Cleaning your sex toys is one of the most important things to do if you want them to last and not have any nasty hygiene issues.

Once you purchase a new toy, always inspect it to make sure there are no faults with it and there are no cracks or splits in the material.  Make sure batteries are correctly installed or if it’s a rechargeable toy it is fully charged.

The first thing you need to know is that not all toys are made from the same material and may need to be cleaned in different ways.

Vibrators have motors so the best method is to use anti-bacterial cleaning wipes or spray cleaners.  Make sure the vibe is completely sealed, as not all vibrators are waterproof.  Also a lot of vibes are made out of a number of different materials like the handle may be made out of plastic and the shaft may be made out of silicone or plastic for example.  There also may be little fiddley areas that if not cleaned can build up bacteria so buying a soft toothbrush especially for your toys is a great idea and makes cleaning those areas a lot easier.

Dildos, butt plugs and cock rings made from Phthalates-free, PVC, Jelly, Rubber and Latex can all be porous and is best to use the wipe down method as above.

You can use the top draw of your dishwasher for certain toys.  If they are made out of glass, metal and stone.  Don’t use any cleaning agents and only use the sanitized water cycle.  But remember that when the cycle has finished your toys will be hot especially glass as it holds heat so don’t handle them until they have cooled down.

Toys made out of realistic materials like Fleshlights, Cyberskin, some cockrings and masturbation sleeves are very porous and should be cleaned as soon as you have finished playing as if any fluids are left on the toy they will dry up and make it very difficult to clean up later.  First wash under warm water and then dust with powder.  Use the powder that came with the toy or buy toy powder.  Corn starch can also be used but never use talcum powder.  Always make sure they are 100% dry before you store them as they can become mouldy.

When it comes to storing your toys you still have to use care and caution.  When it comes to battery operated toys you should always take the batteries out unless it is a toy that you use on a regular basis then you just have to make sure you have new batteries for when they run out.  Batteries can corrode and leak and if the draw they are stored in is bumped they may even switch on by itself, which can cause a little embarrassment especially if you are travelling always take the batteries out.

Rechargeable toys usually have a lock function so its best to make sure you keep it locked when not in use.

Keeping your toys separated is very important because of all the different materials they are made from.  The best way is to store them is in a toy bag or toy chest.  Some materials can melt if they touch other materials and also keeping them store in a special case can make sure no dust, lint or hair will stick to them which would stop you from playing with them when the mood arises.

With all toys if you are going to share them or use them vaginally and anally be safe and use a toy sleeve or condom as bacteria can be passed via toys especially if they are porous.

If you follow these simple steps your toys will last a long time.

By Jenifer Grant