Squeaky Clean: How To Properly Clean Your Dildo

Cleaning isn’t exactly sexy (unless someone’s wearing a skimpy maid outfit). And dildo maintenance may not be super fun, but it is super necessary. Sanitizing your toys keeps them in tip-top shape for ages and keeps you safe from germs and infections. 

You’re putting toy materials on or in genitals. Don’t you want the assurance that they’re perfectly body-safe? 

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of proper sex toy cleaning, tell you what supplies you’ll need, and offer our professional cleaning tips. Read on and keep your dirty time squeaky clean with Fleshlight! 

The Importance of Cleaning Your Dildo Every Time

The truth is that you must clean sex toys after every use. Sorry, we don’t make the rules. The truth is that an unclean dildo can give you:

  • Yeast infections
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI)
  • And even STIs

Quality sex toys should be made from nonporous materials. Porous sex toys are inherently low quality, and they grow icky mold and spread infections. However, nonporous toys can still transmit and spread infections if left uncleaned. 

Because of this, it’s absolutely vital that you disinfect your toy after every use, especially if you’re sharing the toy with sexual partners. Wiping off bodily fluids isn’t enough. You need to get in there with the proper sex toy cleaner and techniques. 

Also, you don’t just need to maintain dildos. All sex toys require regular cleanings, including vibrators, anal toys, butt plugs, and more. The good news is that proper cleaning and storage can also prolong the life of your best bed buddy. 

Collect Your Materials and Start Scrubbing 

Please do not throw your toy in the dishwasher and call it a day. First off, ew. Secondly, you need to clean out every crevice in your toy. Dish soap and a rinse cycle aren't going to cut it.  

You’re going to need to hand wash your device using some of (if not all) the following materials: 

  • A fragrance-free mild soap 
  • Warm water 
  • A toy-specific cleaner from Fleshlight
  • A damp cloth

You can use a special toy wipe, but these may not be thorough enough. It depends on the toy and the brand of wipe. A quick tip: Submerging battery-operated or electrically powered toys in soapy water is not the vibe. 

While we’re at it, here’s a list of things you don’t need to have or use on your toy:

  • Bleach
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Hard plastic or metal scrubber

Make sure that you replace needed materials periodically. Once you have the correct materials, it’s time to clean. 

How To Clean Your Dildo (By Material)

We’re your sex educator, helping you keep wellness involved in your masturbation sessions. Here are the tips that keep your toy squeaky clean (even under a UV light).

Glass

Here are the proper steps involved in cleaning glass toys:

  1. Clean ASAP: Ideally, you would clean a toy as soon as you’re done using it. Sometimes, you'll fall asleep, and this process won't start until hours later. This is fine, but don't let things sit any longer. 
  2. Wash Off: Get any chunks of lube or bodily fluids off before you start cleaning. 
  3. Use Proper Cleaner OR Boil: If the glass is made with something like Pyrex, it can be boiled. However, you can’t leave it in the water for longer than 10 minutes and shouldn't let it rest on the bottom of the pan for too long. Scrubbing with a toy-safe cleaner may be easier, and scrubbing is the only option if the toy is battery-powered. 
  4. Wash Off: Thoroughly wash off the cleaner (if used) with a clean towel. 
  5. Air Dry: Let the toy sit out to dry thoroughly. 

It’s vital to first check the manufacturer's guide to cleaning your new dildo. Some toys may react poorly to specific cleaners or methods. 

Silicone 

Here are the proper steps involved in cleaning silicone toys:

  1. Clean ASAP: As mentioned, in a perfect world, you would clean a toy as soon as you’re done using it. Sometimes, you'll pass out, and this process won't start until hours later. This is fine, but don't let things sit any longer. 
  2. Wash Off: Get any chunks of lube or bodily fluids off before you start cleaning. 
  3. Use Proper Cleaner OR Boil: If the toy is made with quality silicone, it can be boiled. However, you can’t leave it in the boiling water for longer than 10 minutes and shouldn't let it rest on the bottom of the pan for too long. Scrubbing with a toy-safe cleaner may be easier, and scrubbing is the only option if the toy is powered electrically.  
  4. Wash Off: Thoroughly wash off the cleaner (if used) with a clean towel. 
  5. Air Dry: Let the toy sit out to dry thoroughly. 

Body-safe silicone will last you for years and feels almost like real skin. Keeping these toys clean will deliver oodles of pleasure down the road. 

Stainless Steel

Here are the proper steps involved in cleaning stainless steel toys:

  1. Clean ASAP: Ideally, you would clean a toy as soon as you’re done using it. Sometimes, you'll get distracted, and this process won't start until hours later. This is fine, but don't let things sit any longer. 
  2. Wash Off: Get any chunks of lube or bodily fluids off before you start cleaning. 
  3. Use Proper Cleaner OR Boil: If the toy is made with actual steel, it can be boiled. However, you can’t leave it in the water for longer than 10 minutes and shouldn't let it rest on the bottom of the pan for too long. Scrubbing with a toy-safe cleaner may be easier, and scrubbing is the only option if the toy is battery-powered. 
  4. Wash Off: Thoroughly wash off the cleaner (if used) with a clean towel. 
  5. Air Dry: Let the toy sit out to dry thoroughly. 

Steel can be unforgiving but is perfect for those with specific kinks or fantasies. Keep it clean, and it will keep trucking for ages. 

Dildo Clean? Here’s How to Store It

You probably want to safely put your dildo away until the next time you need it. The number one tip is to store it away from pets' reach. Dogs are especially notorious for mistaking sex toys for chew toys. This destroys the toy, and it’s also kind of gross.  

The best way to store glass, steel, and silicone dildos is:

  • In their original case
  • In an air-conditioned area
  • Away from the sun

You also want to wait to store the toy until it’s completely dry. Otherwise, you’ll risk growing some mold on your favorite dildo. These steps will ensure that your toy stays clean and secure until the next time you need it. 

Keep Your Toys Fresh and Clean with Fleshlight

We’ve outlined the simple cleaning steps necessary to keep your toy hygienic. If properly cared for, a superior-quality dildo will last you for years. At Fleshlight, we’re committed to supplying the most durable and long-lasting pleasure devices and helping you maintain them. 

We’ve created a line of toy cleaning accessories to help you keep your bedside buddy in top shape. Discover innovative renewing powder, ultra-handy dryers, and more at Fleshlight. 

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