Sex toys are fun; there’s no doubt about it. In fact, the average consumer spends approximately $35 on them. But sex toys are only fun if you take care of them. It is essential to keep them clean, so you will avoid having any issues with your health. Whether we are talking about vaginal or anal toys, you need to take care of them if you want to use them. This way, you will not only lower the chances of getting an infection but also fully focus on having fun and reaching an orgasm.
Washing It Before Use
One of the first things you should remember is to wash your toys before use. There are two ways to take care of them — cleaning and sanitizing. For cleaning, a good wipe is all you need. But sometimes, sanitizing is necessary.
Sanitation is needed if you used a toy anally, and plan on using it vaginally after that. Also, if you plan on lending your toy to someone (not a good idea), or if you are dealing with an STI or yeast infection. You shouldn’t use sex toys anywhere else after anal play.
To sanitize the toy, you can run it through the wash cycle in your dishwasher, but only if your toy is non-motorized. That is perfect for all silicone, metal, and glass toys. You can also boil some toys that aren’t heat-sensitive, but be sure to check if that’s the case to avoid ruining them.
Cleaning your toys, on the other hand, is quite simpler. Most toys today are waterproof, meaning that you can scrub them with soap and water. If there are cracks or crevices in the toy, you can also use a toothbrush to make sure that you reach tricky spots. For silicone, metal, and glass gadgets, you can use soap, water, toy cleaner, alcohol wipes, and even bleach solutions. Just be sure to add another rinse cycle to remove the chemicals from washing. There is also a special cleaning spray designed especially for sex toys you can try.
Type of Soap to Use — Antibacterial Soap or Regular Soap
Using scented soaps is never a good idea, at least when it comes to your private parts. Using such soaps that can lead to genital and skin irritation. The same rule applies to antibacterial soaps. While it might seem like a good idea, using something mild is a lot better. Our private parts are rather sensitive, and antibacterial soaps can also cause irritation.
One of the primary things you should consider is the material of the toy and whether it has a motor inside it. Those made of glass, metal, and silicone are easier to clean, and you can use only mild soap. Furthermore, you don’t need any other special substances for disinfecting the toy.
Keeping It in a Clean Container Before the Next Use
Now, after you finished with your session, you will need to clean the toy and store it. The second wash is important to avoid body fluids drying on the device. But before you can store the toy, you will need for it to dry. While air dry is a viable option, you don’t want it to take too long. Moreover, storing a gadget away while it’s wet can cause mold to build up. It might be the best idea to use a dryer sheet or paper towels to ensure that the toy is dry before you safely store it somewhere.
Now, when it comes to storing, you want the container to be clean as well. That way, the bacteria won’t grow on your toy while you are not using it. Naturally, it will happen anyway, but you can slow the process. That’s why it is highly recommended to clean toys both before and after use.
Leaving your toy out in the open can cause it to collect lint, dust, pet hair, or anything else. Also, you might want to avoid having to explain to someone why you have an anal hook on your kitchen table. So keep your toys appropriately stored in a clean container.
Summary
The most important part of using a sex toy is keeping it clean. Washing your toys both before and after use might seem too much, but it is the right thing to do. Naturally, the material and design of the toy will determine which method you should use. Non-porous materials like silicone, glass, and metal can be washed in either hot or cold water, and you can use soap to keep them clean. After you have cleaned your gadgets, dry them, and store them in a clean container until you want to use them again. Clean sex toys are the only toys you need to use.
