Keeping your adult toys clean and well-maintained is essential for your health, safety, and the longevity of the products. Here's what you need to know:
- Non-Porous Toys: Clean with warm water and mild soap, boil for 3–10 minutes (if no electronics), or use UV-C sterilization.
- Porous Toys: Use mild soap or specialized cleaners, avoid boiling, and let them air dry completely.
- Electronic Toys: Use toy-safe wipes or sprays; avoid submerging them in water.
- Storage Tips: Dry completely, store individually in pouches, and keep in a cool, dry place.
How to Clean Adult Toys
How to Clean Different Toy Materials
The material your toy is made from determines the best way to clean it. Choosing the right method ensures both safety and durability, keeping your toys in great condition for longer.
Cleaning Non-Porous Toys
Materials like silicone, glass, and stainless steel are non-porous, making them simple to clean. Wash them with warm water and mild soap, or use UV-C sterilization for added convenience. Silicone and stainless steel can also be boiled for extra sanitization, but be cautious with glass - sudden temperature changes can cause damage. For silicone toys without vibrating components, boiling is a reliable way to ensure they’re thoroughly sanitized.
As expert Deysach advises:
"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" [2].
Non-porous materials are easy to clean, but porous toys require more delicate handling due to their structure.
Cleaning Porous Toys
Porous materials, such as PVC, vinyl, and leather, can trap bacteria more easily, so they need gentle cleaning. Follow these tips for proper care:
- Use mild soap or a specialized toy cleaner
- Avoid boiling or exposing them to high heat
- Clean them right after use
- Let them air dry completely before storing
For leather toys, wipe them down with a damp cloth and ensure they’re fully dry. Some porous toys may also be compatible with UV-C sterilization, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations [4].
sbb-itb-926a059
5 Effective Ways to Clean Adult Toys
Keeping your adult toys clean is crucial for both your health and the durability of the products.
Using Mild Soap and Warm Water
A simple and effective cleaning method involves unscented soap and warm water. This works best for toys that are non-electronic or non-submersible. Take a clean cloth, dampen it with warm water, and add a small amount of gentle soap. Carefully clean all surfaces, focusing on textured areas where bacteria might linger. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Using Specialized Toy Cleaners
Specialized toy cleaners are designed to clean a variety of materials safely and easily. These products are formulated to be alcohol-free and safe for the body while effectively removing bacteria. To use, spray the cleaner on the toy, wait for about 30 seconds, and then wipe it down with a lint-free cloth. This method is especially helpful for toys with electronic components that cannot be submerged in water.
Using UV-C Light Sterilizers
UV-C light sterilizers offer a high-tech way to sanitize your toys. These devices use UV-C light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Simply place your toy inside the sterilizer and follow the device's instructions for a complete cleaning cycle. This method is particularly effective for porous toys, which can be harder to clean with traditional methods.
Boiling Non-Porous Toys
For non-porous toys made from silicone, glass, or stainless steel (and without electronic parts), boiling is a thorough cleaning option:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Use tongs to place the toy in the boiling water.
- Let it boil for 3–10 minutes.
- Remove the toy with clean tongs and allow it to cool naturally.
Using Body-Safe Disinfecting Wipes
Body-safe disinfecting wipes, such as Afterglow Toy Cleaning Tissues, provide a quick and easy cleaning option, especially when you're on the go. These alcohol-free wipes are compatible with most toy materials. Simply wipe down the entire surface of the toy, ensuring all areas are cleaned. They're ideal for quick maintenance or when traditional cleaning isn't possible.
After cleaning your toys, proper storage is key to keeping them in good condition and ready for use. Always store them in a clean, dry place to maintain hygiene and longevity.
Tips for Storing and Maintaining Toys
Storing your adult toys correctly is just as important as cleaning them. Proper storage keeps them safe from damage and contamination, ensuring they last longer and remain safe to use.
Let Toys Dry Completely Before Storing
After cleaning, make sure your toys are completely dry before putting them away. Place them on a lint-free cloth in a well-ventilated area to air dry. This is especially important for silicone toys, as storing them while wet can lead to sticky residue or other issues [1]. Any leftover moisture can cause problems, so double-check before storing.
Store Toys Individually
Materials used in toys can sometimes react with one another, leading to damage or degradation. To avoid this, store each toy in its own pouch or bag made of cotton, silk, or padded material. Keeping them separate not only protects the materials but also prevents cross-contamination [3].
Choose a Cool, Dry Storage Spot
A climate-controlled environment works best for storing toys. Aim for a temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) and avoid humid areas like bathrooms. If your toy uses batteries, remove them before storing to prevent leaks or corrosion. In humid climates, consider adding moisture-absorbing packets to your storage area to keep everything dry and in good condition.
Conclusion
Keeping your toys clean and well-maintained is essential for their safety and durability. Stick to the manufacturer's instructions, especially for battery-operated toys, as water exposure can cause damage. Always remove batteries before cleaning and ensure electronic parts stay dry.
Storage is just as important as cleaning. Keep toys stored separately to avoid material reactions, and place them in a temperature-controlled environment between 65-75°F (18-24°C). This helps maintain their condition and ensures they remain hygienic and ready to use.
Consistency matters. Regular cleaning tailored to the material type and proper storage techniques will help extend the life of your toys while safeguarding your health and investment. Following these steps will keep your products in great shape and ready whenever you need them.
