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Learn how to properly clean, disinfect, and store your adult toys to ensure hygiene and longevity. Understand material-specific care for silicone, glass, metal, and more. Protect your health and enjoy your toys safely.
After a satisfying intimate session, the last thing on your mind might be cleaning up your adult toys. However, neglecting this simple step can have significant consequences for both your health and the lifespan of your beloved toys. Think of it this way: playing with an unclean sex toy is a bit like finding a forgotten mint at the bottom of your gym bag – it’s probably covered in gunk and not something you want near your sensitive areas. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of cleaning, disinfecting, and properly storing your adult toys, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience every time.
It might seem like a hassle, but cleaning your sex toys after every use is vital. Unclean toys can harbour bacteria, leading to potential infections. Beyond that, they can accumulate dust, lint, and other debris that you definitely don't want introduced into your body. If you have pets, this 'other debris' can also include pet hair, which has a way of sticking to everything. Depending on what the toy has been exposed to, and especially if you've shared it with others, you could be at risk for bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. This includes the potential for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other unpleasant illnesses, like gastrointestinal infections. While this might sound alarming, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. At a minimum, your toys should be washed immediately after use, and before and after sharing.
Different materials require different cleaning methods. The packaging of any sex toy should list its materials. If it doesn't, consider it a red flag, as it might not be body-safe. Some packages might state 'for novelty use only,' which can indicate the manufacturer is trying to bypass safety standards. Toys designated as 'medical grade' generally ensure the highest quality and safety. If you've lost the original packaging, you can often find details online by searching the product name or visiting the retailer's website. You can also sometimes identify the material by its feel – ABS plastic is hard, jelly toys are soft and flexible, and latex and rubber have a distinct smell.
High-quality, 100% silicone toys, glass, and steel toys can be cleaned effectively with liquid soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. After washing, allow them to air dry completely. For non-vibrating silicone toys, such as dildos or butt plugs, you can take an extra step to sanitize them thoroughly by boiling them in water for up to 3 minutes. Always ensure the toy is fully submerged and doesn't touch the sides of the pot.
These materials can be more porous and may not be as body-safe as silicone or glass. They often require a gentler cleaning approach. Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or boiling, as these can degrade the material and potentially introduce harmful substances. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly and allow them to air dry completely.
Toys made from ABS plastic or metal (like stainless steel) are generally non-porous and easier to clean. Wash them with warm water and antibacterial soap. For metal toys, ensure they are completely dry after washing to prevent rust or corrosion. These materials are usually durable and can withstand regular cleaning.
The care for these materials can vary depending on whether they are porous or non-porous, and if they have any coatings. For non-porous glass and stone, warm water and soap are usually sufficient. If a toy is porous, clean it with room temperature water and a mild soap. Wood toys require special attention; they should not be submerged in water. Clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap, and dry them immediately. Some wood toys may also have a coating; check the manufacturer's instructions.
If your toy is made from a combination of materials, you need to care for each component according to its specific needs. For instance, never submerge a motorized toy in water, even if parts of it are silicone. Similarly, if a silicone ball gag has a non-silicone strap, do not boil the entire toy.
As soon as possible after you've finished, rinse the toy under warm running water to remove any immediate residue. Then, use a mild, unscented soap or a dedicated sex toy cleaner. Gently scrub the entire surface of the toy. For toys with intricate parts or textures, a soft brush (like a toothbrush dedicated solely to toy cleaning) can be helpful.
Ensure all soap residue is washed away. Leftover soap can irritate sensitive skin or degrade the toy's material over time.
For non-porous materials like 100% silicone, glass, or stainless steel, you can disinfect by boiling (as mentioned for silicone) or by using a disinfectant solution. A 70% isopropyl alcohol solution can be used for quick disinfection on non-porous toys, but ensure it's rinsed off thoroughly afterwards. For porous toys, disinfection is more challenging. Boiling is not an option. A mild soap and water wash is the primary method. Some experts recommend specific toy disinfectants available on the market.
Moisture can encourage bacterial growth. After washing and rinsing, pat the toy gently with a lint-free cloth or allow it to air dry completely on a clean surface. Do not use paper towels, as they can leave lint behind.
Once your toys are clean and dry, proper storage is key. Avoid storing toys together, especially if they are made of different materials, as some materials can react with each other and degrade. Store each toy in its own breathable pouch (like a satin or cotton bag) or its original box if it's designed for storage. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. A dedicated drawer or a storage case works well. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and prevent the toy from breathing.
Rina recently bought a new silicone vibrator and enjoyed using it. After her session, she quickly rinsed it and put it back in her nightstand drawer, intending to wash it properly later. A few days later, she reached for it again, only to find a slightly sticky residue and a faint musty smell. She realised she had neglected the crucial step of thorough cleaning and drying, and now she was concerned about hygiene and potential damage to her toy.
While proper cleaning significantly reduces risks, if you experience any unusual symptoms after using a sex toy, such as unusual discharge, itching, burning, or pain, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. These could be signs of an infection, and prompt medical attention is necessary.
For most toys, a mild, unscented soap is acceptable. However, dedicated sex toy cleaners are formulated to be safe for various materials and often have better cleaning properties. Avoid harsh or perfumed soaps, as they can irritate sensitive skin or damage the toy.
You should clean your sex toys every time you use them, ideally immediately after use, and before and after sharing.
Jelly toys can be more porous. Clean them with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Avoid boiling or using harsh disinfectants.
Yes, but always check the compatibility of your lubricant with your toy's material. Water-based lubricants are generally safe for all toy materials. Silicone-based lubricants should not be used with silicone toys, as they can degrade the material. Oil-based lubricants can also degrade certain materials like latex and rubber.
'Medical grade' typically refers to materials that meet stringent safety and purity standards, similar to those used in medical devices. This usually indicates a high-quality, body-safe material like medical-grade silicone or stainless steel.
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