How to clean your sex toys?

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

Is a dedicated product necessary? 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. This 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 favorable environment for the development of bacteria and yeasts responsible for intimate infections. It is therefore essential to clean your toy fairly quickly after use. It will be ready for your next moment of pleasure!

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 from 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 it is not always enough 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 pH-neutral. Be sure to clean every nook and cranny, particularly textured areas such as quilted details, ridges or buttons. Once clean, rinse thoroughly so as to leave no soap residue, then dry carefully with a clean cloth.

A note on motorized sex toys: if your toy contains batteries or a motor, always check whether it is waterproof. Water must never penetrate the electrical compartment of a non-waterproof sex toy. If in doubt, consult the product sheet or the manufacturer's recommendations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is in fact one of the great advantages of glass and steel sex toys: they are fully sterilizable, which guarantees optimal hygiene.

Cleaning your sex toy with a dedicated product  

Another 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 sure your sex toy is truly clean, or if you find it difficult to clean small crevices with water and soap. Sex toy cleaners are effective products that are gentle on both your skin and your toy.

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

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

Cleaning a sex toy: answers to your questions 

Should you clean silicone sex toys? 

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

Can you clean a sex toy in the dishwasher? 

Not all sex toys are suited to this method. For example, vibrators should never be put in the dishwasher.

As for 1969 products, we advise against the dishwasher for all products, including dildos and plugs.

Can you let a sex toy 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 growth 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 against one another.

This chemical reaction can degrade the material, cause surface deterioration (micro-cracks, tacky feel) and create a breeding ground for bacteria. It is therefore recommended to store each sex toy separately, in a clean, dry pouch, in order to preserve its integrity and ensure better hygiene.

Also remember 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 properly dispose of your toy at the end of its life. For example, a glass sex toy can be placed in a glass recycling bin, where it will be recycled and given a second life!

Cleaning your sex toys is not a chore — it is simply a reflex to adopt, just like taking care of your body. Good 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 to apply it consistently after every use.

FAQ: How to clean a sex toy?

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