Sex toys can add a lot of fun and excitement to you, right? You can indulge in solo fun or share intimate moments with your partner. Sex toys come in many different shapes and materials, like vibrators, dildos, anal toys, and cock rings. Like anything touching your body, it needs proper care to deliver joy and stay safe. If you don't treat your sex toys with care and love, they may not be as fun - warping, shortening their lifespan, and even increasing the chances of you and your partner contracting germs...
In this guide, I'll explain why cleaning your toys is so important, how to clean them properly, and how to care for them over time. Don't worry—it's easier than you think—and I promise it's worth the effort!
Why You Need to Clean Your Sex Toys
According to a 2017 survey of 1,000 adults conducted by sex toy company Adam & Eve®, 70% of women and 57% of men said they clean their sex toys after every use, while 19% of women and 36% of men said they never clean their sex toys. 11% of women and 7% of men admitted to cleaning their toys every few uses.
Let's face it: cleaning sex toys might not be the most exciting part of using them, but it's the most important one. I'm sure you've read more than once on various sexual health media platforms - clean toys help prevent bacteria and other harmful germs from entering the body. Why?
Because toys touch your body, fluids, and sometimes even your most sensitive areas. That means germs can build up on them. If you don't clean them properly, it can lead to infections, irritation, or worse. Trust me, no one wants that!
Common Myths About Cleaning Sex Toys
Destroying all germs with boiling water or alcohol? It would be best if you thought to yourself whether you had done any of the following three wrong cleaning methods:
- Myth 1: Boiling water can sanitize sex toys.Boiling water sounds like a powerful sanitizer, but high temperatures can cause TPE or ABS material to crack or deform.
- Myth 2: Alcohol is safe.Although alcohol kills bacteria, it dries out and weakens materials like silicone and TPE. It's hard to imagine that I thought I had taken great care of my toy, but it would suddenly crack or break one day!
- Myth 3: A quick rinse with water is enough.Rinsing might remove some surface dirt, but it won't do much to eliminate the bacteria, oils, or lubricants left behind. It would help if you had soap, a toy cleaner, or something more thorough.
How to Clean Your Sex Toys
Now that we know the importance of cleaning, let's learn how to clean toys properly. I promise it will take up only a little of your time. Follow the steps below, and your toys will look brand new quickly!
1. Turn Off and Remove Batteries
First thing: Make sure your toy is off. If your toy has batteries, remove them. If your toy is rechargeable, seal and dry the charging port before cleaning. Be sure to avoid the charging port for cleaning.
2. Apply cleaning solution
Please use a mild body wash, soap, or professional cleaning solution to apply to the toy, and give your sex toy a bubble bath by gently rubbing the toy with your hands. Avoid anything with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals — they could irritate your skin later.
Some toys, especially those with intricate shapes or moving parts, might require extra care. For example, rabbit vibrators or double-headed dildos may have crevices where bodily fluids can get trapped; wipe them carefully with a cotton swab or soft cloth. Never use a toothbrush or brush to clean them.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
After cleaning the toy, rinse it under lukewarm water. I suggest rinse under running water from the faucet, ensuring all the soap or cleaner is washed off. If you leave any behind, it could irritate your skin later. Remember, if your toy has any electronics or battery compartments, be careful not to get water inside them.
4. Dry the Toy
Drying your toy thoroughly is crucial to prevent moisture from lingering, which could cause bacteria growth. Use a clean or paper towel to pat the toy dry. Be gentle—don't rub or scrub the toy, as this can damage the surface. Alternatively, you can air-dry the toy by placing it on a towel in a well-ventilated area.
If your toy has an intricate design, such as multiple grooves or curves, you might need to use a folded towel or microfiber cloth to dry these areas carefully. Microfiber cloths are particularly effective at absorbing moisture and drying toys quickly without leaving fibers behind. When the toy is completely dry, you can put it away.
5. Disinfect (Optional)
If you want to go the extra mile, you can use a disinfectant spray for sex toys. Especially when you share your toys with a partner, disinfecting will provide additional protection. These sprays are designed to be body-safe and will kill harmful pathogens without damaging your toy. Follow the instructions on the spray and let it sit for a few minutes before storing.
6. Store Your Toy Properly
After your toy is clean and dry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Many toys come with storage bags. If not, you can protect the toy with a soft cloth bag or case. Avoid storing toys in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause bacteria to grow.
For silicone, latex, or TPE toys, try storing them separately to prevent the materials from reacting.
Considerations for Different Materials
Sex toy care varies by material, so here's a quick guide to cleaning the most common materials:
- Silicone: Silicone is easy to clean and is non-porous, meaning it doesn't absorb bacteria. You can wash it with soap and water or boil it for 3-5 minutes for a deeper clean. Some silicone toys are dishwasher-safe but always check the instructions first.
- ABS Plastic: ABS plastic is rigid and non-porous, making it easy to clean. Soap and water will do the trick. Be careful not to use boiling water, which could damage the plastic.
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): While soft and flexible, TPE is porous, so clean’s a little trickier. Use mild soap and warm water, and avoid boiling or using alcohol. If you want to extend its lifespan, consider using a toy cleaner.
- Jelly Rubber: Jelly rubber is soft but porous, which can trap bacteria. Clean jelly toys with mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals. Remember that these toys can wear out more quickly, especially if they contain harmful chemicals.
- Glass and Stainless Steel: Glass and stainless steel are easy to clean. They're non-porous and resistant to bacteria. Soap and water are usually enough, but you can boil them for a deeper clean.
How Often Should You Clean Your Toys?
To stay safe, clean your toys before and after every use. This helps keep bacteria and germs away. Even if you use a condom or toy cover, always wash it afterward. If you don’t use the toy often, wash it every few weeks to avoid dust, dirt, or leftover lubricant.
Additional Tips for Your Toys
- Inspect your toys: Check your toys regularly for any cracks, tears, or discoloration. If you find damage, don't use the toy anymore. Replacing it is the safest option.
- Use the proper lubricant: You should learn the best lubricant for you. Water-based lubricants work for most people; they are gentle, easy to clean, and won't damage toys. Silicone-based lubricants cannot be used on silicone toy surfaces but stay moisturized in water longer. Oil-based lubricants are difficult to clean and potentially damage silicone and rubber materials.
- Avoid sharing your toys: If you do share your toys, clean them thoroughly between uses, and consider using condoms or other protective barriers to reduce the risk of infections.
A Quick Review
By keeping your toys clean, you'll protect your health, enjoy your toys for a longer time, and make every intimate moment safe and fun.
- Clean sex toys regularly and prevent infection: Unclean toys can harbor bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause diseases like UTIs (urinary tract infections), yeast infections, or even skin irritation. It would help if you washed toys before and after each use.
- Safe materials and proper cleaning methods: Non-porous materials such as silicone are less likely to harbor bacteria than porous materials such as rubber. Different materials require different cleaning methods, so please check the instructions.
- Even adventurous passions must be healthy: Use condoms when sharing sex toys; store sex toys properly; use lubricants to prevent friction; and read the instructions on sex toys.