How to Clean Sex Toys: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Dildos
Letβs be honestβwhen weβre buying a new sex toy, cleaning and maintenance probably arenβt the first things on our minds. But taking good care of your toys is just as important as enjoying them. Whether youβre using a silicone dildo, a stunning glass piece, or one of those fancy vibrating models, knowing how to clean sex toys is crucial for keeping things hygienic, safe, and long-lasting.
In this guide, weβll dive into everything you need to know about dildo care and keeping your favorite toys in top shape. Ready to get started? Letβs break it down!
Why Cleaning Your Dildos Is So Important
You might be wondering, βIs it really that important to clean my toys after every use?β The answer is a big yes! Regular cleaning not only keeps bacteria at bay but also helps your dildos last longer. And trust me, the last thing you want is to reach for your favorite toy, only to realize it hasnβt been cleaned properly. Weβve all been there!
One insightful blog from Healthline written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst and reviewed by Jennifer Litner, PhD, LMFT, CST,Β emphasizes the importance of cleaning sex toys to prevent the risk of infections or exposure to bacteria, viruses, and even parasites. Using unclean toys is compared to eating a dirty mint from the bottom of your bagβnot exactly appealing, right? This kind of contamination can lead to health risks, so a good cleaning routine is key to staying safe and extending the life of your toys.
So, letβs jump into the specifics of how to clean dildos based on their materials.
How to Clean Silicone Dildos
Silicone dildos are super popular for a reasonβtheyβre body-safe, non-porous, and pretty low-maintenance when it comes to cleaning. Hereβs how to keep them fresh and clean:
Warm Water and Soap
The easiest method? Just wash your silicone dildo with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Be sure to give it a good rinse and pay extra attention to any grooves or textures.Boil for a Deep Clean
If you want to take your cleaning game up a notch, you can actually boil your silicone dildo for 3 to 5 minutes to sterilize it. Just make sure itβs 100% silicone with no electronic parts before you toss it in a pot!Toy Cleaner Option
If you prefer something quick and easy, you can use a toy cleaner. Just spritz, wipe, and rinseβdone!
How to Clean Glass and Metal Dildos
Glass and metal dildos are not only beautiful to look at, but theyβre also some of the easiest to clean. Because theyβre non-porous, they donβt trap bacteria as easily.
Soap and Water
Warm water and soap are your best friends here. Just wash them like you would a glass dish and youβre good to go.Boil or Dishwasher Safe
Yes, you read that rightβmany glass and metal dildos are dishwasher-safe! Pop them on the top rack (no detergent needed), or boil them for 3 to 5 minutes for a deeper clean.Check for Damage
For glass dildos, itβs a good idea to check for cracks or chips before and after cleaning. Even though theyβre made of durable, body-safe glass, itβs always better to be safe than sorry.
How to Clean Porous Materials (e.g., Jelly, Rubber, and TPE)
Letβs be honestβ porous materials like jelly, rubber, or TPE need a bit more attention when it comes to cleaning. These materials can harbor bacteria more easily, so youβll need to be thorough.
Warm Water and Soap
Stick to the basics hereβwash with warm water and mild soap, but avoid soaking. Just give them a thorough scrub and rinse.Use a Condom
If youβre using toys made of porous materials, consider using a condom on them during play. It adds an extra layer of protection, especially if youβre sharing toys or switching between different types of play.Donβt Boil!
Unlike silicone or glass, you canβt boil these toys. The heat could damage the material, so stick to gentle hand washing instead.
The blog I mentioned earlier stresses that porous toys like jelly or rubber should be used carefully due to their ability to harbor bacteria. Using a condom with these toys can be a simple way to keep things safe, especially if youβre sharing or switching between different uses.
How to Clean Electronic or Vibrating Dildos
Got a vibrating dildo or one with some electronic flair? Youβll need to be a bit more careful when cleaning these, but itβs still pretty straightforward.
Wipe with a Damp Cloth
For the main body of the toy, use a damp cloth with warm water and mild soap. Just be careful not to let any water get into the electrical parts or charging ports.Use a Toy Cleaner
If you want a faster option, use a toy cleaner spray. Itβs perfect for a quick wipe-down without risking any water damage.Avoid Submerging
Even if your toy is labeled waterproof, donβt submerge it completely during cleaning. A damp cloth or toy cleaner will do the job without risking damage to the internal components.
Properly Drying and Storing Your Dildos
Now that you know how to clean dildos , letβs talk about drying and storage. Because, letβs face it, the last thing you want is mold or bacteria ruining your fun.
The blog I referenced earlier also points out that proper storage is just as important as cleaning. Using lint-free fabric bags or containers prevents your toys from collecting dust, lint, or pet hair. Plus, if you have battery-operated toys, itβs a good idea to remove the batteries when not in use to avoid corrosion. Soft toys should also be stored separately to prevent them from melting togetherβno one wants a sticky toy surprise!
Air Dry or Pat Dry
After cleaning, let your dildo air dry on a clean towel, or pat it dry with a lint-free cloth. Make sure itβs fully dry before storing to avoid trapping moisture.Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Keep your toys in a cool, dry placeβaway from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If your dildo came with a storage pouch or case, use it! It keeps dust and dirt away.Donβt Store Toys Together
If youβve got a collection, donβt just toss them all in the same drawer. Some materials can react with each other and cause damage, so keep your toys separated, especially if theyβre made of different materials.
Extra Dildo Care Tips
Here are a few more tips to help you take the best care of your dildos:
- Inspect Regularly : Check your toys for any cracks, tears, or damage before and after each use.
- Lube Up Right : For silicone toys, stick with water-based lubricants. Silicone-based lubes can break down the material over time.
- Clean After Every Use : This oneβs obvious, but itβs worth repeatingβalways clean your toys after every use!
Final Thoughts: Clean Toys, Happy Play
Taking the time to properly clean and care for your sex toys might not be the most exciting part of your routine, but itβs definitely one of the most important. Knowing how to clean sex toys βfrom your silicone and glass pieces to your high-tech vibratorsβhelps keep your play safe, hygienic, and ready to go whenever the mood strikes.
The outside blog sums it up perfectly: maintaining hygiene through cleaning and proper storage not only keeps you safe but also ensures your toys stay in top condition for the long haul. Whether itβs using condoms on porous toys, removing batteries for storage, or making sure everything is thoroughly cleaned, these steps are key to a healthy and fun experience.
So, whether youβre scrubbing down after a solo session or a fun night with a partner, remember that proper dildo care ensures your toys last longer and feel better each time. And letβs be honest, nothing beats reaching for your favorite toy knowing itβs clean and ready for action.
Happy cleaning!