As a professional sex toy tester, I've had the opportunity to try out a wide variety of intimate products. One of the most important aspects of using sex toys is proper cleaning and maintenance. Keeping your toys clean and well-cared for not only extends their lifespan but also ensures your safety and hygiene. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share my pro tips on how to clean sex toys effectively, no matter the material or type.
Understand the Material
The first step in cleaning your sex toys is to identify the material they're made of. This will determine the best cleaning method to use. Sex toys can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and cleaning requirements.
Non-Porous Materials
Non-porous materials are the easiest to clean and disinfect. These include:
Medical-Grade Silicone
Silicone is a popular and body-safe material for sex toys. It's non-porous, durable, and easy to clean. You can use mild soap and water, or a specialized sex toy cleaner, to keep silicone toys sanitized.
Borosilicate Glass
Glass toys are also non-porous and can be thoroughly cleaned. You can use warm, soapy water or a sex toy cleaner to disinfect them.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another non-porous material that's easy to clean. You can use warm, soapy water or a sex toy cleaner to keep your steel toys in top condition.
Wood Toys
Wooden sex toys, if properly sealed, can also be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid submerging them in water, and be gentle when cleaning.
ABS Plastic
ABS plastic is a common material for sex toys. It's non-porous and can be cleaned with mild soap and water or a sex toy cleaner.
Porous Materials
Porous materials, on the other hand, can be more challenging to clean and disinfect. These include:
Acrylic
Acrylic toys are porous and can harbor bacteria. They should be cleaned with a specialized sex toy cleaner or replaced regularly.
Cyberskin/Ultraskin/Softskin
These soft, lifelike materials are porous and can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Use a gentle, water-based cleaner and avoid submerging them in water.
Elastomer/TPR/TPE
These flexible materials are porous and can be tricky to clean. Use a specialized sex toy cleaner and avoid submerging them in water.
Jelly
Jelly toys are highly porous and can be breeding grounds for bacteria. It's best to avoid these materials and opt for non-porous alternatives.
Leather
Leather toys can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a mild leather cleaner. Avoid submerging them in water.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a porous material that requires special care. Use a specialized sex toy cleaner and avoid submerging it in water.
Nylon
Nylon is a porous material that should be cleaned with a specialized sex toy cleaner.
Vinyl
Vinyl toys are porous and can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Use a specialized sex toy cleaner and replace them regularly.
Cleaning Techniques
Now that you know the materials your sex toys are made of, let's dive into the cleaning techniques:
Cleaning Non-Porous Toys
For non-porous toys, such as silicone, glass, and stainless steel, you can use the following methods:
- Wash with mild soap and warm water: Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water to gently clean the toy. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive materials.
- Use a specialized sex toy cleaner: There are many specialized sex toy cleaners available that are designed to disinfect and sanitize your toys without damaging the material.
- Boil the toy: For a thorough disinfection, you can boil non-porous toys in water for 3-5 minutes. This will kill any bacteria or germs.
- Use a UV light sanitizer: Some sex toy cleaners use UV light to sanitize the toys, which is an effective way to kill bacteria without the use of chemicals.
Cleaning Porous Toys
Porous toys, such as those made from acrylic, cyberskin, or elastomer, require a more delicate approach:
- Use a specialized sex toy cleaner: Look for cleaners that are specifically formulated for porous materials. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soap, as they can damage the toy.
- Avoid submerging in water: Porous materials can absorb water, which can harbor bacteria. Instead, use a damp cloth or spray the cleaner directly onto the toy.
- Air dry completely: Make sure to allow porous toys to air dry completely before storing or using them again.
- Replace regularly: Porous toys may need to be replaced more frequently, as they can't be fully disinfected like non-porous toys.
Additional Tips
- Always wash your hands before and after handling sex toys.
- Store your toys in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Avoid sharing sex toys with partners unless they have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- If a toy has any visible damage or cracks, it's best to replace it, as it can harbor bacteria.
- Consider using a condom with porous toys to help extend their lifespan and make cleaning easier.
Keeping your sex toys clean and well-maintained is essential for your health and safety. By following these pro tips, you can ensure that your intimate playtime is not only enjoyable but also hygienic. Happy cleaning!
How Often Should I Clean My Sex Toys?
The frequency of cleaning your sex toys really depends on how often you use them. As a general rule of thumb, you should clean your toys before and after each use. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, bodily fluids, and other contaminants that can harbor infections.
If you're sharing toys with a partner, it's especially important to clean them thoroughly between uses to prevent the transmission of STIs. Even if you're the only one using a toy, cleaning it after each session will keep it fresh and ready for next time.
What About Sex Toy Cleaners?
There are a variety of specialized sex toy cleaners on the market that are designed to safely and effectively clean your intimate products. These cleaners are formulated to be gentle on delicate materials while still killing 99.9% of bacteria.
Look for cleaners that are water-based, fragrance-free, and free of harsh chemicals like alcohol or bleach. I recommend Honeysx's own brand of sex toy cleaner - it's gentle, effective, and affordable.
Can I Clean Them In A Dishwasher?
While the dishwasher may seem like a convenient way to clean your sex toys, I generally don't recommend it. The high heat and harsh detergents can damage delicate materials like silicone, and you run the risk of cross-contamination with other dishes.
If you do choose to clean your toys in the dishwasher, make sure to use the top rack and a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid putting porous toys like jelly or TPE in the dishwasher, as they can harbor bacteria even after cleaning.
Can I Clean Them With UV light?
UV light sanitizers are becoming increasingly popular for cleaning sex toys. These devices use ultraviolet light to kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi without the use of harsh chemicals.
UV sanitizers are a great option for cleaning your toys, especially for hard, non-porous materials like glass or metal. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and allow the full recommended exposure time for effective sanitization.
How Can I Clean A Vibrating Model?
Cleaning vibrating or motorized sex toys requires a bit more care, as you don't want to submerge the entire toy in water or cleaning solution. Start by wiping down the exterior with a damp, lint-free cloth and your preferred sex toy cleaner.
Avoid getting any moisture inside the toy, as this can damage the motor and electronic components. For the insertable portion, you can use a small amount of cleaner on a soft, clean cloth to gently wipe it down.
How To Clean Anal Sex Toys?
Anal toys require extra attention when it comes to cleaning, as they can harbor more bacteria than toys used for vaginal play. Always use a dedicated anal toy cleaner and avoid cross-contamination with other toys.
Thoroughly wash the toy with warm, soapy water, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. Rinse it well and dry it completely before storing. You may also want to consider using a UV sanitizer for an extra level of cleanliness.
How Should I Store Them Correctly?
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to maintaining your sex toys. Always store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in plastic bags or containers, as this can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth.
For silicone toys, I recommend storing them in a fabric or velvet pouch to prevent scratches or damage to the material. Hard, non-porous toys can be stored in a clean, dry container.
Remember, taking the time to clean and store your sex toys properly will not only keep them in great condition, but it will also give you peace of mind and a safer, more enjoyable experience every time you use them. Happy (and hygienic) playtime!