How to use a toy cleaner

“Using a toy cleaner” was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

The most important product in BDSM is often overlooked: the toy cleaner. Okay, I’ll admit, it’s not the most exciting product to write about, but that doesn’t make it any less important. In my work as a Pro Dom, it’s definitely the most frequently used product. After every session, all used toys are thoroughly cleaned. Whether this is at the club or at home, it makes no difference to me. Even when I play privately, everything is thoroughly cleaned after the fun is over. This includes the toys I use exclusively for my own sub. After all, toys are often used on intimate, vulnerable areas. You don’t want to take any risks with that.

Why is cleaning important?

Thoroughly cleaning your toy not only extends its lifespan, but it’s also crucial for preventing infections. Bacteria can multiply very quickly, especially on sensitive areas of the skin. During use, you often don’t realize where the toy ends up. That’s why it’s so important to clean it after every use—not just if you’re playing with multiple people, but even if you always play with a steady partner.

How do you clean the toys?

All non-porous (silicone, glass, or metal) and/or non-electronic parts are best cleaned first with warm water. Then spray the toy cleaner onto the toy and wipe it down with a cloth or paper towel. Electronic parts, of course, cannot go in the water; for these, simply wipe the product down with toy cleaner and a cloth or paper towel.

For a porous toy (soft and flexible), it’s best to check the packaging to see if it’s body-safe.

You can braid ropes together and simply throw them in the washing machine.

Different types of toy cleaner

Cleaning products are also keeping up with the times, so nowadays, in addition to all the standard toy cleaners, there are also special vegan toy cleaners. There are cleaners with alcohol or without alcohol. Your choice depends on which toys you plan to use it on.

It’s best not to use antibacterial soap and/or antibacterial wipes. It’s often unclear whether these contain ingredients harmful to sensitive areas. It’s therefore recommended to use a specific toy cleaner.

How do you store cleaned toys?

Once your toy has been cleaned, store it carefully. It’s best to do this in a fabric pouch. It doesn’t need to be hermetically sealed, but it’s important to store it in a dust-free environment and separate from other items. It’s also best to place the charger or another toy in a separate pouch or in a different spot. Never store toys in a warm place (such as under a lamp) because this can encourage bacterial growth.

Tip

If you use internal toys, such as a butt plug or dildo, put a condom on it beforehand. That way, you can be sure you’re always using a clean product and won’t have an allergic reaction to any cleaning solution.

Can you get an STD from a sex toy?

Yes, it is possible to contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) through the use of a sex toy, especially if the toy is shared with someone who has an STI. Here are some important points to consider:

Sex toys can harbor and transmit bacteria and viruses, including those that cause STIs, if they are not cleaned properly. If you share a sex toy with someone else without cleaning it in between uses or using a new condom over the toy, you run the risk of STI transmission.

Using a condom over a sex toy can reduce the risk of STI transmission, especially when sharing the toy. Not all STIs have the same survival time outside the body. Some can survive on surfaces longer than others.

Available online

If you’re looking for a good toy cleaner, you don’t even have to leave the house. You can order them very discreetly from places like Easytoys.

More information

Safety & hygiene – theme page
Dungeon & products – Theme page

Source

Text: Mistress Moriah
Image: 123rf.com