Special Sex Toy Cleaning Scenarios

If you’ve invested in a sex toy, deep cleaning after shared use, sanitizing after anal play, or disinfecting toys affter an illness can ensure the longevity of your toy as well as the health of your body. 

Some cleaning situations require extra care beyond routine washing. This will help address common concerns about bacteria, viruses, and cross-contamination. 

Cleaning sex toys doesn’t have to be intimidating. Despite the different materials, the electronic components, or textured surfaces, we’re here to clear up any confusion when it comes to special cleaning scenarios. 

Cleaning Sex Toys After Shared Use

When you clean your sex toy, you’re preventing bacterial and viral transmission. Shared sex toys can transmit the human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are spread through bodily fluids, but if a shared toy isn’t cleaned properly, this could allow for the STIs to be transmitted. 

To clean your shared sex toy: 

• Wash with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
• Use an antibacterial sex toy cleaner or isopropyl alcohol (for non-porous toys).
• Boil or use hydrogen peroxide for 100% silicone, metal, or glass toys.
• Consider using condoms on shared toys to simplify cleaning.

Cleaning Toys Used for Anal Play

Cleaning anal toys is necessary as they can transmit bacteria and potentional infections. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, and HPV can all be spread through fecal matter on uncleaned anal toys. 

In fact, even foodborne illnesses like salmonella, shigella, and campylobacter can be spread through anal toys. 

To clean your anal sex toy: 

• Wash immediately after use with soap and warm water.
• Use an antibacterial cleaner or disinfectant like hydrogen peroxide.
• Consider boiling or UV sanitizing for non-electronic, non-porous toys.
• Keep anal toys separate from vaginal-use toys to prevent cross-contamination.

Also, wash your hands, genitals, and anus with soap and water before and after sexual activity to prevent transmission. 

Cleaning Sex Toys After Illness

Believe it or not, your sex toy can harbor a cold or illness. Some bacteria and viruses can survive on surfaces, and your sex toy is not immune to this. 

Unclean toys can spread pathogens that can lead to urinary tract infections or bacterial vaginosis, too. 

To avoid passing along an illness, consider:

• Deep clean toys with an appropriate disinfectant (alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or boiling for compatible materials).
• Avoid using toys until fully recovered from illness.
• Replace toys if they are porous and difficult to disinfect.

Cleaning Electronic and Vibrating Toys Safely

For your rabbit vibrator or vibrating cock ring, you’ll want to take extra precausion to prevent corrosion when washing your sex toys. These toys cannot be submerged in water as easily since they are not waterproof. 

To clean your vibrating sex toys: 

• Remove the batteries from the battery compartment. 
• Use a damp cloth with mild soap for non-waterproof toys.
• Waterproof toys can be rinsed under running water.
• Ensure charging ports and battery compartments stay dry.

Cleaning Textured or Ridged Toys

A small study looked at 12 bisexual women; 9 of them had HPV. The researchers examined different sex toy materials to see if one was more likely to transmit an infection between partners. 

According to the findings, 89% of elastomer vibrators, before cleaning, had HPV on the surface. After basic cleaning, researchers still detected HPV on 56% of the vibrators. Even after 24 hours of cleaning, 40% of the toys had HPV. In contrast, 67% of silicone vibrators were detected to have HPV before cleaning, 44% after cleaning, and after 24 hours, HPV was no longer detected on the surface. 

This is why choosing a sex toy’s material could be important to your health. If you do own a textured toy with grooves where infections can live, you’ll have to do some heavier cleaning after use. 

To sanitize your porous sex toys:

• Use a soft brush or cotton swab with mild soap.
• For deep cleaning, use hydrogen peroxide or an antibacterial cleaner.
• Dry completely to prevent bacterial growth.

Cleaning Large or Hard-to-Wash Toys (e.g., BDSM Gear)

BDSM gear can carry several germs and STIs. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be present on large gear as well. Moreover, gear can get sweaty or have bodily fluids present. If you’re sharing these objects, it’s best to clean them in between uses. 

Some materials, like leather or fabric, may require special care. 

When cleaning BDSM leather gear:

• Wipe down the leather to remove sweat and moisture. 
• Dust your gear in between uses as well with a clean, dry cloth. 
• If your gear is soiled, use a damp cloth with cleaner and lukewarm water. 
• Consider a specialized cleaner for leather. 
• Do not use any harsh detergents or bleach on your leather. 
• Air dry. 

Store your BDSM leather gear in a cool, dry, and ventilated area. Always store leather away from direct sunlight and humidity. 

BDSM gear is expensive. While whips, restraints, and cuffs can average between $50 to $100, high-end BDSM items like leather items can be $125 or more. Take care of your investment by prioritizing routine cleanings and maintenance. 

Storing Toys Properly After Special Cleaning

Always make sure your sex toys are completely dry before storing them. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (yes, this goes for all toys regardless of material). Storing them while they are still wet will lead to mold, bacterial growth, or material degradation. It’s also a good idea to keep them out of the bathroom for long amounts of time, as moisture from your shower can lead to buildup and mold. 

Make sure you store your sex toys separately. Toys that are made from different materials, for example, silicone and jelly, can interact and degrade. Your sex toys should have their individual compartments, like a non-plastic box or cotton bag. The storage container contributes to hygiene just as much as the cleaning process we’ve discussed above. 

For electronic toys, removing the batteries before storing them can protect them from corrosion. 

Consider labeling your toys (for those with a bigger collection) so you can prevent cross-contamination during storage. 

The Bottom Line

Overall, being hygienic when it comes to your sex toys will keep you, your partner, and your toy safe. Different scenarios may require different cleaning methods, especially when it comes to anal play or using a toy after an infection. 

Prioritize toy longevity by taking that extra step in ensuring your toy is squeaky clean for its next use. Remember: you wouldn’t use a dirty, moldy towel after taking a shower, and the same goes for your sex life as well.  

Discover pleasure with:

SONA 2

ENIGMA

F1S V2

HUGO 2

GIGI 3

SORAYA Wave