How to Clean Your Sex Toys Properly

It is important to know how to properly clean sex toys like vibrators, masturbators, and anal toys. Because they come in direct contact with bodily fluids it is crucial to clean them appropriately.

Using unclean sex toys can potentially introduce unwanted bacteria or other pathogens—like fungi—into the vulvar-vaginal environment can lead to the overgrowth of bacteria known as bacterial vaginosis or cause a urinary tract infection that's why cleaning sex toys is a necessary skill to learn, and one that most could stand to exercise more often. After all, the devices get extra intimate with the genital region

When you use unclean sex toys, it can potentially introduce unwanted bacteria or other pathogens such as fungi into the vaginal environment which can lead to bacteria overgrowth. This can cause bacterial vaginosis or even a urinary tract infection. This is why cleaning sex toys is a necessary skill to learn, and one that should be practiced frequently.

Sex toys are made from different materials but they are often divided into two categories: porous and nonporous. Porous materials contain microscopic holes and may be more prone to harboring bacteria than nonporous materials, leading to vaginal microbiome dysbiosis. Porous materials are more likely to contain germs, even after cleaning and drying, therefore use a condom with these materials or choose nonporous toys. Fabric, leather, hard plastic, and rubber, especially thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, and jelly rubber, are examples of porous materials. Nonporous materials, such as silicone, metal, and glass, are usually easier to clean thoroughly.

If you want to know what your toy is made of, go to the sex toy company's website or check for the instruction manual that came with your toy to find out. Many companies additionally provide manuals and cleaning instructions for your toy. In general, follow the instructions provided by the company for that specific product. The following is a list of the most popular materials used for sex toys, as well as instructions on how to clean each one.

ABS plastic is a nonporous material. Warm water and soap or sex toy cleaning can be used to clean it. It must be kept in a lint-free cloth bag.

Cotton is a porous material. It can be washed with cold water and soap and placed in any clean container or drawer.

Crystal, stone, and wood are nonporous. Use soap and warm water. Store in a lint-free cloth bag.

Glass, Pyrex, silicone, and stainless steel are nonporous. Warm water and soap or sex toy cleanser should be used. For nonmotorized: use hot water to sterilize. Store in any clean container, such as a lint-free cloth bag, cushioned container, silicone, or stainless steel.

Jelly rubber, elastomer, latex, and Cyberskin are porous. Soapy washcloths and room-temperature water should be used. Store each item separately in a lint-free cloth bag or nonplastic container.

Leather is a porous material. Spot cleaning with a moist, soapy cloth is recommended. Avoid keeping it in plastic and store it in a cold, dry area.

PVC and vinyl are porous. Warm water and a soapy washcloth are recommended. Place it in a lint-free fabric bag to store it.

Nylon is a nonporous material. Wash with soap by hand or use a machine and store in a clean container or drawer.

Toys must be cleaned before and after every use. Cleaning your sex toy before and after usage is recommended for maximum hygiene. If sex toys are not properly cleaned and stored, they can rapidly shift from pleasure to pain. Before you begin cleaning, do some research or read the manufacturer's instructions to learn about the product's materials and recommended procedures for maintaining it in good condition.

Checkout our sex toys cleaner and make sure your toys are safe and clean before and after using to get the best experience!