Taking care of your sexual wellness is a key aspect of your overall health, and this includes maintaining the cleanliness of your sex toys. Regardless of whether you’re a newcomer to sex toys or have an extensive collection, ensuring they are properly cleaned is essential to prevent bacteria buildup, maintain their longevity, and protect your health. This article will guide you through how to clean different types of sex toys using natural, non-toxic methods that are safe for both your body and the environment.
Why Cleaning Sex Toys Matters
Sex toys come into direct contact with some of the most sensitive areas of your body. If not cleaned properly, they can harbor bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens that can lead to infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis. Regular cleaning not only prevents health risks but also extends the lifespan of your toys, ensuring they remain functional and in good condition.
Using natural, non-toxic cleaning methods is a great way to avoid exposing your body to potentially harmful chemicals found in some commercial cleaners. These natural methods are effective, gentle on your toys, and eco-friendly.
Types of Sex Toys and Their Materials
Different types of sex toys are designed for specific types of stimulation, and the material of the toy will determine how it should be cleaned. Here are the most common types of sex toys and their materials:
Types of Sex Toys:
- Vibrators: These come in various shapes and sizes, often used for clitoral, vaginal, or anal stimulation. They can be made of silicone, hard plastic, or metal.
- Dildos: These phallic-shaped toys are used for penetration, and they can be made from silicone, glass, metal, or TPE/TPR.
- Anal Toys: Designed for anal stimulation, these include butt plugs, anal beads, and prostate massagers. Many are made from silicone, stainless steel, or glass due to their non-porous nature, but some are made from TPE/TPR.
- Cock Rings: These are designed to enhance erections and prolong pleasure, typically made of silicone, rubber, or metal.
- Fleshlight/Masturbation Sleeves: These toys are often made from realistic-feeling materials like TPE or other soft polymers that mimic skin. They tend to be porous, requiring special care.
- Sex Dolls: Made from materials like silicone or TPE, these full-body toys require regular and thorough cleaning due to their larger surface area.
- Strap-Ons and Harnesses: Used for penetration, strap-ons are often made from silicone or rubber, while harnesses may include leather or fabric components that require different cleaning methods.
- Remote-Controlled Toys: These toys may include vibrators or other devices that are controlled remotely and are often made from silicone or hard plastic.
Common Toy Materials:
- Silicone: A popular, non-porous, body-safe material that’s easy to clean and durable.
- Glass: Non-porous, smooth, and hypoallergenic, glass toys can be easily sterilized.
- Stainless Steel: Durable, non-porous, and easy to clean, often used in anal toys or temperature play.
- Hard Plastic: Non-porous and relatively easy to clean, but it’s more rigid than silicone.
- TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber): These materials are porous and absorb bacteria, making them harder to clean thoroughly.
- Jelly Rubber: A soft, flexible material that is porous and contains chemicals like phthalates, making it prone to bacterial buildup.
Understanding the type and material of your toy is important because porous toys need extra attention during cleaning, and some materials can be damaged by certain cleaning methods.
How Often Should You Clean Your Sex Toys
For optimal safety and hygiene, sex toys should be cleaned:
- After Every Use: This prevents bodily fluids, lubricant, and bacteria from sitting on the toy and becoming a health risk.
- Before Use: If your toy has been sitting unused, it’s a good idea to clean it before use to remove any dust or particles that may have accumulated.
Natural, Non-Toxic Cleaning Methods
To maintain cleanliness and health, natural, non-toxic cleaning methods are effective, gentle on sensitive materials, and free of harsh chemicals. Here’s how to clean your toys in ways that are good for both your body and the environment.
Warm Water and Mild Soap
One of the simplest and most effective ways to clean non-porous toys (like those made of silicone, glass, or stainless steel) is with warm water and a mild, non-toxic soap. Unscented and natural soaps, such as castile soap, are ideal for this purpose.
How to clean:
- Rinse the toy under warm water.
- Apply a small amount of soap and gently scrub, ensuring you clean all areas, especially any textured surfaces.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap.
- Pat dry with a clean towel or let it air dry completely before storing.
This method works best for toys without electronics or battery components. It’s also perfect for most vibrators, dildos, and non-electronic anal toys.
Boiling Water (For Non-Motorized Toys)
For non-porous, non-motorized toys like silicone dildos, glass toys, and stainless steel anal plugs, boiling water is an excellent way to sterilize and kill bacteria.
How to clean:
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Submerge the toy in the water for about 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the toy with tongs and let it cool on a clean towel.
This method should not be used for any toys with motors, batteries, or electrical components.
Vinegar and Water Solution
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that’s effective for cleaning most sex toys, especially non-porous materials. It’s also safe for toys with batteries or motors as long as you avoid submerging the electronic parts.
How to clean:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and wipe down your toy, paying extra attention to areas with seams or textures.
- Rinse with warm water to remove any vinegar residue.
- Dry thoroughly before storing.
This method works well for vibrators, dildos, cock rings, and even some anal toys. It’s a quick and easy option for disinfecting toys between deeper cleanings.
Baking Soda Paste for Deep Cleaning
Baking soda is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that can help remove stubborn residue, especially on textured toys or porous materials like TPE and jelly rubber.
How to clean:
- Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
- Apply the paste to the toy using a soft brush or cloth, scrubbing areas where buildup is present.
- Rinse the toy thoroughly with warm water.
- Let it air dry completely before storing.
This method is ideal for deep cleaning dildos, textured vibrators, and toys with grooves or crevices.
Hydrogen Peroxide Soak for Disinfecting
Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) is an excellent natural disinfectant that can be used to sanitize non-porous toys made from silicone, stainless steel, or glass.
How to clean:
- Fill a bowl with hydrogen peroxide and submerge the toy.
- Let the toy soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Allow the toy to air dry completely before storing.
This method is great for disinfecting non-motorized toys like dildos, anal beads, and glass toys. It should not be used on porous materials like jelly rubber or TPE.
Special Care for Porous Toys and Delicate Materials
- TPE/TPR Toys: Since these materials are porous and can harbor bacteria, it’s a good idea to use condoms with these toys if they are shared. Cleaning with warm water and mild soap is essential, but these toys should be replaced regularly due to the difficulty of keeping them completely clean.
- Jelly Rubber Toys: Jelly toys are highly porous and can contain chemicals like phthalates. Wash them thoroughly with mild soap and water after every use, and consider using a condom to limit exposure to bacteria and chemicals.
- Sex Dolls and Large Toys: Larger toys, including sex dolls, require regular and thorough cleaning. Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water, making sure to rinse and dry thoroughly. If the doll is made from silicone, you can also sanitize it with a vinegar solution.
Additional Tips for Proper Care
- Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow specific cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer, as different toys may require different care.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using alcohol, bleach, or scented soaps, as these can degrade the material or cause irritation to sensitive areas.
- Store Toys Properly: After cleaning, store toys in a cool, dry place, preferably in a cloth or storage bag to prevent dust buildup and cross-contamination.
Prioritize Cleanliness for Safe Play
Maintaining cleanliness is vital to ensuring your sex toys are safe to use and free of harmful bacteria. By using natural, non-toxic methods like warm water and soap, vinegar solutions, or hydrogen peroxide soaks, you can protect your body from exposure to harsh chemicals while keeping your toys in great condition. Always remember to consider the material of your toys and follow appropriate cleaning practices to ensure they remain hygienic and safe for future use.