The Right Way to Clean Sex Toys, According to Experts

Cleaning sex toys from the store https://sexand.toys/ is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of bacteria or infections. Here's a guide based on expert recommendations:

Read the Instructions: 

reading the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your sex toys is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide based on expert advice that emphasizes the importance of following specific toy instructions:

1. Materials Matter: Different sex toys are made of various materials like silicone, glass, metal, TPE, or ABS plastic. Each material may have specific cleaning instructions to maintain its quality and safety.

2. Check for Waterproofing: Ensure you know if your toy is waterproof or water-resistant. Some toys are not waterproof, and submerging them in water can damage their internal components.

3. Cleaning Methods: Manufacturers often provide guidance on the best cleaning methods for their products. This could include using mild soap and water, specialized toy cleaners, or disinfecting solutions.

4. Avoid Damaging Agents: Manufacturers might explicitly mention substances or cleaning agents to avoid, such as alcohol-based cleaners, harsh soaps, or bleach, as these can damage the toy's material.

5. Temperature Considerations: Some toys have temperature limitations for cleaning. For instance, boiling might be recommended for some silicone toys but not for others. Following these temperature guidelines is crucial.

6. Battery or Charging Concerns: If your toy is rechargeable or battery-operated, specific care instructions may apply to avoid damaging the electronic components during cleaning.

7. Storage and Maintenance: Instructions may include advice on how to store the toy after cleaning, such as using a specific storage pouch or keeping it away from direct sunlight.

8. Warranty and Care Guidelines: Manufacturers might tie warranty coverage to following their recommended cleaning procedures. Not adhering to these guidelines might void any warranty.

Wash Before and After Use: 

"Wash Before and After Use" is a fundamental principle in sex toy hygiene recommended by experts. Here's an elaboration on this guideline:

1. Pre-Use Cleaning: Before using a sex toy for the first time, thoroughly clean it even if it's brand new. This removes any manufacturing residues, dust, or potential contaminants from packaging or handling.

2. During Use: If you're using a toy during a solo session or with a partner, it's essential to clean it before switching between different types of use (such as anal and vaginal use). This helps prevent the transmission of bacteria and reduces the risk of infections.

3. Post-Use Cleaning: After every use, clean your sex toy promptly. This is crucial to remove bodily fluids, lubricants, and any bacteria that may have come in contact with the toy during use.

4. Importance of Consistency: Consistency in cleaning before and after each use is key to maintaining proper hygiene and preventing the buildup of bacteria or mold on the toy.

5. Shared Toy Use: If a sex toy is shared between partners, it's especially crucial to clean it thoroughly before and after each use to prevent the spread of infections or bacteria.

6. Different Uses Require Different Cleaning: If a toy is used for both anal and vaginal play, it's advisable to clean it thoroughly before using it in a different area to prevent the transfer of bacteria.

7. Cleaning for Different Partners: If a toy is used with different partners, thorough cleaning becomes even more critical to avoid the risk of transmitting infections or bacteria between individuals.

8. Follow Manufacturer's Recommendations: Different toys may have specific cleaning instructions outlined by the manufacturer. Following these instructions is essential to ensure the toy's safety and longevity.

Use Mild Soap and Water:

"Use Mild Soap and Water" is a commonly recommended cleaning method for many sex toys. Here's an elaboration on this guideline based on expert advice:

1. Mild Soap Selection: Opt for a gentle, unscented, and preferably antibacterial soap. Harsh soaps or those containing fragrances might cause irritation to sensitive areas or leave residues on the toy.

2. Dilution and Application: Mix the mild soap with warm water to create a soapy solution. Use a clean cloth or your hands to apply this solution to the sex toy's surface.

3. Cleaning Process: Gently rub the soap solution over the entire surface of the toy, including any textured or hard-to-reach areas. Ensure thorough coverage to remove any bodily fluids, lubricants, or residues.

4. Rinsing: After cleaning with soap and water, thoroughly rinse the toy under running water. Ensure all soap residues are washed away to prevent potential irritation or discomfort during subsequent use.

5. Drying: Pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or let it air dry completely before storing it. Moisture can lead to the growth of bacteria, so ensuring the toy is completely dry is crucial.

6. Material Consideration: Be mindful of the toy's material. Some porous materials may absorb soap, making it difficult to rinse off completely. In such cases, extra care in rinsing might be necessary.

7. Regular Check and Replacement: Regularly inspect the toy for any signs of damage, degradation, or lingering odors even after cleaning. If a toy becomes damaged or deteriorates, consider replacing it for hygiene and safety reasons.

8. Exceptions and Toy-Specific Cleaners: Some toys may have specific cleaning instructions or might not be compatible with soap and water. For such toys, consider using specialized toy cleaners recommended by the manufacturer.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: 

"Avoid Harsh Chemicals" is a crucial guideline in cleaning sex toys, emphasizing the importance of using gentle cleaning agents. Here's an elaboration based on expert advice:

1. Potential Harm from Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals like bleach, alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners, or acetone can damage sex toy materials. They might cause degradation, discoloration, or irritation to sensitive areas.

2. Material Sensitivity: Sex toys are made of various materials, and each material has different sensitivities to chemicals. For instance, silicone-based toys are generally durable but might react negatively to certain chemicals, while porous materials like TPE or rubber can absorb harsh substances, making them difficult to rinse off completely.

3. Avoiding Skin Irritation: Harsh chemicals left on the toy's surface can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions upon subsequent use. This can be particularly discomforting for intimate areas.

4. Impact on Toy Longevity: Continued use of harsh chemicals might degrade the toy's surface, compromise its integrity, or reduce its lifespan. This could affect not only the toy's appearance but also its safety for use.

5. Manufacturer Recommendations: Many sex toy manufacturers explicitly advise against using harsh chemicals. They provide specific instructions on the types of cleaners or cleaning methods suitable for their products.

6. Safe Alternatives: Instead of harsh chemicals, opt for milder, body-safe options such as unscented, antibacterial soaps, specialized toy cleaners recommended by the manufacturer, or natural cleaning agents like diluted vinegar solutions for certain materials.

7. Thorough Rinsing: Even when using mild cleaners, thorough rinsing is essential to remove all residues and ensure the toy is entirely free from any cleaning agents before use.

8. Prioritizing Safety: The guideline to avoid harsh chemicals prioritizes user safety, reducing the risk of potential health concerns or damage to both the user and the toy.

Toy-Specific Cleaners: 

Using toy-specific cleaners is a recommended approach for cleaning sex toys, especially when they're specifically designed and formulated for this purpose. Here's a guide based on expert advice:

1. Purpose-Built Formulas: Toy-specific cleaners are specially formulated for cleaning sex toys. They are designed to effectively remove bodily fluids, lubricants, and bacteria without causing harm to the toy's material.

2. Compatibility and Safety: These cleaners are typically formulated to be compatible with various toy materials such as silicone, rubber, TPE, glass, etc. They are often pH-balanced and free from harsh chemicals that could damage the toy.

3. Gentle yet Effective: Toy-specific cleaners offer a balance between gentleness and effectiveness. They are usually mild, ensuring they clean thoroughly without leaving residue or causing irritation to sensitive areas.

4. Convenience and Ease of Use: These cleaners often come in convenient spray or foam forms, making them easy to apply to the toy's surface. They usually require minimal rinsing, simplifying the cleaning process.

5. Manufacturer Recommendations: Many sex toy manufacturers produce their own branded cleaning solutions specifically tailored for their products. They often recommend using these cleaners as they have been tested and approved for their toys.

6. Instructions for Use: Toy-specific cleaners usually come with clear instructions on how to apply and use them effectively. Following these instructions ensures proper cleaning and maintenance of your toys.

7. Maintaining Hygiene: These cleaners are designed to maintain the hygiene of sex toys, preventing the buildup of bacteria, mold, or any potential health risks associated with unclean toys.

8. Preserving Toy Longevity: Using cleaners designed for sex toys helps maintain the toy's integrity and longevity. They minimize the risk of degradation or damage caused by using harsh or incompatible cleaning agents.

Boil or Sterilize:

"Boil or Sterilize" is a cleaning method suitable for certain types of sex toys, particularly those made of certain materials like silicone, metal, or glass. Here's a guide based on expert advice:

1. Material Suitability: Not all sex toys are suitable for boiling or sterilization. Check the manufacturer's instructions or the toy's packaging to ensure it's safe for this cleaning method.

2. Safe Materials for Boiling: Silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and certain hard plastics are typically safe for boiling or sterilization. These materials can withstand high temperatures without damage.

3. Killing Bacteria: Boiling or sterilizing sex toys in hot water helps kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it an effective method for thorough sanitation.

4. Preparation: Ensure the toy is clean before boiling or sterilizing it. Wash it with mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly to remove any residues.

5. Boiling Method: Submerge the toy in a pot of boiling water. Ensure the water completely covers the toy and boil it for the duration recommended by the manufacturer (usually a few minutes).

6. Sterilization Techniques: Some toys might be suitable for sterilization using methods such as autoclaving or using UV sterilization devices. Follow manufacturer instructions for these specialized methods.

7. Cooling and Drying: After boiling or sterilizing, carefully remove the toy from the hot water using tongs or a clean utensil. Allow it to cool down completely before drying it thoroughly with a clean cloth.

8. Storage After Sterilization: Store the sterilized toy in a clean, dry place or in a storage pouch/container to prevent contamination before its next use.