As sex toys become more and more common in the bedroom, a few ground rules need to be established regarding their usage. And the number one rule is to keep good care. Sex toys need proper care and maintenance, like any other item you own. And while failure to take care of your other equipment might reduce the lifespan of the material, failure to take care of your sex toys can give you a bacterial infection, sexual diseases, and many other health problems that you are fine without. Here are a few tips for taking care of your sex toys.
Know what material your sex toys: In many aspects, sex toys are like your clothes, and taking care of one is similar to how you take care of your clothes. Although you can’t chuck your sex toys into the washing machine and let it do the job, you can use similar techniques. The first thing you need to check before cleaning your sex toys is the materials they are made of. Sex toys are either made up of porous or non-porous materials. Porous materials have a high chance of retaining bacteria even after a proper cleanup. And while they are often cheaper than non-porous materials, they are not the most hygienic. On the other hand, non-porous materials lose all traces of bacteria after cleaning and are body-safe. Understanding what material your toy is made of is a great way to understand what cleaning techniques you need to use. The material is listed in the box, or you can search it up online. If you can’t find the material, then that is a big sign that the toy is not safe for usage.
Remove the batteries before cleaning: Sex toys often have inbuilt replaceable batteries. Make sure you take these out before cleaning the toy. Or, if your toy runs through an electric charge, make sure you cover the charging port while cleaning it thoroughly. Even though sex toys are waterproof, you can never be too sure. And you probably don’t want to explain to your family members that you caused a short-circuit because you plugged in a wet vibrator.
Wash before and after each use: So, how often should you wash your sex toy? The answer is straightforward, before and after each use. While most people wash their sex toys after using them, many forget to clean them before using. This is equally important because it helps eliminate any bacteria build-up that might have happened during storage. It’s like washing your hands before you sit down to it. You do it before eating and after eating.
Dry it well: Once you are done washing the toy, you must dry it well before storing it. Since most of us don’t like to display our sex toys, we tend to keep them in dark corners that have no access to sunlight. This is why it is essential to dry them properly—storing toys while still wet can result in mold overgrowth not just on the toy but on the entire house.
Never share: Sex toys are not meant to be shared. Treat them like you would treat your toothbrush. Sharing sex toys is a sure-fire way of sharing STDs and other health problems. So, if you want to stay away from such issues, make sure that you keep away from someone else’s sex toys. In cases that you have to share, you can use a condom to cover the parts of the sex toy that touch your body. Once you are done with it, simply throw away the condom, clean the toy, and you are good to go.
Use sex toy cleaners: A sex toy cleaner is specifically designed for sex toys and is a great way to clean the toy without damaging the material. These cleaners come in all different shapes and sizes. From quick-dry disinfectants to detergents designed specifically for sex toys, there is something for everybody.
However, if you can’t find a sex toy cleaner or afford one, you can always use mild soap and water. But make sure you don’t overdo it and damage the toy.
Consider getting toys from good brands: One of the best ways to clean your sex toys is something that you need to consider even before you buy the toy. Consider sex toys as a long-term investment and look for reliable brands and last for several years. Look for performance reviews, ask around people who you know own one, or if you are too shy to do any of these things, just hop on the internet. Good brands always have a way of making themselves known.
Taking care of your sex toys is crucial. While the temptation of basking in the afterglow after a quality session with yourself can prove too strong, make sure that you clean your toys before drifting off to sleep. Small acts can go a long way in ensuring that your toys last in the long run.
