My sex toys have been taking care of me since 2003, but it’s only in recent years I learned they need some love in return for their loyal service. We wash our genitals/junk every day, therefore we should have a hygiene regime for the things that touch our genitals - I’m talking about dildos, butt plugs, vibrators, masturbators, cock rings etc. Aside from the obvious potential to transmit or catch Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) from sex toys there are other reasons to keep ‘em clean.
Sex toys are made out of different materials, but the majority of toys are made from silicone, plastic, metal and/or glass. All of these materials should be washed in the same manor but stored in a safe way (we’ll come back to storage). Aside from the obvious hygiene knowledge we have as humans, we rarely discuss what we’re putting inside our body and how clean or safe it is. There are some toys made of jelly-like rubber, vinyl or PVC which usually contain phthalates, these aren’t safe for insertion.
If you haven’t figured it out yet; Toy cleaning is absolutely paramount for any toy owner and we highly recommend using the Eros All-Purpose Toy Cleaner. Toy cleaners are specifically designed to be non-toxic and antibacterial. Why do we recommend toy cleaners when there’s soap and water? Well even hand soaps and shower gels aren’t PH balanced which can cause build-up of unwanted bacteria. We must ensure anything that enters our sensitive genital region is something hygienic enough to put in your mouth.
Bacteria – People with vulvas/front holes have very sensitive flora and any new bacteria from fingers, penises, semen or sex toys can throw your PH level off. Vulvas/front holes can change easily in smell and discharge this can be directly linked with PH imbalances (unless it’s linked to your other cyclical norms such as extra discharge during ovulation). We need to take as many precautions as we can to maintain a healthy PH level and leaving bodily fluids marinating on your old faithful sex toy is a recipe for BV, trust me! Get into the habit after toy play to spray your toy with a complete coating of toy cleaner, wipe the toy with a clean cloth and rinse the toy with hot water. Air dry the toy for the next use, then store in a clean bag/pouch. We have this subtle black bag ready to go: https://www.clubx.com.au/products/adult-toy-pouch-black?variant=33231205892182
Storage: As tempting as it might be to categorise all your similar toys into one bag, there’s a rather dangerous issue with silicone products. Silicone is an environmentally friendly, wonderful material for sex toys and is body safe UNLESS it comes into contact with more silicone, then it begins to break down. This is why we like to remind you to ALWAYS use water-based lubricants with silicone toys. The idea of silicone breaking down inside you is as awful as it sounds, trust me; I used silicone lube on a silicone toy once and I reckon I could see smoke coming off my nether regions. Get your hands on some of these handy velvet and satin toy storage bags, then pop your toys into their respective bags and your bedside cabinet. You and your toys will be ready for spontaneous sexy times. Not only do you avoid ruining a moment by going to wash that bad boy, but you avoid STI transmission and messing with your PH level.
Have fun fornicating my filthy (but clean) friends.
Renee Russo