Expert tips to help you clean your sex toys thoroughly

Sex toys have opened up new worlds of self-pleasure and couple bedroom fun for many, especially over the past few years. Now, the importance of taking care of your bedfellows has never been more critical.

You wouldn’t drive a filthy car around, so don’t neglect your happy place between the sheets.

Why sex toy hygiene is important

Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy says good hygiene is paramount in terms of putting objects inside the vagina or the rectum.

She explains that bacteria such as salmonella, shigella, E. coli and campylobacter can all be spread via the use of sex toys, as can hepatitis A, B and C, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.

“If you don’t follow advice, you risk traumatising the genital area, damaging your genital tissues, or developing an infection or an allergic reaction.”

Sexpert Pippa Murphy of condoms.uk said it is important to clean toys thoroughly after use.

“Whilst this may sound laborious, it makes sense as every time you use it, you’re risking getting bacteria on it which you don’t want anywhere near your genitals.”

All toys are different, but there are common denominators that people who love their toys should consider. It’s important to know the kind of toy that you have.

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How to wash your sex toys

Many people are unsure how to wash their sex toys, especially vibrators, given that water will destroy the vibrator mechanism.

Murphy’s advice is to first check whether your vibrator is waterproof, which can be discovered via your vibrator’s instructions. “However, if you don’t have them, you can always Google your vibrator to find out more information on a product page.”

She said that products marked as water-resistant or splash-proof aren’t fully waterproof, however, they can handle a tiny bit of water given that its sole purpose is to operate in events where moisture is present. Waterproof vibrators are usually made of silicone, these can be cleaned using water, for longer. 

Importantly, remove batteries before starting the cleaning process.

“Use a damp, soapy washcloth to clean water resistant and splashproof toys. Apply antibacterial soap to a clean dishcloth, submerge it in water, drain the washcloth and then scrub for around 20 seconds,” Murphy advices.

She recommends using a mild, unscented soap so that you don’t mess with your vagina’s PH balance and cause an infection. 

“And also make sure to never place the vibrator under the tap or fully submerge it in water, as you should only ever use the amount of water that the washcloth can retain.”

If your toy has grooves or crevices that can trap debris, use a soft toothbrush you’ve dedicated to this purpose. You should then use plain water to give it a final rinse. 

Do not put your toy in a dishwasher. It’s not a plate, and any circuits or intricate electronics will be damaged forever. Even if it doesn’t have a battery, you can mess it up. Toys that are made from silicone or metal can be boiled for around two minutes to sanitise them, but remember, that’s only for the types that do not operate on batteries or recharge.

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Murphy said that sex toys must air dry.

“Once you’ve cleaned your sex toy, place it on a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry. This is the best way of preventing lint from getting stuck to the toy and causing potential infections, whilst also allowing the nooks and crannies to fully dry. If your toy is battery-operated, make sure to leave the battery case open when air drying.”

Then, once dry, store the toy in a clean bag.

Murphy suggests that after washing, avoid using the toy for 24 hours.

“Some studies show that even if a sex toy is washed, some viruses can remain on them for up to 24 hours after cleaning. Exercise caution when using a toy and do not use it for 24 hours after it was last cleaned.”

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