After a mindblowing orgasm, one of the last things that you’d want to do is clean your sex toy. Right? You’re tired, your body could be a little sore, and you simply want to bask in the afterglow. But, tossing that dildo or vibrator back in your nightstand drawer without cleaning it can have detrimental effects not just on your toy but your health as well. So, let’s get down to business and talk about all things hygiene.

How do I maintain my sex toys and equipment?

Sex toys can make you feel absolutely fantastic, but cleaning them can admittedly be a chore. But just like washing your private area and peeing after sex, cleaning your toys is a healthy habit that every sexpert or sexplorer should maintain and develop.

The good news is that the upkeep of your sex toys doesn't have to be very complicated. Below are some expert tips to help keep your sex gear clean and ready for your next play session.

What is your sex toy made of?

Most sex toys can be cleaned by washing it with water and mild soap. However, the manner in which you’ll use water depends on the materials of your sex toy.

Some sex toys are made with waterproof materials. Knowing the water safety rating of your sex toy is the easiest step to figuring out the best way to clean it.

• IPX7 or waterproof toys can be safely washed with mild soap and water.
• IPX4 or splash-proof toys can handle getting only a little wet. You can wipe the surface with a soapy rag and give it a quick rinse.
• Non-waterproof toys must be only wiped down with a damp towel or washcloth. Don’t submerge these in water at all costs.

If the product manual doesn’t indicate its water safety rating, don’t worry! You can still determine the best way to clean the toy by checking whether it’s made with non-porous or porous materials.

NON-POROUS MATERIALS

In general, toys made from non-porous materials like silicone, ABS plastic, glass, stainless steel, and nylon can be safely washed with water and soap or any non-alcohol-based sex toy cleaner. Those made from nylon can even be machine washed.

Some toys made of glass, Pyrex, stainless steel, or silicone can also be sterilized in a dishwasher or using boiling water for a deeper clean. Make sure to check the manual or packaging to check if they are indeed dishwasher-safe and can withstand extreme temperatures.

POROUS MATERIALS

Porous toys made from cotton, leather, vinyl, PVC, latex, jelly rubber, elastomer, or cyberskin should not be soaked or submerged in water. Instead, they can be simply wiped down with a damp cloth.

Toys made from wood, crystal, or stone are usually porous but can become non-porous depending on the coating used. As usual, it is best to consult its packaging before attempting to clean the toy.

How to safely wash your sex toys

Now that you’ve determined the water safety rating and porosity of your sex toy, here’s a step-by-step guide on cleaning your waterproof sex toys:

• Remove any batteries
• For toys with deep crevices or grooves, use a dry soft brush to scrub off any debris on the surface.
• FOR WATERPROOF / NON-POROUS TOYS: Wash it with a mild soap and give it a gentle scrub using your hands or a washcloth. Rinse the toys with plain water until the soap has been completely washed off. Feel the surfaces for any slickness and repeat the steps as needed.
• FOR NON-WATERPROOF / POROUS TOYS: Wipe it down with a slightly damp, soapy washcloth. To rinse, grab a new clean towel and lightly dampen this with only water. Wipe the toy again until the slickness of the soap has been removed.
• Place the cleaned toys on a clean towel and leave them to air-dry. Leave the battery case open.

Regularly inspect sex toys for any tears, crevices, and openings where bacteria could hide. If the surface starts developing tears, either use a brush to clean those tiny gaps or replace the toy.

Of course, if you don’t have the time or the energy to give your toys a good thorough wash, you can always use a sex toy cleaner.

What are sex toy cleaners?

Sex toy cleaners are specifically formulated to clean your handy tool. Some have anti-bacterial, disinfecting, and deodorizing properties. Most are alcohol and fragrance free so you can be sure that they will not damage the surface of the toy no matter what material it is made of.

Cleaners are easy to use. All you have to do is apply the liquid on the surface of the toy and let it sit for a few minutes. Some cleaners come in spray bottles so they are more convenient to use. Check the packaging for further instructions on how to use it.

Some sex toy cleaners need to be rinsed off while others can be wiped off after application. But whatever you use, allow your toy to completely dry before putting it back in its storage container.

How often should I clean my sex toys?

It is important to carefully clean sex toys after each use, whether you’re having sex with a partner or going solo.

This is because there are microorganisms like bacteria that can be naturally present in our bodies. When these get transferred to sex toys, they can spread to places they aren’t meant to be – like your urethra or your partner – and cause sexually-trasmitted infections or other problems.

Cleaning your sex toys before playtime is also a good practice, especially if you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your toyfriend.

How should I store my sex toys?

Before storing, ensure the toy is dry because moisture might promote the growth of bacteria. Don't let the toys touch one another or come in contact with lint or dirt; instead, keep each in its own container.

Place the toys in a clean, dry container or drawer. Look for a cool, dry location that can easily be accessed from the bed.

Where should I store my sex toys?

Safekeeping your toys gives you a few options to choose from:

• Keep your sex toys in their original packaging. Store your toys in the tiny bags or boxes they arrived in to protect them. This is particularly true for glass and Pyrex toys. You should keep them in their padded storage containers to prevent them from banging into hard surfaces.
• Keep them in a plastic container. Get a simple plastic container to keep your sex toys clean and reasonably organized.
• Keep them in a tiny silk or satin bag. You can purchase bags made expressly for sex toys or discover travel bags that fit your needs.

Can I share my sex toys with others?

We do not recommend sharing sex toys as this practice can expose you to risks like getting or transmitting infections. However, if you're still determined to share, there are some steps that you can take to ensure the safety of both you and your partner.

• Share only non-porous toys like those made of high-quality metal or glass. This way, you can safely sterilize the toys.
• Disinfect and sterilize your toys before every use. This means if you’re done using the toy, sterilize it first before letting your partner use it.
• If stopping your play to sterilize your toy is not possible, put a condom on it. Replace the condom after each use, especially if you share the toy during the same session.

Our Recommendations

NOTI carries a number of great cleaners formulated to care for your sex toys.

EROS ALL PURPOSE CLEANER

This cleaner is so easy to use. Just spray it all over your toy and wipe it off after 5 seconds. That’s it. This all purpose cleaning liquid is safe for toys with sensitive surfaces thanks to its alcohol-free formula.

PJUR TOY CLEAN

If you are sensitive to fragrances, you should check out this cleaner from pjur. This alcohol and fragrance-free toy cleaner will sanitize your pleasure partners without leaving any irritating smells.

FUN FACTORY TOY CLEANER

Fun Factory’s sex toy cleaner is super convenient to use. It’s a spray-on cleaner so all you need to do is spray the toy all over and leave the fluid on for a few minutes. Afterwards, give the surface a good wipe down with a clean rag. This formula is safe not only on your toy’s delicate surface, it is also gentle on your skin so you won’t experience any irritation.

LELO TOY CLEANING SPRAY

Afraid of germs on your toys? Get the LELO cleaning spray. This alcohol-free cleaner contains ingredients with active anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. It also has a pH balanced formula. This premium product also comes in spray form and only takes 5 seconds to completely sanitize the surface of your toys.

WE-VIBE CLEAN

If you have a variety of toys including silicone and latex ones, you need to be careful of choosing a cleaning product that can handle these delicate materials. Thankfully, We-Vibe Clean is up to that task. This all-purpose alcohol- and perfume-free cleaning spray will leave all of your pleasure playthings squeaky clean. It is even dermatologically tested so you can use it even if you have sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE SEX TOYS SAFE TO USE?

Yes, so long as you use them responsibly. Ensure you maintain your sex toys by cleaning them through the recommended method. This will depend on the toy's material or if it's waterproof and battery-operated. It is highly recommended that you avoid sharing your toys with others. But if sharing can’t be avoided, take the necessary precautions like sharing only non-porous toys, sterilizing them before sharing, or putting on a condom before each use.

HOW DO I KEEP MY SEX TOYS CLEAN?

Different toys require different cleaning methods. But one thing’s for sure: Sex toy cleaners are the best agents you can count on to do the job well. That’s because they’re specifically formulated to disinfect sex toys while keeping them well-conditioned. No more relying on mild soap, hot water, or other household materials that might even damage your toys.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY SEX TOYS?

Clean your sex toys before and after you use them. That includes every time your vibes or dildos come into contact with a different orifice (e.g., your vagina to your anus). That’s when sex toy cleaners are especially handy.

CAN’T I COVER MY SEX TOYS WITH CONDOMS INSTEAD?

That’s another alternative you can consider to make cleanup easier, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean your sex toys anymore. You still have to clean them at least occasionally to remove dust or lint from storage, if any.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DON’T CLEAN MY SEX TOYS REGULARLY?

Neglecting to clean sex toys after use would make them prone to damage. Plus, storing them without sanitizing can lead to health problems down the line if you continue to use them. That’s why you should clean, dry, and store all your sex toys properly.

Did you know?

You can stay healthy and stop infections from spreading by practicing good sexual hygiene. Part of the practice is sanitizing your toys before and after you use them.

Fortunately, most sex toys are actually pretty easy to clean. All you need to do is give them a quick wash with mild soap and water. And there are even cleaners now that can make your life even easier. They're specifically formulated to disinfect sex toys while keeping the material well-conditioned for use. That's why investing in these high-quality products for sexual pleasure is an excellent option to elevate your play. You can get them right here at NOTI.

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