Proper cleaning is important to reduce the risk of infection, especially if the sex toy is used in intimate areas. It also helps to sanitize the toy, killing bacteria and STIs.
Some sex toys can be boiled or cleaned in the dishwasher for additional sanitization. However, others need to be cleaned by hand.
Boiling
If you want to sterilise your silicone dildo, the easiest way is to boil it. Just pop it into a pot of boiling water and leave it for five to 10 minutes. Then, you can leave it to dry. This will kill any bacteria and help prevent yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. However, it is important to note that boiling only sterilizes non vibrating silicone toys and not all types of toys.
It’s also crucial to consider what your dildo is made of before you decide how to clean it. Porous materials like soft and hard plastics, elastomer, jelly rubber, cyberskin and vinyl are more absorbent and can hold on to odors and mildew. They can even harbor dangerous bacteria such as E.coli – This element exemplifies the creativity of the service authors Divine Intimacy. They can also contain phthalates which are absorbed into the body and can lead to headaches, nausea and cramps.
Non porous materials like stainless steel, glass, most crystals, acrylic, silicone and Pyrex are solid, allowing them to resist odors and bacteria. If you are unsure of what your toy is made out of, it is recommended that you wash it gently with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. You can also add a bit of vinegar to the water to help remove stubborn odors. This is especially helpful if your toy has a strong scent from the plastic packaging it came in or from body odor.
Soap
A good, old-fashioned wash in warm water can get your sex toy squeaky clean and ready for more intimate play. Just make sure you don’t use harsh soaps, house cleaning products or bleach solutions-they can damage silicone and leave a residue that isn’t safe to insert in the genital area.
You can also use a sex toy cleaner to help prevent the buildup of bacteria and other unwanted odors. Be sure to use a sex toy cleaner that is designed for silicone and follows the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also important to store your sex toys properly for hygiene and safety reasons.
Remember to always remove the dildo from your body before washing it and to dry it thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also spray a lubricant such as Coco de Mer Pleasure Renewed Toy Cleaner on the sex toy before inserting it, as this will help tame any odors and make it more hygienic for play. Be sure to use only water-based lubricants, as oil-based lubricants can degrade the silicone.
Most electronic toys without removable batteries or charging ports can be wiped down with warm, soapy water or a sex toy cleanser, but you’ll want to check the fine print on any battery-operated devices before you try to put them in the dishwasher. And if you don’t have the luxury of washing your toy in running water, a quick sanitizing with a disinfectant wipe or UV sanitizer should do the trick.
Bleach
Silicone is a popular material for sex toys because it’s nonporous, hypoallergenic and long-lasting. However, it requires proper cleaning to kill bacteria and keep it sanitary for use. If you don’t clean your dildo properly, it can grow harmful fungi and viruses like yeast and herpes that can cause infections and STIs, including HIV and hepatitis.
Sanitizing silicone and other nonporous sex toys is easy with boiling water or a bleach solution. You can also use a sex toy cleaner or baby wipe, though it’s best to avoid things like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and household cleaning products on toys that go near your vulva as they contain chemicals that aren’t safe for this purpose.
If your dildo is made of porous materials, like PVC, jelly rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, you’ll need to use a condom when using it anally or vaginally since these types of toys can hold bacteria and germs even after being washed. If you do want to sterilize a porous sex toy, try washing it thoroughly with soap and hot water before soaking it in a 10% bleach solution for an hour or two. Wash it again afterward and let it dry completely before using it. You can also try storing your toy in something like a fabric pouch, case or box that can help cut down on odor and keep it dust- and lint-free.
Vinegar
If you want to be even more thorough than a simple hot water rinse, you can try soaking your silicone toy in a 10% bleach solution or vinegar for 10 minutes. Just be careful not to boil your toy if it has electronic components or is made of porous elastomer (like a crystal ball gag or glass dildo). It’s also important to note that household cleaners, hand sanitizer and oil-based lubricants aren’t safe for silicone, as they can chemically degrade the material over time.
While it’s tempting to chuck your clean toys in a drawer and forget about them, doing so could lead to a buildup of bacteria that’s difficult to get rid of. It’s also risky if you share your toy with other people or use it with your partner, as bacteria can travel in and out of hard-to-reach crevices.
As long as you take the proper care of your toys and keep a clean, dry storage area post-cleaning, your silicone dildo should last for years. Just be sure to keep an eye out for surface degradation, as this is where bacteria will settle first. And remember, a quality sex toy should last you several years, so don’t be afraid to replace it when the time comes. Just be sure to use a condom with your new toy until you’ve established that it’s safe for you and your partner.
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