When you’re revelling in post-climax bliss, how you’re going to clean the sex toy that just sent you over the edge is probably the last thing on your mind. But it’s actually a biggie.
“Sex toys end up in some sticky situations (don’t worry, mostly the good kind!). After each use, silicone vibrators (and all toys for that matter) end up with residue on their surface – even if you can’t see it,” explains Justine Vallata, founder of sex toy gifting emporium, That’s The Spot. “This residue can attract dust, dirt and other nasties that we don’t want to introduce to our downstairs area (trust me).”
To ward off these infections, you should wash your sex toys regularly—as in every time you use them.
“Toys that are not regularly cleaned can become bacteria breeding grounds. Depending on how you use your sex toys, forgoing a cleaning routine can wreak havoc with your natural vaginal bacteria. Dare I even mention those two words, yeast infection.”
“We clean our dishes, clothes, bedsheets and hairbrushes – almost anything our bodies have contact with. So, it’s logical to regularly clean our sex toys. We put vibes (and other toys) in and on some of our most sensitive (but beautiful) body parts. Our bodies deserve fantastic hygiene, love and care – and this includes our genitalia!”
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We asked Justine a few more equations about keeping your sex toys in tip-top shape, below.
How often should you clean your sex toys?
“You should clean your sex toys before and after each use. Read it, make note of it and don’t forget it. Put this advice into practice. Before and after each use, no ifs, buts or maybes. I know, it might seem like a lot, but a clean toy, makes for a happy downstairs – a solid dividend for a simple investment.”
How do you approach cleaning different types of sex toys?
“The world of sex toys is glorious and vast. Depending on the material your toys are made from, cleaning may differ slightly. Generally, warm water will work on most sex toys. A clean with only water is better than no clean at all! For example, That’s The Spot offers a range of silicone vibrators. Our products are water resistant, so cleaning is straightforward with no concerns around battery compartments or charging zones.”
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“For a thorough clean and efficient approach, we recommend using a dedicated toy cleaner with silicone toys. Using a dedicated cleaner, will remove residue from a toy’s surface, making the cleaning process easy and quick (about 30 seconds). It also provides peace of mind that your vibrator has been appropriately cleaned and cared for – after all, we want our pleasure pals to go the distance.”
What types of products work best for each type of toy?
Most water-based toy cleaners will work across silicone, glass, steel, and hard plastic – which is great, because one cleaning product can suit an entire toy collection. No matter the type of toy, the main cleaning points to remember are:
1. Remove any and all gunk or build up on the toy.
2. Rinse thoroughly (always consider the type of toy and avoid water coming in contact with battery compartments).
3. Ensure toys are 100% dry before packing them away – ideally in a breathable storage bag to ensure minimal dust settles on it.
“When it comes to water resistant silicone vibrators, an alcohol and oil free, water-based cleaner is best. Cleaning sex toys is about keeping our bodies healthy, but we also want to preserve our favourite toy’s integrity (let’s not be selfish self-lovers now, toys are our MVPs here). Alcohol and oil-based cleaners may deteriorate silicone overtime. Stay away from these products to keep your vibe performing at a high standard for longer.
“No matter the toy or material, never use household cleaning products on sex toys!”
How to clean your silicone vibrator with a dedicated toy cleaner:
- Apply 2-3 pumps of a quality toy cleaner directly to your toys surface and massage over the toy – paying particular attention to any areas that feel as though they have residue on them.
- Leave the cleaning foam on the toy for at least 10 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
- Dry with a lint free cloth.
- Store in a breathable fabric (eg: cotton) bag.
What can I use instead of sex toy cleaner?
“Whilst they are best practice, you don’t actually need fancy toy cleaners. Sometimes people might shy away from cleaning their sex toys because they don’t have a dedicated cleaner. Don’t do this! Water is wonderful and so much better than forgoing a cleaning routine altogether. At the end of the day, warm water, and a good wash/rub/scrub with your hands will still help to keep your sex toys clean and your downstairs happy.”
Best sex toy cleaners
That’s The Spot Sidekick Toy Cleaning Foam
Free from nasty chemicals, no overwhelming fragrance and incredibly cost efficient at under $20, what’s not to love about this foam cleanser? Simply massage all over, leave for ten seconds and then wash away the foam. Simples.
Uvee Adult Toy Sanitiser
Want to go the extra mile when it comes to your toy cleaning routine? Try a sanitising system, which discreetly sanitises your toys using UVC light to kill potential viruses lurking on surfaces. These machines are expensive, though, and if you’re between buying one and a high-quality toy that’s also on the pricey side, you might want to go for the toy instead.
Wild Secrets Misting Toy Cleaner
This cleaning mist is a cost-friendly option if you’re looking for a simple solution. To use the mist, just spray your items with the formula, let them sit a beat, then rinse with water, and pat to dry. It’s safe to use with silicone, plastic, glass, rubber and more.
Vush You Do You Intimate Care Wipes
If you want something that’s portable and non-liquid based, these aftercare tissues might be for you. By swiping these on your toys, the wipes remove any leftover residue and disinfect any remaining bacteria on your toys.
LELO Antibacterial Cleaning Spray
Spray this alcohol- and paraben-free cleanser all over your go-to toys. Wait five seconds for all its fast-acting ingredients to activate before rinsing it under warm water and patting it dry with a lint-free towel.
Lovehoney Fresh Toy Cleaner
This water-based cleaner (also available in travel size!) is safe to use with all toys. Just give ’em a thorough spritz, and they’ll be good as new.
Dame Hand + Vibe Cleaner
A truly innovative product mash-up, this is combination hand sanitiser/toy cleanser. The alcohol and witch hazel ingredients make your hands feel super clean while they’re killing germs, and the sweet orange essence adds a touch of botanical scent.
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