Have you ever given much thought to cleaning your joy-toys and the fact that they can host bacteria and transfer STDs? Follow these tips for making sure your toys are spotless and hygienic.
Different Materials
Adult toys come in a range of different materials, but can basically be divided into two categories: porous and Nonporous. Nonporous toys are ones that can be safely shared because their surfaces are impenetrable by bacteria — common nonporous materials are glass, Pyrex, silicone, and stainless steel. Porous toys are made from materials like hard plastic, cyberskin, elastomer, jelly rubber, nylon, and neoprene, and are more absorbent.
When buying a toy, find out what it’s made of, since its material and the presence of a motor will determine how it’s washed. It should say on the package or on the manufacturer’s website what materials were used.
Washing how-to
Always wash your toy immediately after us, and preferably again before use. If your toy has batteries, plugs into the wall, or buzzes in any way, you have to take extra precautions. Wiping it down with a warm, soapy washcloth is all you need to do. Make sure you make use of a clean cloth as you don’t want to spread germs!
Silicone – Wash with soap and water or place it in the top rack of your dishwasher. You can also put it in boiling water for 10 minutes to disinfect it.
Glass – Wash with soap and water, and don’t expose it to extreme temperatures like the dishwasher, to avoid warping.
Pyrex – Pyrex is heat-resistant glass, so it can be boiled, put in the dishwasher, or washed by hand.
Stainless steel – Boil for 10 minutes, soak in bleach and water then rinse thoroughly, or wash in the dishwasher without soap – the hot steam will sterilise your toy.
Hard plastic, elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPR), or jelly rubber are porous materials that can carry bacteria and STDs after washing with soap and water. Use a condom if you’re going to share it with a partner.
Storage
Once your toy is clean, dry it off with a clean paper towel and store it in a case or silk bag to protect it from bacteria. Avoid using Tupperware or plastic bags as chemicals can leak into the toy over an extended period of time.
Note: These are guidelines only. Always consult your toy-user manual for details.
