It is widespread knowledge that germs and bacteria proliferate on almost all objects and surfaces: which is why the cleaning industry is so vast! There are specialised products for cleaning every object in the house and every part of the body. With cleanliness and hygiene taking precedent in all aspects of society sex toys are by no means an exception.

As sex toys are made from quite a range of different materials it is hard to advise a universal cleaner for all items of the type found in most homes. To combat this and make hygienic sex toy usage as hassle free as possible there are now a number of specialised sex toy cleaning products on the market. Designed to kill germs and bacteria on sex toys of almost every variety these sprays, wipes and general cleaners are virtually indispensible to any sex toy owner.

Alongside the risk of toys harbouring more standard germs and bacteria, due to their intimate applications, they also pose the threat of transmitting thrush and Chlamydia if not correctly maintained and stored. It should be standard practice to clean all sex toys both before and after use to be absolutely certain of cleanliness. Ribbed, contoured or uniquely shaped toys may benefit from the use of a soft bristled toothbrush or similar to ensure all parts are well sanitised.

Although incredibly useful, a dedicated sex toy cleaning product is not compulsory: provided certain considerations are taken with regard to specific materials. Warm water and (a preferably antiseptic) hand soap can be used on the majority of rubber and plastic toys- provided all electrical modules and battery packs are removed prior to cleaning. In addition to this, silicon, glass and metal toys can be put in the dishwasher or submerged in boiling water to sterilise- this however is not advisable for sex toys made from other substances. Solid plastic toys can be sterilised with rubbing alcohol but jelly rubber toys cannot be treated with alcohol so are best used in conjunction with a condom. Materials such as Cyberskin should only be cleaned with products which specify that they are suitable for the purpose.

It is essential that abrasive cleaning products are never used on any sex toy and equally imperative that all soap residue is washed off prior to drying to avoid irritation on the next use. In order to ensure your sex toys last as long as possible it is also important to make sure that water based lubricant (or non-water based but specifically designed to be used with a certain sex toy) is used to prevent corrosion or reaction.

Sex toy maintenance is easy provided you’re fully aware of the material from which your sex toys are manufactured and that these simple guidelines are followed. Using sex toys is meant to be a little naughty, but certainly not dirty.