Your sex toys aren’t just playthings. They’re part of your self-care, sex life, and hard-earned alone time. But here’s the deal: they need some TLC, too.
Much like your skin or that favorite set of lingerie, toys need a little extra attention to keep them safe, clean, and working well. Whether you’re new to the wonderful world of adult toys or a sex toy pro, knowing how to take care of your sex toys helps keep your body healthy and your wallet in check.
Keep reading for the complete guide to toy cleaning and care.
Start with Quality
Before we get to cleaning and storage, here’s the number one rule: buy quality. When you purchase a high-quality toy from LOVE AND VIBES, you can feel good knowing you’re investing in body-safe materials, solid construction, and a product that’s built to last.
That’s because all the brand’s toys are made with you in mind. While cheaper toys may save some cash up front, they can break down quickly, are porous (and host bacteria), or even cause irritation.
Know Your Materials
Even if it looks clean, bacteria and bodily fluids can lurk just below the surface, sometimes. Wash your toys with warm water and mild soap every time you use them. If your toy is waterproof, use a gentle bristle brush to help clean textured or creviced surfaces. And if it’s not, use a damp cloth and toy cleaner, paying extra attention to the area where the battery is stored. Seriously, though, do not skimp when washing those crevices.
Clean After Every Use (Yes, Every Time)
Once it’s clean, pat your toy with a clean, lint-free cloth or let it air dry completely before storage. High bacteria-traffic areas like your shower can lead to molds and mildews if you store a damp toy.
Pro tip: Go all in and use a towel specifically for your toys. It’s a nice little ritual and the very least you deserve.
Dry It Right
After washing, pat your toy dry with a clean, lint-free towel or air dry it completely before storing. Never store it while it’s even a little damp—moisture is a playground for bacteria.
Pro tip: Keep a dedicated towel just for your toys. It makes cleanup feel more ritual than a chore.
Store with Care
And where, exactly, do your toys go when the sun goes down? Stop dropping those toys in your linen closet naked. Any hair, dust, or bacteria that land on your toy will end up exactly where you don’t want it (i.e., inside you) later. Certain materials can even leech chemicals when they touch certain other materials.
Use cloth bags, pouches, or the original packaging to separate your toys in your drawer. Or, if your toys come with a storage box, use it. Give your toys a permanent home in a dry, cool place (not in direct sunlight or heat, which can cause damage to batteries).
A Little Extra TLC Goes a Long Way
Your new sex toy is more than just a way to play; it adds pleasure, confidence, and connection with yourself or a loved one to your life. It does a lot for you, so give a little back in the way of a cleaner, safer, better time every time you use it.
So clean it, put it away, and treat it right. And when you’re ready to make the upgrade, check out one of the high-quality sex toys from LOVE AND VIBES, because you deserve the best pleasure it has to give.