Quick Guide to Cleaning Sex Toys

Listen, we get it. When the heat of the moment strikes, the last thing on your mind is cleaning your sex toys. But trust me, it's a crucial step you don't want to skip. Neglecting to clean your toys properly can lead to some seriously unpleasant consequences, like bacterial infections or worse. Yikes!

But don't worry, TooTimid's here to help. Our in-house experts have been around the block a few times, so we've learned a thing or two about keeping toys in tip-top shape. And today, we're going to share our secrets with you.

Get ready to learn the ins and outs of proper sex toy cleaning methods, so you can keep the good times rolling without any unwanted surprises.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Sex Toys

When it comes to using your sex toys, cleanliness is non-negotiable. You should be washing your toys after every use, regardless of how you use them.

Even a quick solo session requires a thorough cleaning. A thorough cleaning is especially necessary for toys used anally, as they can carry more harmful bacteria. Neglecting to clean sex toys properly can introduce unwanted bacteria or pathogens, leading to bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections.

Always Remove Your Batteries

Always remember to remove the batteries of your vibrating toys before cleaning. (This includes vibrating masturbators too!) When not being used, batteries can corrode over time, by removing the batteries will increase the amount of play time you get from them.

Remove them when cleaning, even when you’re cleaning a waterproof toy, and remember to never submerge any electrical toys (like a wand massager) or battery packs in water! Only SOME battery packs are waterproof, and it is not necessary to completely submerge any toy for proper cleaning.

Replace Non-Silicone Toys After 4-6 Months

All toy materials (except silicone, glass, and stainless steel) are porous, meaning there are microscopic holes in the material that may accumulate build-up.

It is perfectly safe to use your toys with proper cleaning, but our experts at TooTimid always recommend that once you have had a non-silicone toy for 4-6 months, it should be replaced. So, just be aware. If you’ve had a pocket pal or bedroom buddy for a while, it might be time to switch things up. Why not upgrade to a silicone vibrator?

How to Clean Nonporous Sex Toys

Keeping your nonporous sex toys clean is a breeze. Silicone, stainless steel, and glass toys are designed to last, safe for your body, and won't hold onto bacteria when you wash them immediately after use.

Silicone, Stainless Steel, and Glass Toys

The Role of Warm Water and Mild Soap

Did You Know?

A study included in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 58% of women’s sex toys were contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria after just one use without proper cleaning, (Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2018).

Caring for Porous Sex Toys

Understanding Porous Materials

Porous materials have tiny holes that can harbor bacteria, even after cleaning. This is why it is highly important to clean these toys thoroughly, especially if you're sharing them with a partner.

You can opt to use a condom with porous toys, as it provides an extra layer of protection. And if the toy starts to smell or look discolored, it's time to toss it. Better safe than sorry.

The Right Way to Dry and Store Sex Toys

After cleaning your sex toys, it's crucial to let them air dry completely before storing. Damp toys can develop mold and bacteria, which is the last thing you want.

Once they're dry, store your toys in a cool, dry place. Consider a dedicated pouch or container, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This will help extend their lifespan and keep them ready for action. 

Tips for Disinfecting Your Sex Toys

Sometimes, a simple soap and water wash isn't enough. If you're sharing toys with a partner or just want an extra level of cleanliness, we recommend disinfecting your toys.

Anti-Bacterial Soap and Warm Water

This is one of the best methods to use when cleaning any kind of toy type or toy material. You can wash the entire surface (and interior for male masturbators), making textured toy cleaning that much more effective.

You can use a damp, soapy washcloth to control how much and where the soapy water travels on your toy, which is great for anything with a non-waterproof battery pack.

Only submerge your toys if they are explicitly defined as waterproof/submersible. Our experts at TooTimid recommend an unscented anti-bacterial soap - just read the label to be sure!

Techniques For Making Your Toys Squeaky Clean With a Foaming Toy Cleaner:

• Rinse the Toy: If applicable, rinse the toy under warm water to remove any surface debris or residue before applying the cleaner.
  
  
• Apply the Foaming Cleaner: Shake the foaming cleaner bottle well. Dispense a sufficient amount of foam directly onto the toy's surface.
  
  
• Spread Evenly: Use your hands or a clean cloth to spread the foam evenly over the entire surface of the toy, making sure to cover all nooks and crannies.
  
  
• Let It Sit: Allow the foam to sit on the toy for the recommended amount of time as indicated by the cleaner’s instructions. This allows the cleaner to break down any remaining residue.
  
  
• Scrub Gently: If necessary, use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the toy, focusing on textured areas or hard-to-reach spots.
  
  
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the toy under warm water to remove all traces of the cleaner. Ensure no foam remains, as residue can cause irritation.
  
  
• Dry Completely: Pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Allow it to air dry completely before storing it to prevent moisture-related damage or bacterial growth.

Cleansing Toy Wipes

These are a perfect solution for cleansing both your body and your toys. The moist wipes come in a resealable package, and you may use as many as you need to clean your toys with ease. Cleansing wipes are formulated to be gentle on the skin but strong enough to help sanitize.

Cleansing & Foaming Sprays

These are kind of like a household cleaner for your toys! This cleaner sprays on and wipes off with a paper towel for any easy clean. Simply, throw some spray on, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse off with water. These are great for travel too, if you aren’t sure whether a hotel soap is an anti-bacterial or whole-body safe, bring a travel-sized bottle of cleansing and foaming spray along with you on your journey.

Techniques For Making Your Toys Sparkle With Cleaning Sprays:

• Rinse the Toy: If applicable, rinse the toy under warm water to remove any surface debris or residue before applying the cleaner.

• Apply the Cleaning Spray: Hold the spray bottle a few inches away from the toy and apply an even coating of the spray over the entire surface of the toy.
  
  
• Spread Evenly: Use your hands or a clean cloth to spread the spray evenly over the toy, ensuring all areas are covered, especially textured parts and hard-to-reach spots.
  
  
• Let It Sit: Allow the spray to sit on the toy for the recommended amount of time as indicated by the cleaner’s instructions. This allows the cleaner to effectively disinfect and remove any remaining residue.
  
  
• Scrub Gently: If necessary, use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the toy, paying extra attention to textured or detailed areas.

• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the toy under warm water to remove all traces of the cleaner. Make sure no residue remains, as it can cause irritation.

Did You Know?

More than 50% of sex toy users are unaware of proper sex toy cleaning methods, such as using mild soap and warm water or dedicated toy cleaners. This lack of awareness leads to improper maintenance and higher rates of infection within the 50% of sex toy users who do not know how to properly clean their toys. (Sexually Transmitted Diseases Journal, 2021).

A Step-By-Step Guide on Keeping Your Masturbator Clean:

If you have a realistic flesh-like toy made of Cyberskin™️, UR3 (UltraRealistic 3.0), Fanta Flesh, or Futurotic material you will want to cleanse them with one of the above methods, pat them dry, and coat them with a light dusting of cornstarch or cleaner made specifically for Cyberskin™️ toys to maintain their soft, lifelike texture.

Baby or talcum powder should not be used as a substitute as they can break down the toy material. You may also choose to boil solid silicone toys for 5-10 minutes, or run them through a dishwasher cycle for cleansing.

Please do not boil or clean vibrating silicone toys or silicone-blend toys in the dishwasher or they will become damaged!

• Disassemble the Masturbator: If your masturbator can be disassembled, take it apart. This usually involves removing the sleeve from the casing.
  
  

• Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the sleeve and any removable parts under warm water to remove surface debris and fluids. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this can damage the material.
  
  

• Apply Cleaning Solution:
  
  

• Foaming Cleaner: Shake the bottle well and dispense a generous amount of foam onto both the inside and outside of the sleeve.
  
  

• Cleaning Spray: Hold the spray bottle a few inches away and apply an even coating inside and outside the sleeve.
  
  

• Spread the Cleaner: Use your hands or a clean cloth to spread the cleaner evenly over all surfaces. Ensure that the cleaner penetrates all textured areas and crevices.
  
  

• Use a New Toothbrush for Crevices: For hard-to-reach spots and intricate textures inside the sleeve, use a new, soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently scrub these areas to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
  
  

• Let It Sit: Allow the cleaner to sit on the surfaces for the recommended time specified in the cleaner’s instructions. This will allow the cleaner to effectively break down any remaining residue.
  
  

• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse all parts under warm water again to remove all traces of the cleaner. Ensure that no residue remains, as it can cause irritation.
  
  

• Dry Completely:

• Shake off excess water from the sleeve.

• Use a clean, lint-free towel to pat the sleeve dry.

• Allow the sleeve to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. You can prop it open to ensure that the inside dries thoroughly.
  
  

• Reassemble the Masturbator: Once all parts are completely dry, reassemble the masturbator. Ensure that all components are properly aligned and secured.
  
  

Common Mistakes in Cleaning Sex Toys

One of the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning their sex toys is not doing it often enough. We highly recommend cleaning your toys after every use, no exceptions.

Another common mistake is using the wrong cleaners. Harsh soaps, alcohol-based cleaners, and even some types of antibacterial soaps can damage your toys and cause irritation. Stick to mild, unscented options to keep your toys (and your bits) happy.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products for Your Toys

Picking the perfect sex toy cleaner can be a breeze with all the choices available. Gentle, fragrance-free soap works like a charm, or you can opt for a cleaner designed specifically for sex toys. Feeling crafty? Whip up your own using a handful of household ingredients.

If you opt for a store-bought sex toy cleaner, just make sure it is compatible with your toy's material. Silicone toys, for example, can react badly with silicone-based cleaners.