Sex toys have a long and storied history, and they continue to play an important role in our wellness and self-care routines today. But like all things, cleaning sex toys require some mindful effort on our part.
According to stats, the global sex toys market size was marked at USD 30.48 billion in 2021. The expectation of its expansion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is 8.4% from 2022 to 2030. (as per Grand View Research)
This shows that sex toys are becoming a strong force for self care and well-being both. In addition to their practical uses, sex toys are a source of pleasure and intimacy for both partners. When used in a responsible manner, they can be an exciting and fun addition to your sex life. According to a research paper by Jessica Wood, Sara Crann, Shannon, Deborah Money, and Kieran O'Doherty published in UTP Journals,
“Most participants indicated that they cleaned their sex toys regularly using soap and water and 21.7% reported sharing their sex toy(s) with a partner.”
In this blog post, we're going to share our tips for enjoying sex toys and taking care of them safely and effectively. From the use and tips for taking care of your toys, we'll have you well-prepared for an ORGASMIC 2022.
Taking care of your sex toy
Having sex toys is a great way to spice up your life and enjoy yourself. But taking care of them is just as important - you wouldn't want something harmful happening to your toy, would you? Follow these simple tips to keep your sex toy in good condition:
Get a good quality toy
When it comes to buying toys for yourself, it is important to get a good quality one that won't break easily. It is also important to check for any tears or cracks in the surface of the toy before using them, as this can increase the risk of infection. If there are problems with your toy after purchase, don't be afraid to reach out to the manufacturer for advice and warranty coverage. You could visit Own Pleasures for purchasing quality sex toys online.
Store your sex toy properly
It is important to store your sex toy properly in order to make sure it lasts longer. Keep it away from moisture, dust, and other elements that can damage it. Properly clean your toys using mild soap and warm water after each use. Ensure to store them in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Cleaning sex toys regularly
It's important for cleaning sex toys regularly in order to have a positive sexual experience. Not only will this keep them functioning properly, but it will also add an extra layer of excitement during use. Here is how you can do the cleaning:
For Cleaning surfaces:
Use water for cleaning. It is recommended to use liquid hand soap or castile soap. If you want antibacterial soap, that's fine, but it's not essential. Dish soaps and other harsh soaps should be avoided.
After cleaning toys, use paper towels or clean washcloths to air-dry them. Be sure that your toy is rated for water safety before you start. The toy can be rinsed in the sink if it is nonmechanized (such as a solid silicone dildo) or mechanized but splash-proof or waterproof.
Deep cleaning:
After surface-cleaning toys, you can disinfect 100% silicone, stainless steel, and borosilicate glass toys by submerging them in boiling water for just a few minutes to disinfect them. If you boil and bleach your toys, most bacteria on them will die, but not all. You should make sure that your dishwasher has the appropriate settings for disinfecting dishes. Otherwise, you should boil or bleach your toys.
You can air-dry toys after cleaning them with paper towels or clean washcloths. If you wish to use the same toy anally and vaginally, you should do so. The anal toy you want to remove odor from needs to be cleaned. In particular, silicone toys can sometimes retain smells.
Alternative cleaning:
You can usually get by with plain soap and water instead of sex-toy wipes or cleaning sprays.
Some basics while cleaning sex toys
Sex toys are a great way to enjoy self-care, stress-relieve, and pleasure. However, like with any other wellness-focused activity, there are some basic dos and don'ts to follow when using them:
- Make sure to use them with caution and read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Silicone lube made from chemical ingredients can be harmful and shouldn't be used on the sex toy's vibrator. Instead, use water-based lube.
- Additionally, use different types of lubricants for different kinds of vibes - water-based for clitoral stimulation, anal lube for anal stimulation, etc.
- Finally, experiment and explore different ways to enjoy them and find out what works best for you. The key is to be safe and have fun!
How to do the cleaning of sex toys and keep them bacteria-free?
Keeping your sex toys clean and bacteria-free is essential for both your sexual health and the health of your toys. Follow these tips for doing so:
- Wash them with mild soap and warm water.
- Always keep them away from other materials that could contaminate them, such as silicone lubes.
- Then store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Is it okay to reuse my sexual lubricant?
It's okay to reuse your sexual lubricant- as long as you're doing it safely! To avoid any potential health risks, only use sexual lubricant the way it was meant to be used- by inserting it into the vagina and anus before sexual activity. Do not share or pour your sexual lubricant into another person's body- this could lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What are some tips for self care during sex play?
For self-care during sex, keep your bedroom as clean and free of dust and dirt as possible. This will help reduce friction and make the experience more pleasurable for both you and your partner. Additionally, warm up your genitals before sex play to make it easier for sex toys to enter and exit.
Can I use condoms with my sex toys?
Yes, you can technically use condoms with your sex toys. However, it's not recommended as it can reduce the sensation of your toy. Instead, you should either use a water-based lubricant. But condoms always provide a barrier between you and your toy with your partner, preventing any STD/HIV transmission.
Conclusion
Sex toys are centuries-old traditions that many people enjoy today. However, like any other luxury item, they should also be taken care of and enjoyed to the fullest. In this blog, we discussed cleaning sex toys, and how you can use them to enjoy more. We hope this gives you some insight into how to take care of your sexual health as well while making the best out of your toys.