How to clean sex toys

Cleaning is essential for ensuring the safety of household items and improving their shelf life. In the same way it’s important to clean soiled towels, one wouldn’t use filthy cosmetic brushes or sponges without giving them a good rinse beforehand. Similarly, sex toys require that type of care even more frequently.

While cleaning sex toys UK users and those further afield might feel it’s a tedious task, once they understand the process, it becomes a simple undertaking. Moreover, it constitutes an essential component of safe sex, whether that’s enjoying the experience with a partner or alone, thereby avoiding the risk of contracting infections. The remainder of this article delves into how to clean sex toys effectively and maintain their optimal condition.

Reasons to clean sex toys

Bodily fluids, which can contain bacteria and other infections, come into contact with sex devices, so maintaining a clean environment keeps individuals and their partners safe and helps stop the transmission of illnesses. One can also increase sex toys’ longevity with proper care, which ultimately saves money. It’s important to know that clean toys work better and offer greater satisfaction and enjoyment.

How often?

How frequently toys are used will determine how often they need to be cleaned. Cleaning sex toys before and after every use is generally advised. This ensures they remain ready for action and uncontaminated by any potential threats.

How to clean different types of sex toys

1.   Silicone

Silicone sex toys come in different types, mainly medical-grade and others. Some types of silicone can be porous, while medical-grade silicone is not. If in doubt, it’s worth confirming details on the manufacturer’s website. It’s best to use a moist towel or warm, mild soapy water to clean nonporous silicone, and also check to see if any parts can be removed and wash them individually. If the silicone product is not motorised, it can also be submerged in boiling water for a more thorough cleaning.

2.   Metals and Pyrex glass

Nonporous materials include borosilicate glass, also known as Pyrex glass, certain kinds of glass, medical-grade stainless steel and gold. These call for a damp, soapy towel or warm, mild soap to clean occasionally. Users can also boil them underwater for three to four minutes to sterilise if the item is waterproof and not motorised.

3.   Crystal, stone and non-Pyrex glass

Except when they are properly sealed, these materials are typically porous. A damp, soapy towel should be used to clean them, or they should be washed with warm water and soap. Additionally, crystal and non-Pyrex glass are more sensitive to heat and boiling water is not recommended.

4.   Wood

Although wooden sex toys are frequently treated with a medical-grade coating to render them nonporous, it’s advised to always confirm with the particular manufacturer. Warm water and mild soap or a damp, soapy rag can be used to clean, and it might be worth considering cleaning on a cutting board made of wood.

5.   Digital skin and vinyl

Because excessive soap can cause these kinds of products to degrade, it’s important clean them with a tiny amount. Masturbation sleeves should be turned inside out when cleaning to get into all the crevices.

Vinyl and Cyberskin both have pores, and both could require a cornflour dusting after being cleaned. Studies have shown that this prevents the material from turning sticky or deteriorating quickly. It’s still best to check the directions to make sure.

6.   Plastics and rubber

The usual plastics employed in sex toys are porous, including thermoplastic elastomer (TPR), thermoplastic rubber (TPE), jelly rubber and others, so owners should use warm water and gentle soap to clean them. A toothbrush can be brought in to help release any trapped debris when trying to reach tiny cavities and cracks. Before storing any items, they should all be thoroughly dried with a fresh towel.

7.   Nylon

Sometimes nylon is used to make sex accessories like harnesses, impact toys or wearables. Durable nylon fabrics can be washed by hand with mild detergent and warm water, then hung to dry. Others can go in the washing machine.

8.   Leather

Harnesses, impact toys and wearable devices are frequently made from leather, which is a very porous material that can be challenging to keep clean. Here, it’s a good idea to wipe the fabric with a damp, soapy towel, then set it outside to air-dry. Users should make sure to clean every crevice – including the stitching – thoroughly.

How to store sex toys

It’s not a secret that proper storage of sex toys is a prerequisite for not only their longevity but also for users’ health and overall wellbeing. As a rule of thumb, one should find a dry and cool place for their naughty toys – a well-ventilated closet or a wardrobe can be a great storage option – and it’s advisable to invest in dedicated containers specifically suited for storing dildos, anal plugs, vibrators and other toys and accessories. For those who don’t want to spend money, though, a look in the cupboard will probably turn something up. Chances are there are some fabric bags, makeup or medication cases, or lonely socks lying around their home. These items can serve as ideal storage containers for an arsenal of adult toys!

It’s always important to keep the material in mind when deciding how to store toys – having several jelly items tightly stuck together is the last thing anyone wants, so users should be sure to keep toys separately to avoid any unexpected surprises. What’s more, separate storage is a healthier option. Individuals and their partners will be better off ensuring that sex toys intended for different uses don’t actually come in contact with each other. Last, but not least, it would be wise to remove batteries from all battery-operated devices when not in use. Storing batteries outside of favourite toys will save the hassle of dealing with the consequences of alkaline leakage.

Final thoughts

There’s no doubt that cleaning sex toys properly is the healthy way to go. However, individuals should remember the instructions provided by the manufacturer for any particular cleaning suggestions before washing a sex toy. Ensuring the disconnection of batteries from a sex toy if it is rechargeable or battery-operated before cleaning is important to guard against any harm to the electronic parts. Sex toys should be entirely dry after washing; alternatively, they can be left to air-dry before storing as mould or germs can grow more quickly in moist environments. To cap it all, keeping sex accessories clean, dry and out of the path of heat and sunshine is crucial. Also, considering separation and avoiding any possible material interactions by using distinct storage bags or containers is recommended.

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