Introduction
Sex toys are a fantastic way to add some fresh excitement into your sexual life and improve the level of your intimacy. However, just like any other possession, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and to guarantee your safety. The health and safety standards that you set for your sex toys will reflect in your interactions with them, therefore, maintaining their relative hygiene is a critical factor in enhancing your sexual wellness. Here are some practical tips for sex toy maintenance.
Understand Your Sex Toys
Material Type
Different materials require different methods of care. For instance, silicone, wood, stainless steel, and glass are primarily non-porous and can be thoroughly cleaned easily, while, on the other hand, rubber, jelly, PVC, and realistic materials are generally porous and can harbor bacteria more readily.
Manual or Electric
The cleaning process varies depending on whether your toy is battery-operated or manual, as the former should not be submerged in water unless the manual specifically states that it is waterproof.
Proper Cleaning Practices
Cleaning your sex toys is not only crucial for their longevity, but also for your health. Ensure to clean your toy before and after every use. Use warm water and mild soap for non-electric toys, while a toy cleaner or a damp cloth can be used for electric models. Porous materials require more attention and should be covered with a condom during use to prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria.
Storage Tips
Ideally, store your toys in a cool, dark place as heat and sunlight can damage certain materials. Each toy should be stored separately in cloth bags or original packaging to prevent any contact between different materials. Importantly, ensure to remove batteries from battery-operated toys when not in use to prevent battery leakage.
Replacing Your Toys
A sex toy should not last forever. It’s a good idea to keep track of when you bought your toys and replace them when necessary, particularly those made out of porous materials. Porous toys are trickier to clean than their non-porous counterparts and over time, they can harbor more bacteria.
Conclusion
With the proper care and attention, your sex toys can continue to grant you with thrilling sensations for a longer time. It might seem like a bit of work, but the responsibility comes with having and maintaining these toys. After all, your health and safety should never be compromised. Remember, a clean toy is a happy toy!