How to clean your sex toys?

Wondering how to clean your sex toys properly? Whatever material your intimate objects are made from, it is important to care for them between each use.

Should you invest in a dedicated product? Is water enough to clean your sex toys? How often should you wash them? We answer all your questions about caring for your sex toys.

Why clean your sex toys after each use? 

Sex toys are wonderful objects: autonomous, intelligent and thoughtfully designed, yet they still need a little care. Cleaning your sex toys between each use is essential for several reasons:

1. It is a matter of hygiene. Your sex toy is often in direct contact with your mucous membranes or those of your partner. Whether it is made of silicone, glass, plastic or steel, this creates a favourable environment for the growth of bacteria and yeasts responsible for intimate infections. It is therefore essential to clean your toy fairly promptly after use. It will be ready for your next pleasurable moment!

2. This is essential for making your sex toy last longer. Intimate toys are of course designed to stand the test of time, adapt to the pH of mucous membranes and be compatible with intimate cosmetic products, but over the long term, residues of lubricants and bodily fluids can damage the material. If you want to enjoy your sex toy for as long as possible, take care of it and clean it!

How to clean a sex toy?

Is cleaning your sex toy with water enough? 

Cleaning your sex toy with water and soap removes visible dirt, but this is not always sufficient to disinfect it. It is important to distinguish between cleaning, which removes impurities, and disinfection, which aims to eliminate bacteria and micro-organisms.

For everyday cleaning, you can wash your sex toy with warm water and a gentle antibacterial soap, ideally with a neutral pH. Make sure to clean every nook and cranny, particularly textured areas such as tufted surfaces, grooves or buttons. Once clean, rinse thoroughly so as not to leave any soap residue, then dry carefully with a clean cloth.

A word of caution with motorised sex toys: if your toy contains batteries or a motor, always check whether it is waterproof. Water must never enter the electrical compartment of a non-waterproof sex toy. If in doubt, consult the product description or the manufacturer's recommendations.

Disinfecting / sterilising your sex toy: what are the options?

Heat disinfection (sterilisation) is only possible for certain materials and under certain conditions:

• Motorised and waterproof silicone sex toys : can be submerged in hot water up to a maximum of 80 °C.

• Non-motorised silicone sex toys : can be submerged in water at 100 °C.

• Glass sex toys: sterilisable in water at 100 °C.

• Stainless steel sex toys: sterilisable in water at 100 °C.
  
  

For silicone, it is recommended to soak the sex toy for approximately 10 minutes in a container of transferred hot water (and not directly in boiling water).
The sex toy must not touch the bottom of the saucepan in order to avoid any deterioration of the material.

This is indeed one of the great advantages of glass and steel sex toys: they are fully sterilisable, which ensures optimal hygiene.

Cleaning your sex toy with a dedicated product  

Another possible option for cleaning your sex toy: investing in a dedicated product. There are antibacterial foams, creams and gels designed specifically for sex toys.

This is an excellent solution if you want to be certain your sex toy is clean, or if you find it difficult to reach every little corner with water and soap. Sex toy cleansers are effective products, respectful of both your skin and your toy.

Most antibacterial solutions are to be sprayed a few centimetres from your sex toy. You can then rinse it, dry it, and store it away from moisture. 

We do, however, encourage you to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. 

Cleaning a sex toy: answers to your questions 

Do silicone sex toys need cleaning? 

Yes! All sex toys must be cleaned after each use, regardless of the material they are made from. 

Can a sex toy be cleaned in the dishwasher? 

Not all sex toys are suitable for this. For example, vibrators should not be put in the dishwasher.

Regarding 1969 products, we advise against the dishwasher for all products, including dildos , plugs or Kegel balls.

Can a sex toy be left to air-dry? 

After thoroughly cleaning and rinsing your sex toy, you can leave it to air-dry and/or dry it with a clean cloth. Your toy must be completely dry to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.

Once your sex toy shows no trace of moisture, store it in a closed box or a small pouch provided with your purchase. 

How to store a sex toy properly?

Your clean sex toys should be stored in a dry place, away from moisture. If you use a fabric pouch, keep only one sex toy per pouch.

Sex toys made from plastic, PVC or low-quality silicone tend to become sticky over time, particularly when exposed to air, heat or when stored in contact with one another.

This chemical reaction can alter the material, cause surface degradation (micro-cracks, tacky effect) and create conditions conducive to bacterial growth. It is therefore recommended to store each sex toy separately, in a clean and dry pouch, in order to preserve its integrity and ensure better hygiene.

Remember also to recharge your sex toy before the next use. It would be a shame for it to run out of power just when you need it most!

How long does a sex toy last? 

The legal warranty on a sex toy is 2 years. Of course, the better you care for it, the longer it will accompany you in your intimate moments.

Some toys are recyclable, depending on the material. Do not hesitate to consult the manufacturer's instructions to find out how to dispose of your toy responsibly at the end of its life. For example, a glass sex toy can perfectly well be placed in a glass recycling bin — it will then be recycled and given a second life!

Cleaning your sex toys is no burden at all — it is simply a reflex to adopt, just as you would care for your body. Proper maintenance ensures impeccable hygiene, extends the life of your toys and allows you to enjoy every experience with complete peace of mind.

Water, gentle soap or a dedicated product: the key is to choose a method suited to your sex toy and apply it consistently after each use.

FAQ: How to clean a sex toy?

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