Adding a vibrator to your bedroom routine is like adding a pinch of excitement to a favorite recipe – it brings a whole new flavor! But let’s not forget about keeping it clean. Not only can dirty sex toys cause infections, but it can also shorten the lifespan of the toy. In this article we asked one of our sex toy testers, Sandra Larson, to go over everything you need to know about how to clean a vibrator and make sure you get the best for your sexual health and sex life. Let’s dive right in!

Why Clean Your Sex Toys?

Each whirl with your vibrator is a rendezvous with bodily fluids, lubricants, and sneaky bacteria. Skip the cleaning, and you’re rolling out the red carpet for unwanted bacterial guests, and hosting parties that could lead to yeast infections and even bacterial vaginosis [1]. Now. you wouldn’t want that, would you? So, clean your vibrator properly after every use. It’s the secret handshake to keeping both you and your toy in tip-top, happy health!

Ideally, you should clean your sex toys before and after every use to ward off infections and diseases. This should be pretty obvious by now, cleaning sex toys is crucial for maintaining sexual health and ensuring their longevity. Even if you’re not using them frequently, a regular clean-up is still important.

For a hassle-free clean, opt for toy-specific cleaners or mild soap you feel comfortable using on your own body like a bar soap, foaming hand soap, or clear body wash and water, steering clear of corrosive chemicals to avoid damage. And don’t forget to thoroughly dry your toys post-wash to prevent bacterial and mold growth.

If you’re starting to feel some itchiness when you use your vibrator, you can refer to this guide as we listed some possible reasons why that happens.

How To Clean A Vibrator Based On Material

Cleaning Non-porous Vibrators

When it comes to choosing vibrators, medical-grade silicone and ABS plastic models are the crème de la crème – they’re not just top-notch in delivering pleasure, but also champions in the cleaning department. If you’re looking for ease of maintenance along with high-quality fun, these materials should be your go-to. They’re like the best kind of houseguests – always enjoyable and super easy to clean up after! Here’s how you clean your vibrator made of nonporous materials.

1. Safety First, Fun Second: Before anything else, make sure your toy is turned off. If it’s electric, unplug it. Remember, water and electricity are like oil and water – they don’t mix! For battery-operated models, remove the batteries.
2. The Initial Rinse:  Start with a warm water rinse. It’s setting the stage – like preheating the oven before baking. Apply a mild antibacterial soap or a specialized toy cleaner. Think of it as giving your toy a mini spa treatment. Silicone toys can sometimes attract lint or dust, so a little extra care in cleaning might be needed.
3. Get Into All the Nooks and Crannies: For Hard Plastic: A soft toothbrush can be your ally here. It’s like using a tiny detail brush to get the corners in a painting just right. For Silicone: Be gentle; silicone is durable but appreciates a soft touch.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: For both materials: Rinse off all the soap. You want it as clean as a whistle – no soapy residues allowed. For Silicone: If you’re all about germ warfare, a dip in a 10% household bleach solution works, but rinse it thoroughly afterward. Think of it as giving your toy a quick dip in the pool.
5. Dry It Off: Pat it dry with a clean, lint-free towel or let it air dry. It’s like basking in the sun after a swim. Give it a once-over to ensure it’s completely clean. It’s like the final check before guests arrive for a party.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your silicone and hard plastic vibrator clean as a whistle and ready for action whenever the mood strikes. Remember, a well-maintained toy is a trusty companion for your intimate adventures!

Cleaning Porous Vibrators

A sex toy made of porous materials like rubber can be a bit trickier to clean compared to their non-porous pals. These materials are like sponges for bacteria and dirt, so they need extra gentle care. But don’t worry, with the right approach, keeping them pristine is a walk in the park.

1. Use a Specialized Cleaning Solution: Opt for a cleaner specifically designed for porous sex toys, available at most adult stores or online. Spray it onto your sex toy, letting it sit for a few moments. Then wipe it off gently with a damp paper towel, like giving your toy a mini facial.
2. Gentle Soap and Water Wash: If you don’t have a specialized sex toy cleaner, a fragrance-free soap and warm water will do the trick. Wet your toy slightly, then use a soapy washcloth to gently wash it, like pampering it with a soothing bath. Rinse thoroughly with warm water – you want it completely free of soap residue. Pat it dry with a clean towel, handling it as tenderly as a petal.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Intense Methods: Steer clear of strong chemicals like bleach, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. These materials are delicate and can be damaged by harsh treatments. Stick to gentle cleaning solutions and methods.
4. Handle With Care: Be extra gentle while cleaning. These aren’t like any other sex toys and aren’t built for rough handling – treat them like a delicate treasure. Avoid vigorous scrubbing; a soft, tender touch is all they need.
5. Air Dry Completely: Let your toy air dry thoroughly before storing it. It’s like letting it soak up the sun, minus the UV rays. Avoid using artificial heat sources like hair dryers, which can harm the material.

Boiling and Dishwasher

Boiling water and using the top rack of your dishwasher are great for certain adult toys, but not for vibrators. These methods are like a no-entry zone for your battery-operated buddies. Boiling water can mess up batteries and melt plastic parts, while dishwashers are too intense for the delicate electronics inside and can easily destroy your new toy. It’s similar to putting electronics in a tumble dryer – just not a good idea.

However, any non-vibrating toy or anal toy like a butt plug made of sturdy materials like borosilicate glass, stainless steel, or certain non-electrical silicone can handle hot water [2]. For your vibrators, it’s safer to stick with a simple hand wash using mild soap and water. This keeps them clean and functional, ensuring they’re ready for action when you are.

If you want to deepen your knowledge of what material you should consider when buying sex toys in the future, here’s a sex toy material guide for you.

Mistakes to Avoid When You Clean Sex Toys

Let’s talk about keeping your vibrator not just clean, but in tip-top shape. Cleaning sex toys is as important as charging them – you wouldn’t want to be left high and dry due to a hygiene mishap! Here are some common boo-boos to avoid:

Not Checking the Material of your sex toy: It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Different materials need different TLCs. Toys made from rubber or jelly can harbor bacteria much like a sponge traps water and can’t be fully sanitized, while non-porous pals like silicone, glass, or stainless steel can be cleaned thoroughly. So, before you dive into cleaning, check what you’re working with and clean accordingly. The user manual is your friend here.

Using Strong Chemicals: Think of your vibrator like a delicate flower, not a kitchen sink. Harsh chemicals like bleach are a big no-no. Even dish soap isn’t something we recommend. They can damage your toy and might leave you with an itch you didn’t ask for. Stick to specialized sex toy cleaner or go old school with mild soap and warm water. And remember, perfumes and dyes in soaps can be party crashers, so avoid them.

Not Drying Thoroughly: Leaving your sex toy wet after cleaning is like leaving your windows open in a storm – a bad idea. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. So, after giving it a good clean, dry it off completely with a clean towel or let it air dry.

Overlooking the Safety Instructions: There’s wisdom in those little booklets that come with your sex toy. They’re not just for decoration! Your vibrator’s instructions are like a road map to keeping it in prime condition. They’ll tell you the do’s and don’ts specific to your model. Ignoring them is like trying to bake a cake without a recipe – you’re going to miss something important.

Ignoring Waterproof Sex Toy Capabilities: Not all vibrators can swim just like most toys. If you have a non-waterproof toy, bathing it can be more harmful than helpful. Imagine treating electronics like a fish – it doesn’t end well. For those non-waterproof vibrators, a damp cloth is your best friend. It keeps things safe and sound, and dry inside!

Using UV Sanitizers for Deep Cleaning: Relying solely on UV sanitizers can be like putting a band-aid on a broken bone – it doesn’t quite solve the problem. While UV light is great for killing bacteria and viruses, it’s not a complete cleaning solution especially if you want your toys clean. These sanitizers can’t remove fluids, lubricants, or dirt, which is crucial for maintaining hygiene. It’s like using an air freshener instead of cleaning your room; it might smell nice, but the mess is still there. Use UV sanitizers as an additional step after traditional washing with soap and water, especially for toys with nooks and crannies where light can’t reach. Remember, the sanitizer’s light needs to touch a surface to disinfect it, so it’s not always effective for every toy design so skip UV sanitizers and stick to the basics.

If you accidentally damage your vibrator to the point where it no longer works, don’t simply discard it. Remember the good times you’ve had and ensure you dispose of it properly. Here are some methods for responsibly disposing of your sex toys.

Other Maintenance Tips For Your Vibrator

After you clean sex toys, maintaining your vibrator goes beyond regular cleaning; it’s about treating it with the care it deserves to ensure its longevity.

• Proper storage: First and foremost, store sex toys properly. Many sex toys come with their own compartments like a fabric pouch or case and after washing and drying, that’s the best hiding place for your clean toy. Your vibrator should have a cozy spot in a cool, dry place, shielded from direct UV light sunlight and extreme temperatures. This helps preserve its material and functionality. Also, most sex toys don’t get along very well so it’s best to store it separately from other toys to prevent any surface damage due to contact.
• Battery Health: When it comes to keeping your vibrator powered up, smart charging is crucial. Stick to the charger that comes with your vibrator and follow the manufacturer’s charging guidelines. Avoid overcharging, as this can wear down the battery over time. Think of it like feeding a pet – enough is nourishing, but too much can be harmful.
• Using a condom: In addition to these practices, consider using a condom with your vibrator or sex toys. This simple step can significantly ease the cleaning process. Condoms act as a barrier against bodily fluids and lubricants, meaning less thorough cleaning is needed post-use. This is particularly useful for toys with intricate designs or those made from any porous material we mentioned above. It’s like putting a protective cover on your favorite book – it keeps the essential parts safe and clean. Plus it makes surface cleaning suffice especially if you don’t share your toys with sexual partners. But this doesn’t mean you should share the same toy with your partners because we don’t recommend doing that.

Remember, every time you use your vibrator, a post-play clean-up is crucial. For waterproof vibrators, a warm, soapy water bath is a great option. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly before tucking it away. By embracing these maintenance tips and incorporating the use of condoms during play, you’re not just prolonging the life of your vibrator; you’re also ensuring a hygienic and enjoyable experience every time.

Thanks for reading my guide on how to clean a vibrator!

Sandra

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