How do I clean my Sex Toy - Sex Toy Guide Part 4

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT SEX TOY

Part 4: Cleaning & Hygiene

Your Questions …

What is the best way to clean my sex toys?

Do I need to wash my sex toys before and after use?

How can I clean my sex toys without damaging them?

How can I keep my sex toys safe to use?

How should I store my sex toys? 

 Answered.

Welcome back, our beautiful readers! We’re on the last section of our four-part series on How to Choose the Perfect Sex Toy. 

Part 1: Sex Toy Materials

Part 2: Sex Toy Functions

Part 3: Choosing a Lubricant 

Part 4: Cleaning & Hygiene

Today is all about how you can clean your toys, so they stay in tiptop shape. Let’s get out there and massacre some germs in the name of sexual safety!

Like many things in life, there is no one size fits all cleaning method. It varies based on what material your toy is made out of. The most important factor here is if it is made of porous materials or non-porous materials. 

Also, consider whether or not the toy is motorized or non-motorized (See Part 2: Sex Toy Functions for further details.) If you’re unsure then simply go on the manufacturer’s website to find details.

As a rule of thumb, the majority of toys can be washed in hot water with a mild, unscented antibacterial hand soap. 

Also, getting a specific water-based toy cleaner is a great choice. You can find these at any adult store or on our website. Silicone-based or oil-based cleaners are not advised as they can break down toy materials. 

Just spritz the toy cleaner all over the toy, wait a few minutes and then give them a rinse!

***Pro-Tip*** Many toys have very specific care instructions so be certain to read all of the manufacture’s details! They’re there for a reason!

However, due to the variations in materials and wanting to keep you clean, safe and sexy, we have some specific instructions for you all!

Motorized glass, silicone, stainless steel or wood:

Use any antibacterial hand or body soap (unscented) and hot water to clean it. 

Alternatively, you can always use that toy cleaner you picked up from our shop. 

Use a damp cloth to wipe it clean and then lay it out to dry. 

If the toy is 100% water submersible, you can let the toy soak in room temperature vinegar for a few hours to kill any odours that may be lurking around. 

Non-Motorized Pyrex, stainless steel or natural stone

You can follow the same instructions from above for these guys or treat your sexy self to a much deeper clean.

 Place the toy in boiling water for roughly 5-10 minutes. This will sterilize the toy completely. If they have any hint of an odour, you can add a little dash of white vinegar into the water. 

If that isn’t’ enough to remove the odour, then you can soak the toy in room temperature vinegar for a few hours. 

Alternatively, these can be run through your dishwasher without soap. Keep these goodies on the top rack and enjoy the bacteria-killing benefits of steam.

Hard plastic, elastomer, TPR, or jelly rubber

Since these toys are often porous, some sneaky bacteria can always be hiding no matter how well you clean them. If these aren’t “body-safe” then, unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot you can do.

You can still use antibacterial, unscented soap and hot water or a toy cleaner, however, we strongly recommend using a condom on or in the toy, just to be safe. We encourage users of these products to switch over to a safer material.

Masturbators or Pocket Pussies

These usually have specific instructions designed by the manufacturer and vary from model to model. 

Many of them can be cleaned with antibacterial soap and warm water or a toy cleaner. They must be dried thoroughly. 

Cyberskin and Vinyl

These are commonly used for dildos; however, they require some special care which is why they aren’t our first choice. 

Be very delicate and clean them with warm water only.

 After air drying, use a small amount of corn-starch or cornflour to keep these from getting sticky while in storage (wash it off before use.) 

Nylon

You’ll find this material in lots of impact play toys or strap on sets. 

If it’s made out of nylon, then it should be hand-washed with mild antibacterial soap and warm water. 

Leather

Like with leather jackets or assless chaps, wipe all leather products down with a soapy, damp cloth or a leather cleaner. 

Consider using a leather conditioner afterward to keep these pricey products in top shape.

 If you’re worried about any metal tarnishing, apply a coat of clear nail polish to protect while cleaning. 

***Pro-Tip*** Remember to never scrub your toys with anything abrasive. This could turn a safe, non-porous surface into a porous surface very quickly!

Great question! There are several obvious to think about this before buying a toy. Reasons like cleanliness, damage and discretion are usually at the forefront. Let’s protect that investment in pleasure.

After cleaning them and before packing them away, make sure they are 110% dry. To do this, simply leave the toys out on a clean towel for a while to make sure they air dry. Do not blow-dry your toys.

When you leave them even just a little bit damp, you leave them at risk for bacterial visitations or even breaking down the material. 

Furthermore, do not store them in plastic bags. Plastic bags make a wonderful humid atmosphere that is excellent for bacterial growth. 

There are countless options for where to put the toys once they’re cleaned. It is best to keep the toys from touching each other during storage. Doing this prevents the toys from spreading potential bacteria from one to another. Silk bags (especially washable ones) or small boxes are ideal. 

If you’re worried about them being “found,” get creative! Obviously, a locked drawer will do but also consider less conventional options like on top of a wardrobe or in a safe disguised as a book.

The answer here is always yes. Is it worth taking a risk of getting a UTI or yeast infection? We guessed not. 

Even if you cleaned it after your last use, you may have missed a spot.

No matter where you’re storing your toys, odds are there is a risk that germs will still find their way inside. 

So treat your pleasure providing bits with some care and wash toys before and immediately after use. 

Congratulations on your freshly cleaned and properly stored toys! Feel free to ask our Sexperts if you have any more questions. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends or on social media using the @myamorashop Instagram tag. 

Get out there, get in there and get off there! 

Elaine S. Turner

Sex Coach, Clinical Sexologist and Sexuality Educator

Sydney, Australia

August 2020

Works Cited

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Brown University. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2020, from https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/health/services/promotion/content/whats-best-way-clean-sex-toys

Dealer, J. (2018, March 23). How to Clean & Store Your Sex Toys 101. Retrieved August 11, 2020, from https://tabooless.net/guides/how-to-clean-sex-toys-101/

Miller, T. (2014, February 15). Clean Your Sex Toys Properly Based On Material (NSFW). Retrieved August 11, 2020, from https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2014/02/clean-your-sex-toys-properly-based-on-material/

Sweeten, M. (2019, December 25). How To Clean Sex Toys So Your Pussy Stays Happy. Retrieved August 11, 2020, from https://beducated.com/mag/how-to-clean-sex-toys/

Underhill, A. (2017, July 17). The Essential Guide to Cleaning Your Sex Toys (Yes, There's a Right Way to Do It!). Retrieved August 11, 2020, from https://www.health.com/condition/sexual-health/clean-your-sex-toys

Vannier, C., & Vannier, K. (n.d.). How to Properly Maintain and Store Your Sex Toys. Retrieved August 11, 2020, from http://www.hitchedmag.com/article.php?id=2474

Ways, J. (2019, July 12). Sex Toy Storage 101: The Best Sex Toy Bags/Boxes, and How Hide Your Toys. Retrieved August 11, 2020, from https://sextoycollective.com/storage/