Today I'll answer a popular question I get so frequently asked by readers who are new to the exciting world of adult products: how do I properly clean my sex toys?
When we're talking about something you put in your vagina or on your penis, hygiene is not an option and it starts by choosing the right sex toy: many people don't know that some materials are more prone to catch bacteria and nasties than others:
non porous materials, such as medical grade silicone, ABS, glass and stainless steel, guarantee the maximum hygiene;
porous materials instead can become an ideal setting for bacterial growth, but they usually give a more 'lifelike' feel: that's why they are used in toys that aim to be as realistic as possible like masturbators for men, 'pocket pussy' kind of products, stretchy penis rings, dildos and dongs. TPE, jelly and PVC fall under this category.
Also, beware that the second category of materials, if you're not buying from a more than trust-worthy brand, may contain phtalates or other harmful substances for your body: as a couple, we sometimes use masturbators made from quality, non-toxic TPE like the Tenga AirTech Vacuum Cup that comes from one of the most reputable male sex toy manufacturers in the industry, but we avoid jelly, pvc and rubber as they may cause genital burn and release potentially dangerous chemicals in your body through the skin.
If you're in doubt about the safety of the dildo you're using, you can always put a condom on it.
Once you have in your hands a body safe, non-porous quality stimulator, it's time to check if you can wash it under running water. Vibrating products can be:
Waterproof: you can even enjoy them in the shower or bath tube! Fully submersible.
Splash-proof: they resist to splashes of water but you cannot submerge them.
Non-waterproof: washing them under running water is not an option.
However, don't be scared if your vibrator isn't waterproof: the adult market today offers specific antibacterial and antifungal toy cleaners that ensure full hygiene for your intimate products, and some of them do not need rinsing, like this one from Pjur Med.
But water and soap aren't enough even for waterproof, submersible toys: I always sanitize mine with a specific product, after rinsing them in the sink. If the toy isn't rechargeable, always remember to remove batteries before washing.
Remember to never use aggressive cleaners on your adult toys: if you really don't have a specific toy cleaner on hand at the moment, only use mild soap. You can find appropriate products for the hygiene of adult products at every sex shop, brick-and-mortar and online.
If you have a glass dildo, you're lucky: most of them can be put in the dishwasher. Check out the instructional booklet or ask for directions at the adult toy store where you bought it.
Anal toys deserve particular attention: since the bacteria that's naturally found in the anus isn't good for your vagina, clean them throroughly every time you switch from anal play to vaginal use.
Drying your pleasure tools properly is vital: most of the materials listed before as 'porous' (and some kinds of velvety, soft touch silicone too) are very prone to catch up dust and lint from towels, blankets or storage bags. I try to always dry my dildos with paper towels.
A non completely dried sex toy is a potential breeding ground for bacteria: try to let air-dry your sexy accessories for a while if it's possible to do it discreetly. Otherwise, store them in breathable, lint-free cotton or organza storage bags: usually the best are the ones provided by the manufacturers themselves inside the packaging of adult products.
Caring for your sex toys isn't only vital to keep yourself healthy, but it may also extend their life and keeping them as new for longer. Remember my tips the next time you're tempted to throw your just-used personal massager, still covered in lube, back inside your drawer as it is!
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