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We get it: Thinking about how to clean your sex toys probably doesnt turn you on.
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So, yes, it isthatimportant to sanitize your little pleasure accessorieseach and every time.
But the process doesnt have to be a huge hassle.
Here, experts explain the correct way to clean every key in of sex toy.
First, determine what your toy is made of.
You might think you could just dunk yoursex toyin soap and water and be done with it.
c’mon dont do that (especially since many have batteries and other electric components).
Instead, the first step is figuring out what its made of.
you could divide most sex toys into two broad categories: those made of porous and nonporous materials.
Plus, some (though to be clear, not all) porous materialsPVC in particularcontain phthalates.
(More research is needed, though, according to theNational Library of Medicine.)
Regardless of your toys material, heres why its super important to clean it after each use.
It might not be the sexiest part of your pleasure routine but it really is critical for your health.
When you use a sex toy, odds are some of these microorganisms will attach themselves to the material.
Thats not always the case, though.
Lets say you have a vaginal orsexually transmitted infectionand you decide to masturbate using a vibrator or dildo.
you gotta be careful about gastrointestinal (GI) bacteria too, he adds.
The rectum is home to all kinds of bacteria, such asE.
coli,which could get transferred to atoy you use anally(or near your butt).
Plus, different microorganisms have different surface lifespans, some longer than others.
But thats not the case for fungi likeCandida albicans, which is responsible foryeast infections.
It can live much longer on sex toys than bacteria, possibly for weeks or even months,researchsuggests.
Okay, heres exactly how to clean your sex toys.
First, youll want to find the right soap.
(But be extra sure there are no electrical components before submerging it, of course.)
Wash these types of toys with warm, soapy water.
(And if theyre 100% silicone, you could boil them too.)
As for the dishwasher?
This is better than nothing, though it cant replace a deep, soap-and-water clean.
Dont forget to dry your toys before tucking them away for next time.
Your best bet is to dry it with a lint-free cloth or paper towel, Dr. Marashi says.
