How to clean sex toys: cleaning sex toys with disinfectant, cleaning different sex toy materials - OhZone: Adult toys, sex toys, vibrators, sex toy shop, anal toys, rabbit vibrators, dildos, male sleeves, erotica, ming balls, lubricants, sex books, adult games, sexual health, sex tips and sex techniques

New sex toys are a great addition to the bedroom but because they have such an intimate purpose, they must be washed thoroughly and stored well to ensure that they are always hygienically clean. Bacteria can flourish in warm, damp places and if you want to enjoy optimum health, there are a number of wise pointers to follow.

Use condoms on porous sex toys
Condoms can be used on sex toys such as vibrators and dildos and this is often a good precautionary measure, especially on certain toys. If using a condom, use plenty of lubricant as desired. Remove and dispose of the condom after each use. It is advisable always to use a condom on toys made of a porous material as they can be difficult to keep hygienically clean.

Clean intimate toys with disinfectant
Many people prefer to use their toys without condoms if they are made of a safe material. Wash toys before and soon after use, ideally using a toy disinfectant after each use. Non-porous toys can be cleaned with a damp cloth using mild or antibacterial soap and warm water. Use a clean cloth on toys made of porous material. Avoid strong detergents as these may lead to deterioration in the material. If no toy cleaner is handy, disinfect with pure alcohol or hydrogen peroxide - dab on with cotton wool or a cloth.

Antibacterial soaps
Special antibacterial toy cleaners are available, some of which are compatible with all sex toy materials. Dilute the cleaning liquid with warm water as per instructions, wash with a cloth, rinse well and dry with paper towels or a soft, lint-free cloth. Spray toys with a disinfectant regularly, preferably after each use.
Waterproof toys should be rinsed with hot water after use in water. Take care not to wet battery compartments or electrical parts. Once clean, allow the toy to dry thoroughly as most bacteria can’t survive on a dry surface.

How to clean sex toys made of different materials

Silicone is non-porous, hypoallergenic and easy to clean. However, if even a small crack appears, silicone tears fairly easily, so keep it out of harm’s way. Silicone dildos (and other toys without battery/electrical parts) can be sterilised – boil waterproof toys on the stove for up to 3 minutes or wash in the top rack of a dishwasher (as long as there are no plastic parts attached). Alternatively, wash with mild soap and water, and let them air dry completely or dab dry with a lint-free cloth. Use water-based lubricants with silicone toys as silicone-based lubes may destroy the surface.

Hard plastic, latex and vinyl do not have to be used with condoms as they are not as porous as rubber. Wash with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly and air dry. Don’t use any oils on latex toys as this will destroy the surface.

Rubber toys (including jelly rubber) are porous and difficult to clean so it is best to use condoms on them. Wash with mild soap and water, and rinse well as soap can degrade the material and irritate you. Air dry. Don’t use oils with jelly rubber toys as they will damage the surface.

Acrylic toys are non-porous and easy to clean. Wash with mild soap and water, rinse well and dry with a clean cloth. These can be boiled or submerged in hot water if there are no electrical parts/batteries.

Cyberskin (and other realistic materials) is a blend of rubber and thermal plastic. It is highly porous and gets dirty easily, so use condoms. Wash with mild soap and water, rinse well and pat dry with a clean cloth. To increase the lifespan of your toy, dust with cornstarch before storing it. Avoid using talcum powder as this has been linked to cervical cancer. Cyberskin is eroded by contact with oils, silicone-based lubricants and other rubber toys.

Glass toys can be washed with warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Sterilise with a cotton ball soaked in pure alcohol and rinse thoroughly afterwards. Can be submerged in hot water or boiled if there are no electrical parts/batteries.

Elastomer is a soft, porous material that cannot be disinfected. Wash with soap and water and allow to dry completely.

How to maintain sex toys
Good storage and maintenance will prolong the life of your sex toy. When you first receive your new toy, check it for any imperfections that may cause problems, such as rough seams (which you may be able to file smooth with a nail file), tears or discolouration (some materials naturally look discoloured, however). Check glass and acrylic toys for cracks. Use new batteries to check if the toy works properly. Follow these general rules:

Clean your toys thoroughly before and after use. After washing, ensure that each toys is completely dry before storing to prevent mould or mildew from growing on it.
It is a good idea to use a disinfectant spray or disinfectant after each wash. Allow to air dry.
Remove batteries when not in use as batteries can leak and corrode the motor.
Wrap each toy in a soft cloth or toy bag as some toys cause others to melt or discolour when in direct contact. In particular, wrap bullet or egg vibrators separately from the rest of your toys.
Store toys in a cool dark place such as a drawer as sunlight and heat may cause some toys to melt or discolour. Don’t expose them to extreme cold either, such as a refrigerator, as most toys – except those made of glass, acrylic and silicone, if without batteries – can be damaged by extreme cold.

Hiding your toys
How do people store their sex toys discreetly, away from the prying eyes of curious children, in-laws or domestic workers? In an array of places, the most important point being that the toys are kept close to the bed and are easily accessible at the precise moment they’re needed (and not buried deep in the sock drawer!). Some choose to keep them in nondescript shoe boxes or tupperware at the bedside (you could line it with a silky fabric), or safely locked in a bedside drawer. Others hide them in a box under the bed, or even tuck them between the mattress and bed base. Tucked away in a container in the bathroom cabinet is another popular spot. For those who are really into their toys, toy boxes are ideal, especially if they have foam padding and a key, or you could have one custom-made. Whatever method works for you, toys should be stored hygienically and kept close at hand.