who do not like cleaning, and it is a wise choice if you share sex toys for the reasons mentioned above. 

Storing your toys - it matters

We know it's tempting to stuff your pleasure toys in your bedside drawer after cleaning then, but don't, even if this is your designated place for sex toys. By doing this, you're going to undo all the hard work you went through to get them clean.

If you want to keep your sex toys organized and safe from dirt, you can opt for a simple plastic container that is dishwasher safe and lockable, or just use original packaging that is simple and just right. Keep your toy safe from the elements. 

This may seem like a lot of care for an inanimate object, but it makes it more likely that you and your sex toys will have a long and happy life.

Happy cleaning!

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