How to clean sex toys?

Bacteria and dirt are the greatest enemies of sex toy hygiene. Imagine for a moment that all this could end up inside your body the next time you play with your favourite vibrator or masturbator. It’s a bit unsettling to think of the consequences, right? You can be sure you’ll face a genital infection, and that means dealing with treatment and discomfort. In the worst-case scenario, your partner could catch an illness too if you use the toy together. Clearly, that’s not what you had in mind when you decided to buy your first adult toy. Yet this situation could have been avoided if you had learned how to clean sex toys in time. Below, we’ll explain how to look after your toys properly so you can steer clear of potential infections.

Which materials are used for adult products?

The material a sex toy is made of largely determines how you should care for it. You can find out about this from the product instructions or by speaking directly with our consultant. Despite the broad range of materials, they can be classified as porous or non-porous. Porous materials require more thorough maintenance because their pores can gather bacteria. How do you know which kind of material your toy has? It’s fairly simple: cyber-skin, silicone, and plastic are called porous, while metal and glass are non-porous. However, whatever the material, if you use your toy for anal or vaginal fun, don’t forget to wear a condom. It protects you from infections because the large intestine harbours many of them.

So, how do you care for toys made of different materials?

Having covered a bit of theory, it’s time for practical advice. In practice, even toys of a single type but made from different materials can require different care.

Silicone

Most sex toys are made of medical-grade silicone. Dildos, anal plugs, and vibrators are just a fraction of the items made from it. One might describe this material as soft to the touch, springy, and visually appealing. Manufacturers recommend a special lubricant to keep the surface from damage.

So, how to clean silicone sex toys? Use a toy cleaner or gentle soap. To preserve the toy’s original look for a long time, store it away from direct sunlight.

Cyber-skin

It’s the leading material used for masturbators, the most popular male toy. The name itself refers to its lifelike realism—if no one told you it was synthetic, you’d never guess it’s not actual human skin.

Naturally, such a modern material needs special care, so soap will not do. The best method to clean sex toys made from this substance involves combining toy cleaner with a special restoring powder. Without the latter, the masturbator becomes sticky over time, and you won’t get much pleasure from using it.

Metal

Metal is mostly used for anal plugs and dildos. Its main advantage lies in being compatible with any lubricant and letting you experiment with temperatures (heat or cool it as you wish). Caring for such long-lasting toys is quite simple: rinse under hot water and apply an antiseptic.

Glass

This material is usually chosen by manufacturers for dildos and anal plugs. Care and benefits are much the same as those for metal items. Still, glass has one prime advantage - transparency! Many people enjoy seeing through their toy, as it can add immeasurable visual excitement during sex or solo play.

ABS Plastic

This material is most commonly used for bullet vibes and certain parts of vibrators. Despite being somewhat dated, it has several advantages, including compatibility with any kind of lubricant and its lightweight nature.

Looking after such toys is straightforward—ordinary soap suffices. The only rule is to store it separately from other toys because it can be scratched easily.

What to clean sex toys with?

We buy sex toys to experience lots of pleasure. For that reason, you should also pick up a care product known as a toy cleaner - the best way to clean sex toys. The main difference between a toy cleaner and soap is that it’s absolutely safe for intimate areas. Moreover, it kills bacteria better, raising hygiene to a higher level.

If you still have questions about caring for the sex toy you plan to purchase, don’t be shy - ask our consultants. Enjoy yourself and don’t neglect safety.