Cleaning your toys…
So you’ve got a new toy (we are so happy for you) or you’ve got a collection and you’re curious if your giving your prized toys the proper care they deserve - we’ve got your back(side).
In this guide, we will cover the basics of toy care and cleaning tips.
First things first - it’s good to get in the habit of cleaning your toys regularly. We recommend after each use (solo or partnered play) as bacteria can be passed from toy to toy and thrive in creases and folds - plus it can cause your toys to wear out quicker than they would otherwise.
Next - it’s important to know the material your toy is made of. This will dictate what products are safe to use when cleaning your toy.
(Psst - if you’re interested in learning more about body-safe materials, check out our article on that).
Top methods to clean toys:
Wash with warm water and mild liquid soap (or toy cleaner). This method is safe to use with most toys, but be aware of cleaners or soaps with harsh chemicals or alcohol as they could damage the toy and/or cause irritation. We recommend Intimate Earth’s Tea Tree Toy Cleaner as a safe, natural cleaner.
Boil for 10 minutes. This method is safe with some hard, non-porous materials such as Silicone, Stainless Steel, or Borosilicate Glass (aka Pyrex). Make sure you confirm your toy can be submerged and is one of the above materials to avoid damage.
Put ‘em in the dishwasher (you heard me right - pop toys onto the top rack of the dishwasher with no added detergent)! This method works for some non-porous materials (such as Glass, Borosilicate Glass (Pyrex), Silicone, Nylon.
Tea Tree Oil Toy Cleaner, $19
Things to consider:
Make sure toys are ‘waterproof’ before submerging to wash.
Batteries should be removed if possible (and coverings replaced) before cleaning.
Check for corrosion if using removable batteries.If your toy is water-resistant, avoid full submersion when washing.
Storing your toys is important. Ideally, you should keep your products in a dry, cool place away from sunlight. Breathable, natural fabrics are the best storage bags. Ultimately, you want to ensure that bacteria doesn’t have an opportunity to grow on your toys.
Toys cleaned with a toy cleaner containing nonoxynol-9 should be rinsed thoroughly to prevent irritation.
After washing - let toys air dry instead of using a cloth.
If you’re using something to help you access crevices or spots difficult to clean, use Q-tips and be very careful not to damage your toys. This is specifically helpful when using air-pulsating toys that use a thin diaphragm that can easily be punctured (think: Lelo Sona, Inya: the Rose, etc).
It’s important to periodically inspect your toys for tears, cracks, wear, battery erosion - etc. If your toy is damaged, or not functioning properly, discontinue use to avoid injury or irritation.
