How to Clean Your Sex Toys: An In-Depth Guide

Think about it: you wouldn’t wear the same underwear for days on end, so it’s just as important to clean your sex toys after each use. Fortunately, cleaning your toys is quick and easy, especially if you know how to do it based on the material.

Why is Cleaning Sex Toys Important?

Keeping your sex toys clean is essential for safe and enjoyable use, every time. Whether it’s a long session or a quick solo moment, washing your toys after each use is a must. This is particularly crucial for toys used anally, as they can harbor more harmful bacteria.

Unwashed toys can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to issues like fungal infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or even bacterial vaginosis. UTIs, in particular, occur when bacteria enter the urethra, and dirty toys make it easy for this to happen. Left untreated, these infections can cause serious health complications like sepsis or organ damage. Fungal infections can also spread between partners and may require long-term treatment.

If you share toys with others, unwashed toys can transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs are usually spread through skin contact and bodily fluids, but they can also be transmitted through uncleaned toys. To avoid this, always clean your toys after each use, especially when sharing with a partner.

Certain toy materials, like porous ones, can absorb bacteria more easily, making them more likely to transmit infections. Be sure to clean these thoroughly and always follow the care instructions for each toy.

In short, cleaning your toys after each use is a simple step to keep yourself safe. Just like you prioritize daily hygiene, prioritizing sex toy cleanliness will keep your body healthy and your toys ready to go when the mood strikes.

How to Clean Sex Toys Based on Their Material

Knowing how to properly clean your sex toys ensures both your safety and the longevity of your toys. Different materials require specific care, so here’s a guide to help you out:

Silicone

Silicone is a favorite material for sex toys due to its soft, skin-like feel. Cleaning silicone toys is easy — simply use mild soap and warm water, or a dedicated sex toy cleaner. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue and dry them with a clean cloth. Nonmotorized silicone toys can even be boiled or put in the dishwasher. If your toy has a motor, stick to rinsing it unless it’s labeled as waterproof.

Glass

Glass sex toys are nonporous, just like silicone, making them easy to clean. Use a sex toy cleaner, mild soap, and water, or even rubbing alcohol followed by a rinse. You can also boil or put them in the dishwasher. After washing, air-dry the toy and store it in a padded container to avoid chips or cracks.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel toys are sleek and durable, requiring only a quick wash with antibacterial soap and warm water. They can also be boiled or put in the dishwasher. Just be sure not to submerge motorized toys. After cleaning, dry them thoroughly and store them safely.

Crystal

Crystal toys may look delicate, but they can last a long time with the right care. Wash them with mild soap and warm water, or use a vinegar or salt-water solution. Avoid using hot water, and store them carefully to prevent damage.

Polished Wood

Polished wood toys require special care depending on their finish. Most have a body-safe coating, but this can wear off over time, so check the toy before and after each use. Clean these toys with a soft cloth and mild soap, dry them immediately, and store them in a fabric bag or padded case.

ABS Plastic

ABS plastic toys are durable and easy to clean. Wash them with soap and warm water or a toy cleaner, rinse well, and dry them thoroughly. Avoid using alcohol if the toy has a polyurethane coating. Store the toy in a fabric bag when not in use.

Non-Waterproof Toys

Non-waterproof toys need extra caution during cleaning. Instead of submerging them, use a damp cloth with mild soap or a toy cleaner. Be sure to avoid getting the internal components wet, and dry the toy carefully to ensure it remains in good working order.

Also Read：

How to Clean a Dildo

How to Clean Pocket Pussy

How To Clean Anal Toys?

Battery-Powered and Vibrating Toys

Battery-powered and vibrating toys require a bit more caution. Here’s how to clean them:

1. Remove Batteries: Always remove the batteries before cleaning.
2. Avoid Submerging: Do not submerge these toys unless specified by the manufacturer. Instead, clean the parts that come into contact with your body.
3. Wipe Thoroughly: Use a damp cloth or a body-safe wipe to clean the surface. Pay special attention to the areas around buttons and seams.
4. Dry and Reassemble: Ensure the toy is completely dry before reinserting the batteries.

UV Light for Cleaning Sex Toys

Advancements in technology have brought us UV light cleaning options for sex toys. UV light effectively eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens without chemicals. You can buy UV sanitizing chambers or pouches, place your toy inside, and let the UV rays disinfect it for you.

Choosing the Right Sex Toy Cleaner

While soap and water work well for cleaning, specialized sex toy cleaners are great for on-the-go cleaning. However, not all toy cleaners are created equal. Always check the ingredients to ensure they’re safe for your toy’s material and won’t irritate your skin.

Conclusion

By keeping your toys clean, you’re not only protecting your health but also prolonging the life of your favorite gadgets. So, make toy hygiene a priority — it’s a small effort for a lot of peace of mind!