The How to: For Toy Hygiene!

Have you ever stared at your sex toys, scratching your head about how to give them a good, refreshing reset?! Welcome to your ultimate, quick reference toy cleaning guide!

When you begin to see your sex toys, with all its grand material and make-up, as something just as delicate as you and your glory parts, you will see how essential it is to maintain proper hygiene of your precious purchase. We refer to it as hygiene, because good toy maintenance is far more than the simple water rinse or the ultra-neglectful towel wipe. You require more than that for your body, and with your toy being exposed to all the essence your body has to offer, requires more than that too.

Good toy hygiene will prolong your toy's pleasure expectancy AND protect you from the unwanted microbes of the world. Here is how you can stay safe, sensual, and clean with your sex toy collection!

Sanitation Made Simple

Now that our mission in being good sex toy owners is on the books, let's cut right to a prime option on keeping our sexy sanitized. Pre-made, manufactured toy cleaners are your trusty choice for non-porous materials! These cleaners are scientifically tested and proven their abilities to disinfect and sanitized toys before and after use. But! These cleaners have some limitations. In the case of those toys that were created with some porosity, it may not be enough to just spray a nice cleaning solution on them. We will learn more ways to deeper clean for porous materials further into this guide.

Manufactured cleaners are specifically formulated to work safely with your beloved personal products, ensuring no damage to the materials of the toy. For instance, if a lightbulb switches on at the thought of using bleach or rubbing alcohol on certain porous or nonporous surfaces; this may trigger a chemical reaction that harms your toy. Therefore, choosing to us a cleaner specifically designed for toys is a wise choice.

UV Isn't Just for the Sun

UV light has become one of the more innovative ways to clean sex toys. Some benefits of using UV light have been the set it and forget convenience, the no mess no stress, or even the cool luxury feeling it gives you to have a UV machine. All that into account, there are still some instructions and things to consider when cleaning with a UV machine.

1. UV light can have more of an advantage when cleaning porous, transparent sex toys; however, solid-colored porous toys may not benefit as much since the light cannot reach the deeper pores. Additionally, UV light can be advantageous for cleaning toys with crevices, provided the light can penetrate those areas.

2. There are three categories of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The type commonly used for sanitizing pleasure products is UVC. This light ray possesses the highest energy among the three. Consequently, its strength can cause certain plastic materials to begin to disintegrate. Over time, this degradation may result in microcracks, potentially damaging the sex toy and creating an environment for bacteria, mold, and fungi to thrive.

3. The top priority to keep in mind when cleaning your toys with is method, is the quality of the machine that will be used for the task. Always read the instructions and specifications BEFORE investing in your new UV machine.

The Porous Process

If the word "porous" is not something you are familiar with, check out our library entry on the different toy material in our article "That's What It's Made Of." But for the topic at hand, when cleaning porous material toys and using sex toy cleaners, they are good at cleaning the things on the surface but have the potential to miss all the things that can be lurking in the deep pockets of the pores.

Because these types of toys have too many small, hard to see pores that can host bacteria and viruses, it makes it virtually impossible to get them completely clean. So, remember when using a sex toy cleaner on a porous sex toy, that you are reducing the bacteria. You may not be completely eliminating the small organisms that live beyond the surface.

When considering good hygiene for your porous toys is to know that good maintenance encompasses good care with use and storage to match. Check out our library entry "Pour Love on Your Porous Product" for a deeper detailing of how to maintain your porous sex toys. The way you store, use, and lube these type of toy materials assists in making the clean-up easier and safer.

You should always avoid harsh chemical when cleaning your porous sex toy! The chemicals can become trapped in the small holes and then find themselves getting mixed into the pleasure crevices of your vagina or anus. The dangers on this can lead to these unwanted substances making way into your bloodstream and cause harm that can be avoided by simply keeping chemical away!

Using a manufactured toy cleaners can effectively reduce microbes that are present on porous toys. This allows the chance to significantly lower the risk of creating and transferring infections. To achieve the best results, let the cleaner soak into the toy's pores for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, be sure to rinse the toys thoroughly to eliminate any remaining cleaner, and store as recommended.

Remember, cleaning a porous toy is similar to washing a sponge without heat being involved. You may not be able to eliminate every single germ. Your item won't be 100% disinfected or sanitized, which is why we advise using these toys solely for external purposes.

Non-porous Toy Cleansing

The answer to cleaning nonporous sex toys is a hint as to why our sensual collection only carries body safe, nonporous, intimate products. After hearing about all the tedious things porous toys may bring with them, you may be wonder about nonporous. Well, keeping your nonporous products hygienically poised is as simple as a 30 second wash with antibacterial soap and water! Toy cleanser can also be effective in cleaning these toys. Be sure to let your products dry completely before storing.

Vibrations and Sanitation

If your vibrator isn't waterproof, you can simply wipe it down for cleaning. However, if you're considering a more thorough wash, here's a helpful tip: position it under the faucet so you can rinse it effectively.

Exercise caution to prevent water from getting into any electrical components. Be aware that attempting this may lead to water damage in your toy, potentially causing corrosion. So, proceed with caution, understanding that you might risk damaging your toy.

When considering using water as a cleaning method be sure to know whether your toy is classified as water-PROOF of water-RESISTANT. While waterproof toys can handle the deep dive of water, water resistant toys can only handle light waves. Water resistant sex toys should not be submerged and used with caution if cleaning with running water.

Your waterproof vibrator, on the other hand, can enjoy a good water bath with soap and water or the convenient spruce up of the toy cleaner.

Silicone Cleansing Secrets

The majority of the toys we offer are crafted from high-quality silicone, which is nonporous, hypoallergenic, phthalate-free, and easy to clean. Maintaining these toys is simple, and their remarkable durability ensures a lasting and enjoyable experience. In the realm of toy materials, silicone stands out as the ideal choice, blending safety, hygiene, and resilience.

Maintaining your waterproof silicone toys is easier than you might think—it's much like a quick self-care ritual. Just as you would treat your skin, give your sex toys a gentle wash with soap and water. Lather them up for around 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. Finally, let them air dry before putting them away.

Although toy cleaners provide extra sanitization, they are more of a luxury than a daily requirement for non-porous silicone sex toys. Regular soap and water cleaning is typically sufficient. However, if sharing toys, proper sanitization is essential instead of just disinfecting.

Other ways of cleaning your nonporous intimate products are by using 10% bleach solution, allowing your toy to soak for 10 minutes: or by using a 1 to 1 ratio of a vinegar and water solution.

This to avoid on your silicone toys are rubbing alcohol, sunlight, or hydrogen peroxide. These things can cause damage and lead to degradation.

The Right Way to Clean Rubber

For non-porous rubber toy, use warm water along with a gentle, fragrance-free soap. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the soap off as to leave no residue. Steer clear of harsh chemicals or detergents, as they can wear down the rubber material over time. For a more thorough cleaning, consider using a manufactured toy cleaner. Allow for your toy to completely dry before storing to deter the growth of mold or bacteria. These products should never be boiled or cleaned in the dishwasher. The extreme temperature can cause this material to melt. With that in mind, always keep your rubber sex toy in cool, dry environments for storing purposes.

Porous rubber sex toys are highly challenging to keep clean and disinfected, because the material is absorbent in nature. So, in effort to clean your rubber porous intimates, spray a generous amount of your sec toy cleanser and let sit for a minimum of 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before allowing it to dry and be stored away.

Other solutions that can be used for you rubber sex toy (porous and non-porous) are the 1:1 vinegar and water solution or 3% hydrogen peroxide. These two solutions can be applied to the surface of your toy, allowed to sit for a few minutes then gently wiped and rinsed away before being set out to dry and stored.

Minding Metal Materials

Metal toys are available in materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and even gold and silver. It's important to ensure that the toys you choose are made from pure metals and are purchased from a trusted toy store, as poorly crafted toys can pose risks.

To ensure your stainless steel toys remain in prime condition, follow these simple steps:

• Rinse Thoroughly: Start by rinsing the toys under warm water to remove any residue or debris.

• Mild Soap and Water: Use a mild, non-abrasive soap and a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the stainless steel.

• Dry Completely: After washing, rinse the toys again with warm water to remove any soap. Then, dry them thoroughly with a clean, soft towel to prevent water spots and maintain the material's shine.

• Sanitize if Necessary: For deeper cleaning, you can use a solution of water and rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This will help to disinfect without causing harm to the stainless steel.

• Regular Maintenance: Periodically inspect your toys for any signs of wear or damage. Regular cleaning after each use is crucial to keep them in excellent condition and safe for future use.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your stainless-steel toys remain both hygienic and in pristine condition for long-term enjoyment.

Other methods for cleaning metal toys can include: boiling while submerged under water for 5 to 10 minutes (use caution when removing from water as the surface will be hot), using a formulated toy cleaner, 70% isopropyl alcohol solution followed by a thorough rinse under water, or even using a steam cleaner as the heat can be used to sterilize (again use caution when touching after using this method).

Keep Clean, Stay Safe

There is a plethora of toys available on the market ranging from silicone, metal, to glass and even wood. When it comes to safely cleaning sex toys, it's essential to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Each sex toy is distinct, complete with its own specific guidelines. This step is akin to checking the label on a delicate garment — it's crucial for maintaining quality and ensuring proper usage. Good toy hygiene is essential to any sex toy collection, as it keep your pleasure protected and long-lasting. So, remember to always keep it clean to stay safe and sexy!

You see in our next pleasure toy guide!!!!