Blog #9: Sex Toy Care

Modern sex toys are made of all sorts of materials, so it’s important to know how to clean them properly. Read below on what you should do to take care of your equipment!

You can always use condoms with sex toys to decrease the risk of infection, especially if using porous toys or sharing toys with others. Be sure any lubricant used with condoms won’t break the condoms down (See Blog #5). DO NOT use silicone-based lube with silicone-based condoms.

Non-porous toys can be made of glass, stainless steel, silicone, or wood. These are considered to have the least risk of infection if cleaned/used properly. Look for toys that are labeled as “medical-grade”, as these are of the highest quality.

Here is how to clean them based on material:

• Motorized: REMOVE any batteries and NEVER submerge electrical parts in water. Clean with mild antibacterial soap and a damp cloth.

• Glass: Clean with soap and water, Pyrex toys are also dishwasher-safe. Do not expose glass to extreme temperatures.

• Stainless steel: There are 3 different options -

  1) Submerge the toy in boiling water for 10 minutes.

  2) Soak it in a 10% bleach-water solution for 10 minutes.

  3) Place it in the dishwasher.

• Silicone: There are 3 different options -

  1) Boil the toy for 5-10 minutes, though do not boil silicone vibrators as the vibrator mechanism can break.

  2) Place it in the dishwasher (top rack).

  3) Clean with anti-bacterial soap and warm water.

• Wood: Clean with mild antibacterial soap and a damp cloth.

It is generally advised to avoid porous toys as bacteria can gather inside the microscopic pores, even after cleaning. Thus, it is recommended to cover them with a condom when using. These toys are made out of rubber (elastomer), cyberskin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), hard plastic, nylon, leather.

If you do choose to use porous toys, here is how to clean them based on material:

• Rubber (elastomer): These can be difficult to clean, and their composition is not always known or may contain phthalates (harmful chemicals). Thus, it is recommended to mainly use condoms with these toys.

• Cyberskin or Vinyl: Wash delicately with warm water only. Air-dry and powder them with a small amount of cornstarch to keep them from getting sticky.

• Hard plastic: Clean with anti-bacterial soap and water (do not boil).

• Nylon: Machine- or hand-wash with mild anti-bacterial soap.

• Leather: Clean with a damp, soapy cloth or with a leather cleaner (don’t soak it). After cleaning, you can use a leather conditioner. Protect metal parts from tarnish by applying a coat of clear nail polish.

You can also buy water-based cleaners specific to sex toys (do not buy oil- or silicone-based cleaners)! And after cleaning, store your sex toys in a sealable case or silk bag, away from bacteria as well as oils, powders, and perfumes that can irritate your body. Keep your sex toys in a cool dry place.