Cleanliness is important in everything that you do if you want to remain healthy. This is true whether it’s taking daily showers to keep your body clean, washing your clothes and bedsheets, or washing your pleasure products. While it should go without saying that you need to clean your sex toys properly, knowing how to clean them properly is not always well-known. This can lead to some mistakes that you will want to avoid.
Clean New toys
When you order a new pleasure product online or buy one from a local store, you might think that you don’t have to wash it since it’s brand new. However, this is a mistake. Don’t worry; you aren’t buying used sex toys—and never do that by the way. However, the new toys should be cleaned when you get them and before the first use. They are not manufactured in a sterile environment, which means there could be dust, germs, or bacteria on them even though they are new and right out of the package.
Know the Material
Before you can properly clean the pleasure products, you need to know the materials that were used in their creation. For example, you want to know whether they are porous or nonporous. To be honest, it’s generally a good idea to stay away from porous toys because it is more common for them to grow bacteria even after they have been cleaned. If you have a porous toy that you love, such as a dildo, consider putting a condom on it when using it. This might sound strange, but it will help to keep it clean.
Ideally, though, you will be opting for nonporous toys. They are easier to keep clean. These types of products will often be made from materials like medical-grade silicone, glass, Pyrex, and medical-grade stainless steel.
Cleaning Tips for Different Material
If you have a toy made from silicone, stainless steel, wood, or glass, and it is motorized, you will want to use mild antibacterial soap and a damp cloth to wipe it clean. Make sure that any motorized toy you get is waterproof, as well. Otherwise, you will risk damaging it when you are cleaning. You should be sure that you are using unscented soap for this. Scented soap could cause problems with the natural microbial environment in the vagina.
Those who have toys made from materials like Pyrex, stainless steel, silicone, or stone that are not motorized can clean using the above method. However, it is also possible to put them into boiling water for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that they have been fully sterilized.
Of course, you will also find that many of the sex toys on the market will come with instructions on how to properly clean the toy. It’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you do not damage the toy when cleaning it.
It is also possible to find cleaners that are made specifically for sex toys. This can be a good option to consider, but you need to be sure that you are choosing the right type of cleaners. Choose water-based cleaners rather than oil or silicone-based cleaners. Those types of cleaners could break down silicone and other materials, which could damage your toys. You will find many brands on the market. Just make sure they are safe to use with your toys.
Dry Them Off
After you have washed your pleasure product, regardless of what type of toy it might be, you will want to make sure it is properly dried before putting it away. If it isn’t dry, it could develop bacteria or other issues. Dry it with a cloth that doesn’t leave any lint or pieces of fabric on the toy. You don’t want to pull out the toy later when you want to use it only to find out that it has little lint balls all over it.
Proper Storage is Important, Too
After you have cleaned the toys, you want to be sure that they stay clean. You never just want to toss them into the nightstand or dresser drawer. It’s not a matter of embarrassment, but a matter of keeping it clean. Proper storage is essential for this.
You have a few options when it comes to keeping the toy clean. You could store it in the original packaging, for example. However, if the packaging is not also clean, it could transfer germs. If it has a plastic container, wipe it down using the same technique with a damp cloth and unscented antimicrobial soap.
You might also want to consider getting a special case that’s especially for the toy. This might be a case, a silk bag, or something similar. If you choose this option, you will want to make sure that you get something that closes properly to reduce the risk of germs, bacteria, or dust getting onto the toy.
Then, choose somewhere to store the toy where it will be safe. As long as it is protected, you could keep it in the drawer in the nightstand, in the bathroom cabinet, or a dresser drawer. Choose a spot where you feel comfortable and where it will be easy to access. However, make sure that you aren’t storing it in the same location as where you keep oils or perfumes. This way, you won’t run the risk of the toy picking up any elements that could irritate your body when you are using the toy. It also ensures that none of those items causes any damage to the toy.
A Little Cleaning Goes a Long Way
Your pleasure products should be given the same care and attention that you would give to other items you own and want to keep in good condition. Since you will be using these toys for intimate purposes either alone or with a partner, it’s even more important to ensure they are kept clean. With the tips above, you will not have any problem keeping them in great shape.
