Sex Toy Hygiene: 5 Steps to Properly Clean Your Sex Toys After Use
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Sex Toy Hygiene: Why Is It Important?
Sex toys come into direct contact with sensitive skin and mucous membranes inside the body. Improper cleaning can lead to a buildup of bacteria, fungi, and germs, which can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI) or vaginal or anal infection.
Investing in the proper care of your sexual equipment not only ensures hygiene and safety, but also helps maximize the lifespan of your equipment.
5 steps to properly cleaning sexual equipment
Step 1: Sort materials and prepare equipment.
Before starting cleaning, separate your equipment by material, as different types require different care:
- Premium grade silicone (Platinum-Cured Silicone), glass, metal: Non-porous materials, easy to clean and safest.
- TPE/TPR or rubber (Porous Materials): These are porous materials that are more prone to accumulating germs. They should be thoroughly cleaned with a specialized cleaning solution.
Equipment required:
- Sex Toy Cleaner (Highly Recommended)
- Gentle hand soap or baby soap that is fragrance/oil-free
- warm water
- Clean towels or lint-free tissue paper
Step 2: Rinse
Immediately after use, rinse the sex toy under warm water to remove as much of the lubricant and visible fluid as possible. Cleaning immediately will prevent any residue from drying on the device, making it difficult to clean.
- For devices with electric motors, be careful not to let water enter the charging port (if the model is not waterproof). However, if it is an IPX7 Fully Waterproof model, it can be completely washed in water.
Step 3: Sanitize
Use soap or a sex toy cleaner specifically for cleaning the entire surface of the device.
- For Non-Porous Materials (Silicone, Glass, Metal): Drop solution onto your hand or device and rub thoroughly for 30-60 seconds, concentrating on joints or areas that come into direct contact with the body.
- Important Caution: Do not use oil, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), strong alcohol, or household cleaners as these chemicals can weaken or weaken the silicone material.
Step 4: Final Rinse
Rinse the sex toy with warm, running water continuously until you are sure there are no soap bubbles or residue left. Thorough rinsing is important, as residue can cause irritation during future use.
Step 5: Dry & Store
This step is just as important as washing:
- Dry thoroughly: Pat the device dry with a clean, lint-free towel or allow it to air dry. **Do not store the device while it is still wet** as this can cause mold or bacteria to grow.
- Proper Storage: Sex toys should be stored in the cloth bag that came with the product or in a special storage box.
- Avoid Contact: **Do not** allow the silicone dildo to come into direct contact with devices made of TPE/TPR, rubber, or other plastic materials, as the silicone may react chemically with these materials, causing the silicone surface to become sticky or melt.
Conclusion: Good health comes from good care.
Cleaning your sex toy is an important part of safer sex. Following these five steps consistently will help ensure your beloved device remains clean, safe, and ready to use whenever you need it.