Cleaning is the least glamorous part of owning a toy, and the one most often skipped. A clinical review found that around one in five men and one in seven women reported never having cleaned a vibrator before or after use. [1] It only takes a couple of minutes, and it protects both your health and your toy.
Before you start: check if it is waterproof
Look at the product details. IPX7 means fully submersible, so you can wash it under the tap. Splash-resistant toys (often IPX4 to IPX6) should be wiped with a damp, soapy cloth instead, keeping water away from the charging port.
By material
- Silicone, ABS and steel: warm water with mild soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Non-motorised silicone and steel toys can also be boiled for a few minutes for a deep clean.
- TPE strokers and sleeves: remove the sleeve if possible, rinse inside and out with warm water and mild soap, then let it air dry completely before putting it away. Moisture left inside is the main thing to avoid.
- Avoid alcohol, bleach, harsh antibacterial soaps and oils, which can damage surfaces or irritate skin.
Charging and batteries
- Charge fully before the first use.
- Make sure the charging port and toy are completely dry before plugging in.
- Use the supplied cable; magnetic chargers only fit their own toy.
- If you will not use a toy for a while, top it up every few months to protect the battery.
Storage that keeps things fresh
- Store each toy separately, ideally in the pouch it came with.
- Keep TPE and silicone toys from touching each other.
- Choose somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight.
- Use the travel lock if your toy has one.
When to replace a toy
Replace any toy with cracks, tears, a sticky surface or a smell that does not wash out. Porous toys like TPE sleeves naturally have a shorter life than silicone or steel.
Not sure what your toy is made of? Our materials guide explains each one.
Source: [1] “Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: best practice recommendations”, PMC.
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