5 Top Sex Toy Care and Maintenance Tips

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Sex toys are obviously built for fun and pleasure, but they need cleaning and proper maintenance, too. Being vigilant about toy hygiene protects you and your partners from getting nasty infections that can put a damper on your bedroom activities and possibly even endanger your health. Taking good care of your toys can also prolong their lifespans and ensure that you’ll have many more happy endings together.

But before you toss your toys into the sink or dunk them in a cleaning solution, you need to know how to clean them properly. Sex toys are often made of sensitive materials so that they’re safe and comfortable to use on your most intimate bits. Here are five things you can do to observe good sex toy hygiene.

 

Know What Material Was Used for Your Toy

Toys made of non-porous materials like silicone, metal, and borosilicate glass are the easiest to clean and least likely to harbor bacteria. Meanwhile, toys that feel very skin-like are likely to be made of porous materials like rubber and latex. These materials have microscopic holes that are difficult to clean so toys made from these materials need to be cleaned right after they are used and should not be shared with others.

You can buy dildos Philippines sex stores recommend as their bestsellers, but also consider your bedroom habits. If you use toys with your partners, opt for non-porous materials instead. Check the toy box labels or look up product details online to verify the type of materials used. If you’re buying something made of silicone or metal, also make sure that the materials used for your toy are medical grade.

 

Clean Toys the Right Way

Different types of material require different methods of cleaning. For best results, follow the cleaning instructions included with your toy. If none are available, you can use these general toy cleaning tips as a guide.

● If your toy uses batteries, remove them first before cleaning. Ensure that the battery or charger cap is covered and sealed properly when washing the toy.

● Soak toys made from nonporous materials in warm water. Rinse them off well.

● After rinsing, wipe nonporous mechanical toys with a warm, soapy cloth, then with a clean wet cloth to remove soapy residue.

● When cleaning porous materials, use a very diluted solution of warm water and soap, especially for toys with a skin-like feel. Always use a mild, unscented soap to avoid damaging the toy material.

● After washing, pat toys dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Make sure that the toy is fully dry before storing.

● Avoid using alcohol and other strong cleaning materials on your sex toys.

You can also purchase specialty toy cleaners like foams, sprays, and wipes. However, do make sure that the cleanser is water-based as products with silicones or oils can damage sex toys.

 

Clean Toys Before and After Each Use

Getting a new toy is always exciting but even if it’s fresh out of the box, you still need to clean it before every use, including the first time. Sex toys can collect dust and bacteria even when they’re not in use, so it pays to be cautious about items you’ll be using on your or your partner’s genitals.

Similarly, make sure to clean your toys after using them. You don’t necessarily have to start cleaning right after you finish. It’s okay to bask in that sex afterglow for a few minutes, then include toy cleanup when you resume your regular activities. Avoid putting off cleaning for too long because the longer the toy sits unwashed, the more bacteria is allowed to proliferate on its surface.

 

Use Protection with Toys

Dildos, vibrators, and other toys designed for penetration are best used with a condom. Even if you clean them very well, you want to minimize your risk of getting infections. Using protection is especially important if your toys are made from porous materials or if you share them with a partner.

Do make sure that you use the right kind of lubricant. Oil-based lubricant can only be used with non-latex condoms. Silicone-based lubricants can be safely used with most types of condoms but they can damage toy materials. Water-based lubricants are the safest to use with both toys and condoms. It’s best to avoid using other home items as lubricant alternatives as they can be risky for your health and cause damage to your sex toys.

 

Store Toys Properly

Once clean and fully dry, store your paraphernalia in a sealable container. You can store toys in the original packaging if they’re not too bulky. Otherwise, you can put them into a sealable bag or a plastic box with a lid. Some people prefer to get silk or satin pouches to make toys easier to bring along during travel. Whatever storage option you choose, make sure that it can keep your toys free from dust while they’re tucked away in your nightstand.

You share some of your most intimate moments with sex toys, literally. Proper care of these items not only ensures that you get to use them for a long time, but that you can also look forward to having a satisfying and safe sex session with them.