Taking Care of Your Sex Toys: Cleaning and Storage Tips

If you were wondering if there was a proper way to clean your sex toys, we're here to tell you that there is. However, depending on the type of toy you have and its specifics, the cleaning process can differ. Below, read our guide on how to clean your sex toys and store them right.

Cleaning Porous Material Sex Toys

Porous sex toys can be made of various different materials, such as cotton, jelly rubber, Latex, Cyberskin, elastomer, leather, PVC, and vinyl. When it comes to these sex toy types, the cleaning is pretty straightforward. Typically, porous toys are cleaned with soap and water (not too hot!), or a designated sex toy cleaner. If you don't want to overspend, you can clean your porous toys with a mild liquid soap, like the one you use for wahsing your hands. Since porous material allows the breathability of the sex toy, you won't have too much trouble cleaning them. However, if the toy is ribbed, has folds, or any other ridges, you should be extra careful to go over every area and clean it well.

Once your porous toy is squeaky clean, you should immediately store it so it's not exposed to existing bacteria. Porous toys can also be used with condoms, the sticky liquid of which you should also clean once you're done using them.

Cleaning Nonporous Material Sex Toys

On the flip side of porous toys are nonporous sex toys. These include all toys made of glass, nylon, silicone, stone, stainless steel, Pyrex, crystal, or wood. In terms of actual cleaning, toys made of 100% silicone, glass or steel are typically leaned with liquid soap or a designated toy cleaner. One thing to note about these toys is that you need to air dry them after you clean them. That said, avoid exposing the toys to fans or other warmer-air dryers.

For ongoing use in bed and occasional cleaning, you can also turn to specifically designed cleaning tissues, which are superb to clean the toy without leaving the bed, and is safe as well. Some nonporous sex toys don't have any motorised performances, which in terms of cleaning gives you the option to boil them for 3 minutes or even run them in a dishwasher. However, if doing either, ensure the cleaner you use is mild and not chemical-packed.

“If you have nonvibrating silicone toys (like dildos or butt plugs) you can take an added step and boil them in water for up to 3 minutes to sanitize them thoroughly,” Deysach explains. When it comes to motorised nonporous sex toys, it is best to first remove the batteries and then clean the toy, waiting to dry off completely before you turn it back on.

Finally, storing your sex toys should be all about discretion and safety, so consider using:

• A durable makeup case
• The designated pouch a toy has come with
• A lint-free fabric bag
• A clean sock
• A nonplastic case