When used correctly, a dildo can provide plenty of fun, whether you are playing alone, or trying something new with a partner. Keeping your dildo in good condition is important for two reasons: the first is that taking good care of your dildo helps it to last longer, and the second is that keeping dildos and other sex toys hygienic and sanitary is important for your health, as well as that of your partner. If you are wondering how to clean a dildo to enjoy the best possible results, and wondering why scrubbing your sex toys matters in the first place, read on for exactly what you need to know.
Before you dive into cleaning your sex toys, there are a few key considerations to bear in mind. The two main questions to ask are what is your dildo made of, and how does it respond to water?
What Is It Made Of?
The material plays a crucial role in how you take care of it – different materials have different requirements. There are two main types of material for sex toys: porous materials such as latex, jelly rubber, or the realistic “skin” materials, and non-porous materials such as hard plastic and glass. As a rule, nonporous toys such as a silicone toys are the better option for sexual play if you are concerned about hygiene – porous sex toys can trap bacteria, and once this is inside the sex toy, it has plenty of opportunities to grow. Using a condom is a good idea with most sex toys, particularly porous toys.
Is It Waterproof Or Water Resistant?
The material of your sex toy will also determine the best method of cleaning – you need to establish whether it is waterproof or water resistant before plunging it into a tub of warm water – this can cause major damage.
Taking the time to get to know your sex toys before use is well worth it – making sure you know how to properly clean them helps them last longer – especially if made from a porous material – and makes them safer for you and your partner.
When Do You Need To Clean Your Dildo
Knowing when you need to properly clean your sex toy is important.
When It First Arrives
Cleaning sex toys thoroughly upon purchase is crucial. Sex toys are not sterile, and they may have remnants of dust or bacteria which could cause irritation where you least want it. To avoid an unwanted itch or uncomfortable rash, clean your sex toys before you use them for the first time.
Before And After Using
It is also important to clean your sex toys and dildos before you use them – they may have picked up fibers and dust while in storage. Once you are done, you also need to give your toy a thorough clean.
Always allow your dildo to air dry completely after each wash, and make sure there are no damp patches before you use it again.
Mistakes To Avoid
Double check your toy’s manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you give it the right kind of deep clean.
Not Drying Your Dildo Properly
Bacteria thrive in damp, moist conditions, and this means that if you insert them into your body – the perfect breeding ground – while still wet, you can encourage these bacteria to grow, potentially resulting in an unwanted infection which could cause you major discomfort, and could even be passed onto sexual partners. To keep safe, make sure that your dildo, and any other sex toy, is totally dry before you use it again.
Using The Wrong Products To Clean Your Dildo
The products you use when cleaning sex toys is also important – not all dildos are made alike! For porous sex toy cleaning, you can use a mild soap – avoid scented soaps – and plenty of warm water. Remember that these materials have tiny holes, and can allow bacteria to fester – any sex educator will recommend using a condom when playing with this type of sex toy, and not sharing them with others. Dry, nonporous materials such as hard plastic are usually dishwasher safe and can also be boiled. Both types of material can also be sanitized using specialist sex toy cleaners.
Not Storing Your Dildo Properly
You also need to ensure that your dildo is safely stored – not just chucked in your bedside drawer. This can be a specialist container, designed specifically to keep your sex toys safe, or you can opt for a cheaper household option such as a makeup bag or fabric bag. Try to store toys separately rather than combining them – soft, non silicone toys can melt together if they touch while stored.
It is a good idea to avoid using boiling water with certain toys, or submerging anything electrical. Remove any batteries from toys before you clean them, and leave the battery compartment open to dry completely.
Steps For Cleaning Your Dildo
- Clean your dildo by wiping the entire surface with a fragrance free soapy water solution and damp cloth, or a specialist cleaner
- Leave the toy to dry completely before using it again
- Remember to clean your dildo before using it for the first time, and then before and after every subsequent use
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Clean A Dildo?
Clean a dildo using a mild soap and warm water, or by investing in a specialist sex toy cleaner for added peace of mind. Wipe over the surface with a soapy washcloth, and make sure that you leave the toy to dry completely between each use. Be aware of the differences between nonporous material and what other materials need.
How Should I Store My Dildo To Keep It Clean?
Store your dildo to keep it clean by ensuring that each of your toys has its own bag or storage container, and making sure that you store the toy safely after each use. Try to avoid plastic for storage, as this can cause issues with your dildo over time.
How Do You Clean A Dildo For Anal?
Clean a dildo for anal in the same way you would other sex toys; by opting for a specialist cleaner, or by using plenty of warm, soapy water to wipe over the surface of the toy. It is incredibly important that you clean these dildos thoroughly, so a specific product is usually a good idea.
How Do You Clean A Silicone Dildo?
Clean a silicone dildo by wiping over the surface with a mild soap and water, or a specialist cleaner, and allowing the dildo to dry completely before using it again. Silicone toys should not be shared, and ideally, a condom should be worn while playing.
How Often Should I Clean My Dildo?
You should clean sex toys and dildos when you first receive them, allowing them to dry completely before the first use. Thereafter, you should clean the toy before and after every single use, making sure that the dildo has plenty of time to dry out. A porous toy in particular can harbor bacteria so make sure you follow cleaning instructions for your toy.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean a dildo will not only enhance your sexual enjoyment, but it is also important for keeping you and your partner healthy and safe. Properly cleaning your sex toys reduces your risk of unwanted infections, and helping to increase the life span of your dildo – and your pleasure.