Cleaning Your Sex Toys

Using sex toys is – quite literally – all fun and games. Here at Pleasures N Treasures, we are all for using sex toys, whether alone or with someone else. Sure, cleaning your toys might not seem like the sexiest thing to do after a mind-blowing orgasm, but it is a good habit to get into. If you’ve just bought your first sex toy, you might not know why or how to clean it. Have no fear, PNT is here!

Why should I clean my sex toys?

We get it, when you feel spent after an amazing session with your favorite toy, the last thing on your mind is heading to the bathroom to clean it. You then shove it in the bedside table until your next sex-scapade. You’ve done this before and everything was fine. But you might not get so lucky next time.

It’s no secret that vaginas are wonderous things – they’re self-cleaning and have bacteria that help fight off infections. However, when using sex toys, this bacterium stays on the surface of the toy. If not cleaned properly, this bacterium might be the exact opposite of helpful, especially if you currently have a vaginal infection.

You should always clean toys that you share with someone else after every use. Microorganisms from your partner can cause issues if they remain on a toy that you then use.

When it comes to toys fit for both vaginal and anal use, the same rules for sex apply for sex toys. Vagina to anus = good. Anus to vagina = big no-no. Bacteria from your anus should not be introduced to the vagina. This can lead to infection and generally an unhappy vagina.

Overall, can you go without cleaning your toys after every single use? Technically yes – you might be lucky and never experience issues if you don’t clean your toys. Do we recommend this? No. Maintaining a healthy vagina is much easier if you take care of her. Also, it’s just a good habit to get into with having clean toys, whether you have a vagina or not.

So what do we recommend? Cleaning your toys after every use. Even external toys? Yes – if it’s an intimate toy, it’s best to make sure it’s clean before you use it again.

How do I clean my sex toys?

Now that we’ve established how important it is for you to keep your toys fresh and squeaky clean, how do I go about it? For the most part, manufacturers will have a guide on how best to clean specific toys on the box. But let’s be honest, how many of us keep the original packaging? If that’s the case, here’s a basic guide on how to clean your toys.

If you’re looking for a “one size fits all” solution, for most toys you can use a mild and unscented soap with warm water. Or – if you’re feeling particularly rocked with no energy – an anti-bacterial cleaner specifically formulated for toys works too. Make sure to pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, and that’s it.

For more specific advice, that depends on the toy’s material:

• Silicone – the most common material for sex toys today. Unscented soap and warm water or toy cleaner are the ideal choice if they have a motor. If you have a standard silicone toy with no motor you can boil it for three minutes to disinfect it.
• Jelly – some toys still use a jelly material, but they are becoming less common in favor of silicone. Jelly/plastic/rubber toys are generally more porous, meaning they can hold on to dirt and dust more easily. Again, warm water and unscented soap work along with a toy cleaner. But be sure to take the extra time to make sure these toys are clean and pay attention to any divots or crevices.
• Glass – possibly the easiest toy to clean. Toys made from borosilicate glass are shatter-proof and hypoallergenic, and they never have motors. What does this mean? Boiling water for three minutes and they’re disinfected! Toy cleaner or mild soap and water also work like a charm too.
• Metal – while it’s rare to find metal toys with motors, they still show up from time to time. Metal toys with motors should always be cleaned with toy cleaner or an unscented soap and warm water. If it’s a solid metal dong, however, feel free to boil it for three minutes to disinfect it.
• TPE/Cyberskin – this material is normally used for toys that are intended to give a more realistic feel. Similarly to jelly, TPE/Cyberskin is porous and needs a little extra TLC when it comes to cleaning. Toy cleaner is your best friend along with mild soap and warm water. It is essential to make sure these toys are thoroughly dried before storing them away. Coating the toy with cornstarch afterwards helps to prevent that sticky feeling or any deterioration.

Choosing a toy cleaner

If you want to choose the easy route to clean your toys (who doesn’t?) then a toy cleaner is a good idea. Toy cleaners are specifically designed to be used for sex toys and – sometimes – intimate areas. As opposed to other kinds of cleaners, toy cleaners are dermatologically tested and are powerful, yet gentle.

When it comes to the toy cleaners we sell, the fewer ingredients listed, the better. This ensures a gentler formula that’s paraben and alcohol-free. They are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, giving you the confidence that your toys are as clean and fresh as ever. If you look after your toys, they will look after you too.

Overall, keeping your toys clean is more important than you’d think. While hardly being the sexiest thing to do, it’s essential if you want to make sure your sex toys love you for as long as possible. Keeping your toys clean means you can keep having fun and be safe and healthy at the same time.

If you have any more questions or queries, feel free to email our customer service team wecare@pleasuresntreasures.com or drop in to one of our stores! Our team is happy to help answer any questions you may have.

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