Keeping your toys clean are very important. Here is a breakdown of sex toys and caring for them.Keep in Mind:
If you plan on sharing your toy with a partner during play, it's a good idea to cover it with a condom to minimize the risk of transmitting viruses or bacteria.
Remember that while it's generally safe to go from vaginal to anal sex, it's not a good idea to go from anal to vaginal. Having anal sex first can transfer bacteria from the anus to the vagina and lead to urinary tract infections. If you really want to use a toy for anal sex first, use a condom during anal play and then discard it before vaginal play.
Harness Care
Most harnesses come with their own cleaning instructions, so follow the manufacturer's instructions if this applies to your harness. If no instructions came with your garment and it's made from fabric, it's probably machine-washable. For garments made from leather, we suggest using a leather cleaner, or gently hand washing really dirty garments with antibacterial soap and warm water. And of course, make sure it's dry before storing.
Vibrator Care
Vibrators are easily cleaned by wiping down with isopropyl alcohol or a sex toy cleaner. To prevent corrosion of motor parts and battery compartments, never immerse a non-waterproof vibrator in water, alcohol, or any other liquid which could seep into the toy's inner workings. After cleaning your waterproof vibrator (which is, of course, okay to immerse in water) open the battery compartment and let it air dry before storing.
Glass
Glass is an excellent medium for toys since it's nonporous, and therefore less likely than some other materials to harbor bacteria. However, not all glass toys are made of the same type of glass; some are made of a temperature-resistant form of glass, such as Pyrex, that makes the toy super durable. While some of these temperature-resistant glass toys can be boiled or washed in the dishwasher to clean, not all of them can handle this kind of vigorous treatment. For this reason, it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions that come with the toy in order to properly care for it. However, all glass toys can be safely cleaned with a sex toy cleaner or by wiping down with rubbing alcohol.
The nonporous nature of these toys gives them some advantages over other toy materials. All glass toys can be warmed or cooled by running water over the toy for a unique sensation, although it's a good idea to avoid exposure to extreme hot or cold unless the manufacturer's instructions say that it's okay to do so. Another unique point worth noting is these toys will heat up to body temperature within minutes of being used and retain this heat during use. Lubrication tends to stay on these toys longer also.
Although, glass toys have numerous advantages it's important to keep in mind that they are glass, and this means that there are precautions you must take with them. It's a good idea to get in the habit of checking your toys for any chips, scratches, or nicks before using them. It's also a good idea to wrap these toys in something soft (like a sock) before storing them. One more word on safety - these toys do tend to get very slippery when wet (one reason we love them), therefore we recommend using them on a soft surface, like a bed or a carpeted floor.
Jelly
Jelly toys are soft, flexible, and translucent. Jelly is a form of rubber which is a porous material and can harbor bacteria. We recommend using condoms with this type of toy, as it is the only way to keep it totally clean and bacteria-free. Clean with a sex toy cleaner, and always be sure the toy is completely dry before storing.
Latex
Latex products can be easily cleaned using antibacterial soap and warm water. Keep latex in a cool, dry place.
NOTE: Never use petroleum or oil-based lubes with latex, as they will destroy it. Only use water or silicone-based lubricants with latex products.
Plastic
Hard plastic toys are generally considered nonporous, and can easily be cleaned with sex toy cleaner or by wiping down with isopropyl alcohol.
Rubber
Rubber toys are firm and flexible. However, since it is a porous material it can harbor bacteria. For this reason, it is recommended to use condoms with this type of toy, as it is the only way to keep it totally clean and bacteria-free. Clean with antibacterial sex toy cleaner, or wipe down with rubbing alcohol. And of course, always be sure toys are completely dry before storing them.
Silicone
Silicone toys are both smooth and flexible; and since it's a nonporous material, they can be cleaned more thoroughly than other toys. Silicone warms up quickly and retains body heat, and it transmits vibrations extraordinarily well - it's no wonder why silicone is our favorite toy material.
These toys can be sterilized by boiling in plain water for 2-3 minutes. If you plan on sharing your silicone dildo, boil it for about 10 minutes to ensure its sterility. Silicone toys can also be run through the dishwasher on the top rack. If your toy has battery compartments or wiring or can't be completely submerged in water, use a rag to give it a good scrubbing with sex toy cleaner or wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. Of course, always be sure the toy is completely dry before putting it away.
NOTE: Never use silicone lubricant with silicone toys as they are not compatible, and it can break down the toy. Click here for more info about lube interactions.
Softskin & Cyberskin
Cyberskin and other Softskin toys are made of soft, supple material that has quickly become popular due to its striking resemblance to real skin. Since this material is porous, it's recommended to use condoms over these toys to keep them clean and bacteria-free. Clean with antibacterial sex toy cleaner, and after drying thoroughly, lightly sprinkle with cornstarch to maintain the toys silky smooth texture. Please avoid using talcum powder on genitalia, as it has been associated with ovarian cancer. Store in a cool dry place away from sun.
NOTE: Many of the manufacturers of these toys hold the exact material they're made from as "top-secret." For this reason, one can never be sure they don't have any latex in them. Just in case, it's a good idea to stick with water-based lubricants, and steer clear of these toys altogether if you have a latex allergy.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a porous material, so it is highly recommended to use condoms over these toys as it is the only way to keep them clean and bacteria-free. Clean with antibacterial sex toy cleaner. Vinyl attachments for vibrators can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy and thorough cleaning.
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