Owning sex toys can enhance your pleasure, deepen intimacy, and allow for fun sexual exploration, but to get the most out of your toys, it’s crucial to clean and store them properly. Not only does this help extend their lifespan, but it also maintains hygiene, ensuring that you enjoy safe and pleasurable experiences every time.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps for cleaning and storing your sex toys, along with some recommended products from Intimate Touch that will make maintaining your toys easier than ever.

 

Why Proper Cleaning and Storage is Important

Before diving into how to clean and store your sex toys, it’s important to understand why these practices matter. Here are a few reasons why proper hygiene and care are essential:

- Prevent Infections: Sex toys can harbour bacteria, viruses, and fungi if not cleaned properly. This can lead to infections, particularly when using toys on sensitive areas like the genitals or anus.

- Prolong Toy Lifespan: Cleaning and storing your sex toys correctly helps prevent damage and wear, ensuring that they last longer.

- Avoid Material Deterioration: Certain sex toy materials can degrade over time if not cleaned and stored properly, especially if they are exposed to harsh chemicals or stored in unsuitable conditions.

Now, let’s get into the details of how to clean and store your sex toys properly.

 

Image by Freepik

 

1. Know Your Materials: Different Toys Require Different Care

Not all sex toys are created equal, and different materials require different cleaning methods. Understanding the material of your toy is the first step in ensuring that you’re cleaning and caring for it appropriately.

Here are some common sex toy materials and how to clean them:

- Silicone: Silicone is non-porous, body-safe, and one of the easiest materials to clean. You can use warm water and mild soap to clean silicone toys, or a dedicated toy cleaner. Boiling silicone toys (without electrical components) for a few minutes can provide a deeper clean.

- Glass: Glass toys are also non-porous and can be cleaned with warm water and soap. Like silicone toys, they can be boiled or put in the dishwasher for a more thorough cleaning (again, if they don’t contain electrical components).

- Plastic: Most plastic is firm and non-porous. You can wash plastic toys with soap and water or use a toy cleaner.

- Rubber: TPE and TPR are porous materials, meaning they can harbour bacteria more easily. You’ll want to clean these toys thoroughly with soap and water or a toy cleaner after each use. Keep in mind that porous materials can degrade over time, so it's essential to replace these toys regularly.

 

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Sex Toys

Now that you know the type of material your toy is made from, here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your toys effectively:

Basic Cleaning for Most Toys:

1. Rinse with Warm Water: Start by rinsing your toy under warm water to remove any bodily fluids, lube, or other debris.

2. Use a Mild Soap or Toy Cleaner: Apply a mild, unscented soap or a sex toy cleaner to your toy. The Me You Us Spritz Toy Cleaner is a great option as it's formulated specifically for sex toys and is body-safe. Spray the cleaner on the toy and let it sit for a few minutes to break down any bacteria.

3. Gently Scrub: Use your hands or a soft cloth to gently scrub the toy, making sure to get into any crevices, seams, or textured areas where bacteria might hide.

4. Rinse Thoroughly: Once the toy has been scrubbed, rinse it thoroughly under warm water to remove any soap or cleaner residue.

5. Dry Completely: Use a clean, lint-free towel to dry your toy or let it air dry completely before storing it. Moisture can lead to bacteria growth or damage certain materials.

Deep Cleaning for Non-Electrical Toys:

For toys without electrical components (like silicone or glass dildos), you can deep clean them periodically by:

- Boiling: Boil your non-electrical silicone, glass, or stainless steel toys for 3-5 minutes in a pot of water. This will kill any lingering bacteria and give your toys a thorough clean.

- Dishwasher: You can also put non-electrical toys in the top rack of your dishwasher, running them on a cycle without soap to sanitise them.

Cleaning Electrical Toys:

If your sex toy has a motor or electrical components, it requires special care:

1. Use a Damp Cloth: For these toys, never submerge them in water. Instead, use a damp cloth with mild soap or a toy cleaner to wipe down the surface.

2. Avoid Water Near Charging Ports: Make sure to avoid getting any water near the charging ports or buttons. Many electrical toys are splash-proof, but it’s always better to be safe.

3. Rinse Only Where Safe: If the toy is labeled as waterproof, you can rinse it, but if it’s only water-resistant, stick to wiping it down.

 

Image by Freepik

 

3. How to Store Your Sex Toys Safely

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning your toys. Storing them incorrectly can lead to material damage, bacteria growth, or decreased functionality. Here are the steps for storing your toys the right way:

Keep Toys Separate

Some sex toy materials don’t play well with others. For example, silicone toys stored together can melt or warp over time, while jelly toys can break down when in contact with certain materials. To avoid this:

- Tip: Store each toy separately in a cloth bag or its original packaging. 

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can damage certain materials, causing toys to warp, melt, or degrade over time.

- Tip: Keep your toys in a cool, dry place, such as a drawer or dedicated storage box. Avoid storing toys in the bathroom where humidity levels are higher.

Make Sure Toys are Completely Dry

Never store your toys when they’re still damp. This can lead to mold or bacteria growth, which can pose health risks.

- Tip: After cleaning your toys, ensure they are completely dry before storing them. Use a lint-free towel or let them air dry.

Keep Batteries Separate

For toys that use removable batteries, always take the batteries out before storing them. This prevents corrosion and prolongs the life of both the toy and the batteries.

- Tip: Store the batteries in a small bag or container near your toys, so they’re easy to find when you’re ready to use them again.

 

4. Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Toys in Top Condition

- Use the Right Lubricant: Some lubricants can damage certain toy materials. For example, silicone-based lube can degrade silicone toys. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations or use a water-based lube like Lubido Original Water Based Lube, which is safe for all toy materials.

- Regularly Inspect Your Toys: Over time, even the best-maintained toys can show signs of wear and tear. Regularly inspect your toys for cracks, tears, or changes in texture. If you notice any damage, it’s time to replace the toy to avoid any risks.

 

Photo by Deon Black on Unsplash

 

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and storing your sex toys properly is essential for maintaining hygiene, prolonging their lifespan, and ensuring a pleasurable experience. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to enjoy your toys safely for years to come.

Don’t forget to stock up on essential cleaning products and accessories from Intimate Touch to make maintaining your collection a breeze.