How To Clean My Sex Toys?
July 25, 2017
One question we get a lot is, “How should I clean my sex toys?”. It is actually a very good question and surprisingly not as straight forward as you would initially think. When you consider the hazards of not cleaning your toys, using the wrong type of lube or storing them incorrectly which can lead to issues that include a shorter toy life span or risk of an infection for you. It becomes plainly obvious we need to organise our sex toy cleaning routines.
Wash your toys regularly
The most obvious step is of course to thoroughly wash you sex toys after every session. Toys that are regularly washed will not only be clean, fresh and hygienic each and every time you reach for them but will actually last a lot longer. The risks associated with not washing them or perhaps leaving it for later is discoloration and/or degradation of the toys material and bacterial contamination. We understand that post sex clean up is not always priority #1 and you certainly have time to bath in that post orgasmic glow. Just don’t leave it too long and make sure it gets done. That way you’re sure to enjoy the benefits of a clean and long lasting toy.
Never throw an unwashed toy back in with the rest
Perhaps its a knock at the door or ring of your phone that triggers an abrupt ending or maybe you’ve just had a long day. It’s times like this where it can be very easy to throw an unwashed toy back in with the rest and unfortunately this is just about the worst thing you can do. The unwashed toy will contaminate the clean ones as well as your storage container with bacteria. If it’s not possible to wash your toy at that moment then put it in a suitable place (we recommend a sink) to remind you to get to it in the near future.
Choose the right cleaner
The cleaner you choose will depend on the material your sex toy is made from and if it is porous or non-porous.
Non-porous materials: Glass, Pyrex, Stainless steel and Silicone are all examples of non-porous materials and can be cleaned with as little effort as a spray on toy cleaner and the wipe of a clean cloth. Of course you’re free to give them a vigorous scrubbing too. Glass, Pyrex, Stainless steel and Silicone toys can also be placed in the dishwasher delivering an effortless sparkling clean every time.
Porous materials: Latex (rubber), Thermoplastics (TPE), Neoprene, Nylon, Vinyl (PVC) and Leather are all examples of porous materials and require a thorough wash with plenty of soap and water. This is due to their porous surface which collects and houses bacteria if not properly cleaned after use. We recommend the use of fragrant free soap with warm water. Just be aware that porous materials can be affected by temperature so make sure the water is not too warm.
Battery operated toys
It sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many have done it. If your doing anything more than spraying it with toy cleaner and wiping with a clean cloth then make sure you remove the batteries first. It’s also generally not a good idea to submerge any battery operated toys unless they have been certified fully waterproof. So discover what material your toy is made from, read the manufacturers specs and develop a cleaning routine that is safe for the toy and ultimately you.
Choose the right lube
You may think the choice of lube would be purely dependent on what characteristic best suit you. This is largely true but for the health of your toys certain rules must be obeyed when using lube with sex toys.
Silicone toys: Don’t use silicone or oil-based lube with silicone toys. Overtime they will actually breakdown the silicone in your toy rendering it useless and may give it a tacky feeling. Use your favourite water-based or hybrid lube instead and of course make sure to clean your toy regularly.
If your ever unsure about what lube you should use simply adopt your favourite water based lube as this is compatible with virtually every kind of sex toy regardless of what material it is made of.
Where should I store my toys
Sex toys are highly personal items that we use in and on various intimate areas of our bodies. Despite the amazing role they play in our love life the two most common places that people store them are in their bottom bedside drawer with many other random possessions and under the bed. Just think for a moment as to when the last time your bottom drawer was emptied and thoroughly cleaned or perhaps when your carpet under the bed was shampooed and vacuumed. If you can’t remember then don’t worry we’ve provided some suggestions below to better organise your toys.
The bottom drawer: Or any drawer for that matter is a convenient sex toy storage option but you need to organise your toys so they are not touching other random objects. Toy bags or even the boxes they came in can be used to physically separate them from other objects and help to keep them clean. Drawers also need to be given a quick wipe down regularly to ensure you are maintaining a hygienic storage space in which to keep your toys in.
Under your bed: If under the bed is for you then just be sure to grab yourself a storage container that can fit under your bed and safety house all your toys. Again toy bags and product boxes are great to keep objects separated and you’ll need to give the storage box a wipe down to ensure its kept hygienic.
Now that you’ve organised your toy cleaning routine there is nothing left to do but enjoy yourself!
The sexEstore team - Your online sex toy store
3 responses to “How To Clean My Sex Toys?”
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Yup unfortunately I must say I have had some ‘toxic surprises’ in my bottom drawer before. I’m much better now at keeping my toys clean and can’t agree more with your lessons.
I had 2 sex toys that fused together once while living in my bottom drawer. Definitely remember to store them correctly and in a clean place.
Thanks, I followed some of your advice and my sex toys are now much better organised and always ‘READY FOR ACTION’.