How to clean and safely store a sex toy: A Friendly Guide
Sexual toys... The name itself rings bells, right? Like you, I too wasn’t aware of sex toys, but about a year ago I got to know the world about sex toys. They are a blessing for single or married individuals and are introduced to enhance your sex life. That’s it.
To tell you the truth, it’s more of a blessing for humans, and because of such sex toys, you get to know your body’s erotic zones more clearly. So, now that you have decided to buy one, let me guide you through how you can clean and store them properly. A clean sex toy is good for your health and also for the toy's longevity, whereas an unclean sex toy is like a stained gadget. Which one would you prefer?
If you want to use a vibrator, dildo, or something that’s a mix of kinkiness and adventure, then you have to know a few guidelines on how to clean them so that they can be in perfect condition. So, let’s move on to the guidelines for storing and cleaning these sex toys.
Why cleaning sex toys matters a lot
Clean your sex toys and keep them fresh. Unclean sex toys attract bacteria very quickly. This may not be safe for you, and you might get an infection. Prevention is better than cure, you must have heard of this proverb. So, to prevent any infection, you need to clean your sex toys before and after you use them. You use sex toys on your intimate body parts, which are way too sensitive. So proper hygiene is essential.
See, there are two crucial things you need to take care of. The first one is to beware of bacteria. You need to clean the toy with a cleaner or a mild soap, as it removes any harmful bacteria that are unseen through our naked eyes. Bacteria accumulate because your body fluids and lube residues get stuck on the toy when you use it. Secondly, cleaning extends the life of your sex toys. A well-maintained sex toy would last longer and would save you from replacing them too often.
Know the material of the toys
Before you scrub your sex toys like a vibrator or a dildo, you have to check what kind of material these sex toys are made of.
Sex toys are made from different kinds of materials that might need a specific kind of cleaning process. So, keep this in mind before you start to clean the toy.
Stainless steel, glass, and silicone are non-porous materials and easy to clean and sanitize.
You might be wondering, What’s non-porous material now?
Well, this material does not have any spaces or tiny holes, which makes it resistant to any bacteria, moisture, or other substances, thereby making it easy to clean and sanitize.
Moving on, sex toys are made of a variety of materials, including porous materials, such as PVC, rubber, and jelly. They can easily trap bacteria and are harder to clean. Porous materials have tiny holes that can easily trap bacteria, moisture, and other substances. They are more vulnerable to germs and bacteria. You have to take extra care of these sex toys. So always check the instructions by the manufacturer and know what’s good for your specific sex toy.
How to clean your sex toys
Moving on, here’s the good stuff about cleaning your sex toys! You can see the list of steps for cleaning different sex toys based on their materials and whether they are waterproof or not. You can read further below, and they are,
Waterproof sex toys
These are very easy to clean, and you can check the process of cleaning them below.
Step 1: Wash your sex toy with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Better use a sex toy cleaner if you can.
Step 2: Gently scrub, and make sure you get the textures and grooves clean too.
Step 3: Rigorously rinse to remove any cleaner or soap that might be on the toy.
Step 4: Let the toy air-dry or just pat it down with a clean towel.
Non-waterproof sex toys
These need more care, as you can’t wash them or use water on them.
Step 1: Damp a clean cloth with lukewarm soapy water.
Step 2: Carefully wipe your sex toy and avoid any battery compartments or charging ports in doing so.
Step 3: Take another damp cloth and use it to wipe off any remaining soap residue on the sex toy.
Step 4: Now dry the sex toys thoroughly with a dry towel and store them.
Porous Toys (Jelly, Rubber, PVC)
These are porous materials that can harbour bacteria and need extra care. PVC stands for “Polyvinyl Chloride," which is a kind of plastic used in some sex toys. As it’s a porous material, it can trap moisture and bacteria, so it needs additional care with its cleaning and maintenance.
Step 1: After each use, wash the sex toy with mild soap and lukewarm water instantly.
Step 2: You have to consider using a condom with such sex toys during sex play to make them safe to use.
Step 3: Ensure that the sex toys are 100% dry before you store them, as moisture might lead to mould.
Use toy cleaner sprays.
If you do not have time to clean or want an easy solution, a sex toy cleaner spray can be useful. These cleaners are specifically designed for sex toys and do not require water. You only need to spray and wipe.
Store them safely, clean, and dry.
So, once your sexual toy is thoroughly cleaned, you can properly store it. This ensures that your sex toys remain clean and ready to use the next time you need them. However, you must keep in mind a few things, such as:
To avoid dampness, pull air out of the sex toy. Always ensure that your sexual toy is completely dry before storing it. Moisture can promote the growth of bacteria and mould.
Make it a priority to keep your sex toy in a storage pouch. If you do not have a pouch, you can keep them in a clean cloth bag and the toys in separate bags to prevent cross-contamination.
No plastic bags, please. Never store your sex toys in plastic bags, as they can instantly trap moisture and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Keep your sex toys cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Excessive heat can cause your sexual toy's material to bend or twist. If you have a large collection of sex toys, it is recommended that you store them separately to prevent the materials from touching and reacting.
A few final recommendations for long-lasting sexual toys.
Battery-operated sex toys
Always check your batteries, because if you run out, you may need to remove them as soon as possible. Remove batteries before storing them to prevent corrosion.
Rechargeable sex toys
If you are not going to use your sex toys right now, make sure they are fully charged before storing them.
Regular inspections
Always take an occasional look at your sex toys. This ensures that the sex toy shows no visible signs of wear and tear or damage, such as colour changes or texture cracks.
Conclusion
Remember, cleaning and storing your sex toys properly is not just for hygiene purposes but is also about ensuring that your sex toys last for a longer period and do well at their best every time you use them. So, these are just easy, simple steps for you to keep in mind that your sex toys stay safe, fresh, clean, and ready to be used to give you the utmost sexual pleasure for a long time.
Cleaning and storing your sex toys properly isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about ensuring your toys last and perform their best every time. With these easy steps, your toys will stay fresh, safe, and ready to bring you plenty of pleasure for a long time to come. To learn more about sex toys, you can browse through the Itspleazure store and take your time. There’s no hurry. Now as I end my words, I assume that you now know how to keep your sex toys in top shape and enjoy your sex toys without any worries!