One thing that people tend to forget in their thirst for pleasure is that the tools they use to orgasm can lead to infections. There are dozens of cases where people have ended up in emergency rooms because of sex toys. The main problem emanates from the sex toys’ cleanliness, and that is what we will be addressing in this article.
Why You Should Keep Your Sex Toys Clean
There are dozens of reasons why a dirty sex toy is dangerous to you and your sexual partners. Sex toys are a source of pleasure, but they can also bring several health problems. Some of the main reasons why you need to know how to properly clean sex toys include:
STIs
Sex toys can transmit STIs. When you use your sex toys for pleasure, they will most likely get into contact with body fluids. Most STIs are transmitted through these fluids. It makes it essential to keep your items of pleasure clean, especially if you are in the habit of sharing them. People can share sex toys, and some of the pathogens that transmit these diseases can stay on the sex toy for a while. That is why it is necessary to clean and disinfect the toy.
Durability
One thing that dirt can do is result in your sex toy getting damaged. It is common with porous sex toys. Dirt can result in irreversible damage to your sex toy, and you might eventually have to replace it. It is quite expensive and can easily be avoided by cleaning the toy. Metal sex toys can also start to rust if they are not cleaned out well.
How to Clean Sex Toys
Several different materials are used to make sex toys, and each material tends to require a unique technique when it comes to cleaning it. We will be taking an in-depth look into the most common sex toy materials and the best way to clean sex toys. To make it as comprehensive as possible (cleaning is important, we cannot take a chance), we will be throwing in examples of sex toys and how to effectively get them spruced up after a pleasure session.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Sex Toys
The good thing about stainless steel sex toys is that they won’t rust. Rust is both unhealthy and unattractive, and it is certainly one feature that you would not want to see on your sex toy. Cleaning stainless steel sex toys is not that much of a pain. It is mainly because these toys are not porous. No porous sex toys can be effectively cleaned.
Washing
The most essential aspect of cleaning your toys is the washing part. Washing with only water will not do the trick. You have to use soap to ensure that you disinfect the sex toy, especially dildos and vibrators. Vibrators tend to harbor a lot of pathogens – that is why disinfection is important.
When you are washing your stainless steel sex toy, make sure you use unscented hand soap. Scented soap can throw off your vaginas’ pH, and that might result in medical problems. Hand soap and mild soap will do good for dildos and vibrators.
Once you are done washing, make sure that you rinse the sex toy thoroughly; make sure that there is no soap residue left on the sex toy. It is especially important for smaller sex toys, like nipple clamps and butt plugs. Running water is the best option for both rinsing and generally washing.
Drying
Another essential aspect when it comes to cleaning your sex toy, especially if they’re made of stainless steel, is drying. Make sure that once you have fully washed your sex toy, you dry it using a cloth. Once it is dried, make sure you store it in a dry place.
How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys
Silicon is one of the most popular sex toy materials. If you have used silicone sex toys, you can agree with us that the experience is unparalleled. Using silicon sex toys will send you into a frenzy. The most popular silicone sex toy is a dildo, and we will be teaching you how to clean it and leave it squeaky clean.
Washing
If you are ready and do not mind it, you may be glad to know that you can use your dishwasher to clean your sex toy. The only downside is that if someone else finds it inside the dishwasher, they might not like it. If you are ok with that, you can just put it in your dishwasher, and you are good to go.
If you are a conventional sex toy user, though, you can always hand wash your sex toy made from silicone. Use mild soap and also make sure that you incorporate a washcloth to reach the hard-to-reach places. Silicone sex toys are pretty resistant, and if you want to make sure that you are completely safe, you can boil them. Make sure that you do not surpass the 4-minute limit when boiling your sex toy. You do not want to “overcook” your item of pleasure.
Drying
Drying is as important for silicone sex toys as it is for stainless steel sex toys. Moisture can result in your sex toy being a habitable shelter for bacteria and other pathogens. Make sure that you use a dry cloth and the sex toy is as dry as possible.
Storage
There is a temptation to just throw your sex toy in a drawer with lots of other things – do not give in to this temptation. Some of your materials might be a harbor for pathogens, and they might end up getting in contact with your sex toy and, in the end, spread a plethora of diseases.
How to Clean Plastic Sex Toys
Over the years, plastic has been salvaging the sex toy market, and it has become a preference for most sex toy users. The main reason is that plastic is light and pretty easy to clean.
Washing
When it comes to washing plastic, you have to be very careful with the type of soap you use. Just like with stainless steel sex toys, using scented soap is a no-go. It is important when it comes to plastic dildos. If you do decide to use scented soap, make sure that you thoroughly rinse your sex toy. This way, you are assured of a clean pleasure experience.
If your plastic sex toy vibrates, you can wash it with water (if it’s waterproof). If you have an electric dildo or plastic vibrator, the best way to clean it is using a damp cloth to wipe it down. You can douse the cloth with disinfecting liquid to make sure you get that extra clean touch.
Drying
Make sure that you dry your plastic sex toy. Although it does not rust, moisture is not good for your health and your sex toy’s durability.
How to Clean Porous Sex Toys
Porous sex materials are also quite widespread. A significant chunk of sex toys is either made from rubber or PVC. Porous materials and sex toys made from them are known to harbor bacteria and other pathogens more than other materials. It makes it essential to wash your porous sex toys thoroughly.
Washing
Most porous sex toys have a skin-like texture. The materials used to make these sex toys tend to be very sensitive, and you have to be very careful with the soap. Soap tends to damage the material, and you might end up not getting that premium skin-like feel. It means that you have to scrub as hard as possible to ensure that you do not end up having pathogens on your sex toy.
A damp cloth will not do when it comes to sex toys made from porous sex materials. Some of anal sex toys are made from porous materials, and with the number of bacteria in the anal area, you have to make sure that it is one place that is as clean as possible.
Sex Toy Cleaners
One thing that most people do not know is that sex toy developers have already created cleaners for all kinds of sex toys. If you were struggling with how to clean male sex toys or how to clean anal sex toys, then it is the best thing that will meet your needs. Sex toy cleaners are not that expensive, and getting one will not break your bank.
We can’t emphasize enough how important cleanliness is to pleasure. Clean your sex toys, and if you decide to share them, please, use protection.
