Sex Toy Care & Cleaning Tips

Written by Lady Layla of ladylayla.co.uk

It is important that YOUR SEX TOY is looked after. Clean them before and after use, and store them in a way that keeps them protected.

WHY?

It is important to clean your sextoy, and to clean it correctly, for two reasons. Firstly, the first reason is to prevent infection or irritation, and secondly, to maintain the toy in as near new condition as possible. Irritation is preventable by cleaning with the correct cleaning agents, while cleaning is important to prevent any infectious material remaining on your appliance. Bacteria need removing. This becomes even more important when sharing a sextoy — avoid doing so unless you’re with your permanent partner.

MATERIAL OF THE SEX TOY

The material they’re made of completely determines how you should clean them.

When buying a sex toy, it is always best to purchase one made of a non-porous material. This will give you a head start when it comes to ensuring that it remains safe for use. The main material used for sex toys that is non-porous is top-grade silicone. Manufacturers also use metal and glass, but they make few toys from these materials.

As silicone is not porous, there is nowhere for irritant or infectious material to lodge.

LUBRICANTS

Assuming that the appliance is made of silicone, it is important for it to remain non-porous. This is where lubricants have an effect. Use only water-based lubricants to maintain the non-porous nature of the material.

Other lubricants can affect the surface.

CLEANING MATERIALS

Nothing stronger than soap and water should be used. Firstly, soap means a standard hand-washing soap. Do not use anything stronger—avoid household detergents, alcohol, and similar substances.

Additionally, on the odd occasion, a specialised toy cleaning agent can be used, and these are available from most sextoy retailers. These are specifically designed to bring a toy back to ‘as new’ condition. Use hand soap and warm water for everything else.

However, care should be taken not to immerse the toy in water if the appliance is not waterproof. For example, battery-operated sextoys have a compartment for the batteries, and these may not be totally sealed. Therefore, a soft cloth should be used with the soapy water.

On the other hand, rechargeable toys are much more likely to be waterproof.

DAMAGED SEX TOY

These should be discarded as any damage to the surface will provide a great hiding place for nasty little bugs. Moreover, it is important that your sex toy is in the same condition as it was when you first bought it.

STORAGE

Never store your little friend by just throwing it into a drawer or, even worse, leaving it on top of some drawers in your bedroom.

How should you store it?

The options are a lint-free bag, a plastic box or a sealed plastic bag. Afterward, you can then place it in a drawer away from direct sunlight.

Caring for sex toys is not a chore and takes very little time. It is important, though, if you are to get the best from your toy and if you are to keep yourself safe.

So, for the sake of both your toy and yourself, follow these simple guidelines.

You are worth it.