How To Clean Sex Toy

Sex toys such as butt toys, dildos, and vibrators come directly in contact with body fluid. This means they need proper cleaning. Sex toys cleaning is not complicated, but ignoring them can have dangerous consequences.

Using dirty sex toys may lead to the introduction of pathogens and bacteria such as fungi in the vulva. When this bacterium overgrows, it may lead to urinary tract infection or vaginosis. Cleaning sex toys, which are also your asset, is vital as it will prevent the spread of bacteria and help them last longer. Below are some discussed simple ways of cleaning sex toys.

Basic Surface Cleaning

All types of sex toys may be cleaned using thorough scrubbing. This method of cleaning does not sterilize or disinfect the toy. However, it can be efficient in case you use the toy alone. Before getting started, determine If your toy is mechanized/waterproof or non-mechanized.

Splashproof toys mean that their surface is safe and can get wet, while waterproof toys can be submerged in water completely for some time. The toy’s manual or packaging indicates whether it's splashproof or waterproof. Toys that are not water safe should be cleaned through wiping with a washcloth and not submerged or rinsed in water. If the toy is operated using batteries, make sure the place is sealed properly.

Rinse your toy with water or wipe the surface with a washcloth to remove debris. After that, apply sex toy cleaners and scrub. If washing in the sink, wipe using a washcloth and liquid soap. If the toy contains crevices or grooves that trap gunk, remove debris using a soft toothbrush. You can then wipe or rinse with plain water until it becomes completely clean.

Put your toy on a clean piece of cloth or towel and allow it to dry. Air drying is the best since it prevents lint from sticking on the toy, giving it enough time to dry. It is recommended that toys that use batteries dry while the battery is open.

Water and plain soap are also good on many occasions, but wipes and sprays are the most efficient. Some cleaning sprays need to be rinsed with water to the same energy and time. Also, some cleaning solutions don't need to be rinsed with water.

Disinfecting and Sanitizing

When you share your toys with many people, you will be required to disinfect since cleaning alone is not enough. You can also cover the toy with a condom when sharing. When the toys contact the genitals, STI, bacteria, and yeast are active, and they might harbor the pathogen. In this case, HPV can be noted on the vibrator’s surface within 24 hours of cleaning.  If you still need to use the same toy in your anus or vagina, it's advisable to use a condom.

Boiling

Clean the sex toy surface after inserting them in boiling water for about three minutes. To prevent glass toys from breaking or cracking, it's recommended that you place a washcloth inside the pot as a cushion. Carefully monitor the boiling progress.  Use tongs to remove the toys from the boiling water. Place them in a clean towel or washcloth to air dry. Avoid rinsing them immediately with cold water after boiling to prevent stressing the material.

Dishwashing

Dishwashing is deep cleaning, and it's best for 100% silicone, borosilicate glass, non-mechanized and stainless steel. It is done by placing the sex toys on the dishwasher rack after surface cleaning. Operate the dishwasher on sanitized cycle without using soap. Avoid using this method if the dishwasher is shared with people who are not your sexual partners. However, this method is not more effective than disinfecting the toys by boiling.  A dishwasher with sanitizing settings allows extended hot water to rinse, but it kills bacteria only, not fungi or viruses. When it sanitizes at 150 degrees Fahrenheit, it kills 99.999% of bacteria and can also kill some microbes. However, it's not hot enough to kill viruses and fungi that can tolerate heat. If you doubt, use bleaching or boiling, they are the best.

Bleaching

A bleaching solution is used to disinfect toys after cleaning the surface. In one gallon of water, add five tablespoons of bleach. You can use it by spraying it on the toys or submerging the toys inside the bleaching solution for 10 minutes. Nevertheless, you have to make sure your toy is 100% waterproof and not splashproof. After 10 minutes, remove the toys and wash them thoroughly with water and soap.

UV Sanitizers

Most people like using UV to sanitize their sex toys. But bleaching and boiling are the best since they are not expensive but very effective. One disadvantage of UV is that it sanitizes only where it can reach. Therefore, it might not be effective for toys with crannies and nooks.

The Bottom Line

Sex toys cleaning is very important and should not be neglected. Your toys are your assets, and you should be protected. Using dirty sex toys may lead to the introduction of pathogens and bacteria such as fungi in the vulva. When this bacterium overgrows, it may lead to urinary tract infections or vaginosis. There are so many ways how to clean your sex toys and disinfect the toys, and it's very easy as no specific skills are required to use this method. This article will guide you on the safest ways in which you can clean and kill bacterial and fungi on the surface of your toys.