Whether just starting with sex toys or you’ve been around the block, knowing the best way to clean dirty dildos is a must! To make sure you know every step like the back of your hand, we asked the help of Rachel Sommer, Ph.D., a clinical sexologist and professional sex toy tester. She’ll go over how to keep your dildo spanking clean and ready for your next sexy time without any of the unwanted germs tagging along. Let’s get straight into it:
- Metal or Glass: Begin by washing them with warm water and fragrance-free soap or a compatible toy cleaner, ensuring all nooks and crannies are washed. For stubborn stains, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap, then you can disinfect by either boiling in water for 10 minutes or soaking in a 5% bleach solution for the same duration. After disinfecting, rinse again and either pat dry with a clean towel or allow to air-dry.
- Silicone or Hard Plastic: If battery-operated, remove batteries to protect the motor. Wash the entire surface, including the base and textured areas, with mild soap or a sex toy cleaner. Rinse well with warm water (if there are no electrical components), then dry by patting with a clean towel or letting it air dry. For any persistent stains or odors, soak in warm water mixed with a cleaner, then wash and rinse again.
- Rubber or Jelly: Start with a pre-cleaning using a damp cloth or paper towel, focusing on ridges or crevices. Clean using warm water and gentle soap, applying soap directly and lathering well, especially on textured areas. Rinse under warm water to ensure all soap is removed. Dry with a clean, lint-free towel, followed by air drying completely.
Table Of Contents
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Dildos?
Any sex experts worth their salt will tell you cleaning is crucial because dirty dildos can attract unwanted bacteria causing itchiness, urinary tract infections, and sometimes even salmonella or E.coli [1]. Neglecting their cleanliness is akin to skipping the fridge for your leftovers; you’re basically rolling out the red carpet for microbes you’d rather not host. Regular cleaning keeps them ready for fun without the uninvited microscopic party crashers.
Understanding The Various Materials
Since dildos are made from a vast array of materials, ranging from body-safe and medical-grade options to the less popular TPCs and Jelly toys, it’s important to understand their main differences and how this affects their cleaning process:
Porous Materials
Any porous dildo will have small, microscopic holes like the surface of a sponge, with all its tiny holes. This structure allows air and liquid to pass through, which can unfortunately also mean bacteria and other microbes find a place to hide. Common porous materials include jelly rubber, rubber, and certain types of less refined silicones. These materials can absorb bodily fluids and lube, making thorough cleaning essential. So if you have a product made from a porous material, you might want to consider changing it after a couple of months.
Non-Porous Materials
In contrast, non-porous materials don’t have these little holes. Think of a glass window or a metal spoon – surfaces that don’t let air or liquid pass through, meaning bacteria and other microbes can’t penetrate the surface. Non-porous materials include high-quality silicone, glass, stainless steel, and metal. They are generally safer and easier to clean, often requiring just soap and water. Some can even be boiled or placed in the dishwasher for sterilization. Most dildos made from non-porous materials are more durable and hygienic in the long run, making them a preferred choice for many.
If you want to learn more about their differences, here’s a comprehensive sex toy material guide.
Cleaning Based On The Dildo Material
Metal Or Glass Models
- Start with a wash: Warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap should do the trick. Or, if you want to spoil them, find a toy cleaner that contains no harmful chemicals and check the label to make sure they’ll play nicely together. Get into all the nooks and crannies—these dildos can be quite intricate.
- Tackle tough spots: If you notice any stubborn stains, a toothbrush with soft bristles can be your best friend. Just give those areas a gentle scrub.
- Rinse well: Make sure all the soap is gone by rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
- Disinfecting time: You’ve got two choices here. You can submerge them in boiling water for 10 minutes, or if you’re using a bleach solution, aim for a more diluted mix – about 5% bleach to 95% water is usually recommended. Soak for 10 minutes.
- Final rinse: After disinfecting, give it another good rinse with warm water to wash away any traces of bleach or hot water.
- Dry it off: Pat it dry with a clean towel or just let it air-dry.
Pro tip: Metal and glass toys are great with latex condoms, but only if they’re smooth and free of any damage. Always give your toy a once-over before using it.
Metal and glass dildos are nonporous sex toys that’s why they are a breeze to clean because they don’t harbor bacteria like some other materials. If you plan on getting a glass model next time, here are the best glass dildos we highly recommend.
Silicone or Hard Plastic Models
- Battery check: If you have battery-operated models, take the batteries out first. This is to make sure the motor doesn’t get damaged during cleaning.
- Soap and water wash: Grab some mild soap or a sex toy cleaner and give your dildo a good wash. Don’t miss any spots – cover the whole surface, including the base and any textured areas like ridges or bumps. Please remember to only submerge fully waterproof models in water.
- Rinse well: If there are no electrical components, after soaping it up, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to get all the soap off.
- Drying: Pat your dildo dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Steer clear of hair dryers or other heat sources to avoid damage.
- Dealing with stubborn stains: If there are any persistent stains or odors, try soaking it in warm water mixed with sex toy cleaner for a few minutes, then wash and rinse again.
- Storage: Keep your dildo in a clean, dry spot. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to preserve its quality.
Note: If your ABS plastic or silicone device does not run on batteries, there’s a good chance it’s dishwasher safe. However, it’s important to double-check the manual to be sure. You can also check out some of the silicone dildos we’ve ranked and tested if you’re planning to replace your current one.
Rubber or Jelly Models
Having clean dildos is important but it’s particularly necessary if they’re porous materials like TPC or jelly as these types are particularly prone to hiding bacteria in their nooks and crannies. To make sure your TPC or jelly toys stay clean and safe for use, here’s a straightforward process you can follow:
- Pre-Cleaning: First things first, give your TPC or jelly dildo a quick pre-clean. Grab a damp cloth or paper towel and gently wipe down the surface. Focus on any ridges or crevices – these spots love to hang onto fluids and debris.
- Cleaning: Now, for the actual cleaning, you’ll just need some warm water and a gentle soap or a soapy washcloth. Harsh cleaners are a no-go; they can be tough on the material. Apply a bit of soap directly onto the surface and work up a lather with your hands. Pay special attention to any textured or detailed areas where bodily fluids could be trapped. You can also try to find a sex toy cleaner specifically made for porous toys,
- Rinsing: Next up, rinse it under warm water. Make sure you remove all the soap residue – leftover suds can be irritating if they stick around.
- Drying: Once it’s all rinsed, pat the dildo dry with a clean, lint-free towel. You don’t want any fuzzy bits left behind. Then, let it air dry completely. Patience is key here.
- Storage: Finally, when it’s totally dry, find a cool and dry place for storage. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from other dildos to avoid any damage or harmful bacteria hopping from one to another.
If you find the cleaning process of a rubber or jelly dildo tedious, consider replacing it with one made from body-safe materials. For those planning to switch to a better-quality model, here are some recommended places where you can purchase your next dildo.
Post Cleaning PRO Tips!
Use Water and Mild Soap or a Toy Cleaner
After you’ve given your porous dildo a once-over with a toy cleaner or wiped it down with a damp cloth, the next step is to wash it with some mild soap and water or a soapy washcloth. This extra wash is like a double-check to make sure you’ve kicked out any lingering bacteria. Just make sure to rinse it really well with water to get rid of all the soap.
Dedicated cleaners are pretty handy when you have porous dildos. They’re whipped up just to zap bacteria and germs, which is perfect for those porous types. Just make sure to check out the instructions on the bottle and follow them.
Dry it thoroughly Then Store
After giving your nonporous sex toy a good clean, don’t forget to dry it off before tucking it away. Use a clean towel or a soft cloth for a quick wipe. If you’re not in a rush, letting it air dry works too; it’s like sunbathing, but without the sun!
After drying it, keep it from becoming a bacteria party by stashing it in a spot that’s clean and dry. It’s a good idea to keep it separate from your other dildos to prevent any cross-contamination – think of it as keeping your toothbrush away from others. Wrapping it in a clean cloth or popping it into a plastic bag is a smart move. It’s like giving your dildo its own little protective cocoon.
Use a water-based lubricant & Condom
When you’re getting ready to use your nonporous dildo, go ahead and grab a water-based lubricant. It’s like the best friend for its delicate surface – gentle and caring. Say no to the bad boys like oil-based or silicone-based lubes; they’re the troublemakers that can degrade the surface material. We also recommend using a condom as it makes the cleaning a breeze.
Check for Lingering Bacteria
If you’re unsure whether your porous dildo is completely clean, you can check for lingering bacteria by shining a UV light on it. Any remaining bacteria will show up under the light, indicating that you need to clean it again.
Lastly, make cleaning a regular ritual. You can either give it a good scrub after each use or, if you’re quite the frequent user, a weekly cleanse should do the trick. This helps keep pesky bacteria and unwanted substances from crashing the party.
How To Store Them After Cleaning?
Properly storing your dildos is crucial after cleaning as it maintains their condition and extends their lifespan. Ensure they’re kept in a dry, cool place, away from moisture-laden areas like bathrooms, and opt for a drawer or closet with a controlled environment. Protect them further with a storage bag or container, preferably in luxurious satin or velvet to shield them from dust and prevent scratches, and label them if you have multiple for easy identification.
We also recommend avoiding direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and damage and storing them in dark, secluded spots. It’s equally important to keep them out of reach of minors and pets, in secure, inaccessible places.
If you want more tips, you can read our How to store sex toys guide.
Rachel
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