It’s kind of obvious that sex toys need to be cleaned after you’ve used them. It’s not just a hygiene thing, you also want your toys to be ready to go when you’re in the mood for some action. The thought of having to clean your Fleshlight before you can put it to work is a total boner-killer.
But there’s more to cleaning your sex toys than just giving them a quick rinse under the tap. Let’s get into it.
Why Clean My Gay Sex Toys?
1. Shared toys and STI prevention
If you’re sharing your sex toys with other guys – for example, you and a fuck-buddy like to play with them together – there is a risk of transmitting STIs.
Not that the sex toys themselves increase the transmission risk over and above anything else you’re already doing with your hook-up, but it’s just part of maintaining good hygiene.
Everyone who is sexually active should be testing regularly for STIs. Doxy-PeP is a good back-up, but regular testing is till required.
2. Extending the Lifespan of Your Toys
Good sex toys don’t come cheap – these are investment pieces and you’re going to want to take care of them.
Regular cleaning helps to prevent the buildup of dirt, oils, and lubricants that may damage the toy over time.
3. Silicone-based toys
Silicone toys are popular because of their softer texture and durability but they do need a bit of extra care. You shouldn’t use silicone-based lubricants with toys that are made from silicone and when you’re cleaning just use mild soap and warm water.
4 . Avoiding Odours and Discoloration
If you don’t thoroughly clean your sex toys they are soon going to smell very funky and will appear stained and discoloured. That’s not sexy.
5. Stay in the zone during your solo or partnered masturbation trip
Properly maintained toys are going to help ensure a smooth glide and a better overall experience when you’re using them. You’re going to get intimate with these toys – you need to treat them with respect.
How do I clean my Fleshlight?
Your Fleshlight – and other similar masturbation aids – need particular attention when it comes to cleaning. Here’s how I clean mine:
1. Rinse it out
After you’re done fucking that Fleshlight, it’s going to be full of cum and lube. Rinse it off under warm water.
2. Use a mild cleanser
You’re going to need to use some soap to properly clean it, so use a gentle cleanser to help shift all traces of lube and cum. It’s important to use a mild detergent that’s not only not going to damage your Fleshlight but also something that’s not going to irritate your cock next time you stick your dick in there.
Is it safe to use dish soap to clean my sex toys?
A basic detergent such as dish soap is too harsh to use on your Fleshlight. Also, high-scented soaps can be a deal breaker. Look for something hypoallergenic that’s either specifically for sex toys or for use on sensitive parts of the body such as the face.
3. Unzip and wash the sleeve
Most masturbation aids like the Fleshlight have a removable sleeve – this makes the cleaning process easier. You can unzip the casing and remove the sleeve. Use your fingers to work the mild soap that you’re using all around the sleeve, ensuring that you’re reaching any crevices or textured areas.
4. Dry it properly
Once you’ve washed the sleeve you need to ensure that it’s completely dry before you store it. Place the sleeve of your Fleshlight onto a clean towel and air-dry it. Don’t try and speed things up with a hairdryer or other heat source, this is just going to damage it.
How do I clean my gay sex dildo?
The general principles of cleaning your sex toys also apply to dildos, but here’s a few extra tips that are worth bearing in mind when it comes to this type of toy.
Can I clean my rechargeable Bluetooth dildo or sex toy?
As mentioned in our previous article, these toys are designed to be waterproof. Just because they’ve got a battery doesn’t mean that you can’t clean them – you need to get the lube and fuck-juice off your dildo. Do your best to read the instructions as they will come with cleaning instructions, but the basic rule is that you can wash them as required.
1. Check the material
There’s a huge range of dildos on the market, and they can be made from a variety of materials such as silicone, glass, metal, or rubber. The material that your dildo is constructed from will determine how best to clean it.
2. Wash with water and mild soap
For dildos made of non-porous materials such as silicone, glass, or stainless steel, washing them with warm water and mild soap is usually sufficient. Gently scrub the surface of the dildo to remove any lube or fuck-juice. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
3. Using a dishwasher
Some silicone or glass dildos are robust enough that they can be placed in the dishwasher. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that it’s safe to put your dildo in the dishwasher. If you’re unsure, stick to hand washing.
4. Attention paid to textured areas
You may need to use a soft toothbrush or a cloth to effectively clean a dildo that has textured features. Bacteria can quickly build up in the nooks and crannies of an unclean dildo.
5. Rinse thoroughly and air dry
After you’ve washed your dildo and rinsed it thoroughly, air-dry it on a towel before storing it safely away – ready for action another day.
How to clean your buttplug?
The basic principles of cleaning your sex toys also apply to butt-plugs, but here’s a couple of additional tips to help ensure you’re looking after this essential bit of kit.
1. Check the material
It’s important that you know what your butt-plug is made of. Whether it’s made of silicone, glass, metal, or rubber will determine the best way to clean it.
2. Use warm water and mild soap
If you’re not sure what your butt-plug is made of, a default cleaning regime of warm water and mild soap is going to work on all butt-plugs. Don’t use harsh chemicals – it needs to be something hypoallergenic that’s designed for sensitive skin. Remember, this butt-plug is going up your butt – pretty much the most sensitive part of the body.
3. Using a dishwasher
If your buttplug is made of a non-porous material such as silicone or glass, then you can simply run it through the dishwasher. This is a really effective way to thoroughly clean it, but be conscious of what detergent you’re using. The best approach is to hand-wash your dildo first with a mild detergent, then put it in the dishwasher without any detergent for a thorough rinse. Give it a quick rinse off when it comes out of the dishwasher and you can be confident that it’s super-clean and all detergent has been removed.
4. Can I borrow your toothbrush?
Depending on the design of your butt-plug, you may need a soft toothbrush or a cloth to ensure that you’ve removed any build up from ridges or crevices. Don’t borrow your flatmate’s toothbrush for this job – get a designated one that you store alongside your butt-plug.
5. Rinse thoroughly and air dry
Air-drying your butt-plug is the way forward before you store it safely or stick it back up your butt.
How do I clean my anal beads?
The design of anal beads mean that they require a bit of additional care when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
1. Check the material
Knowing what your anal beads are made of is really important so that you’ll know how best to clean them. Try and read the care instructions that come them in the packaging – this will include details on how best to clean the product.
2. Use warm water and mild soap
If in doubt, go with warm water and a mild hypoallergenic cleanser. Gently wash each bead, paying close attention to any ridges or crevices where residue might accumulate.
3. Using a dishwasher
Depending on what they’re made of, it might be safe to put your anal beads into the dishwasher. However you don’t want to use basic dishwasher detergent on your beads – remember, these are going up your butt and right into your colon. You don’t want them coming into contact with anything that’s going to irritate your body.
4. Cleaning tools
The design of anal beads means that cleaning them might take a bit of extra time and attention – ensuring that you’ve removed all traces of lube and any other build-up. Equip yourself with a soft cloth and a soft brush. Store it all together so you know that you’re only using these cleaning tools on your anal beads.
5. Rinse thoroughly and air dry
Air-drying your anal beads is required before you store them away. Don’t be tempted to turn your hairdryer onto them – that’s likely to damage the beads.
Store your Sex Toys with Care
Ensuring that you’ve properly cleaned your sex-toys after use is one thing, but how you store them is also important. Stashing them in a drawer or throwing them into the back of the closet might be tempting but remember, these are items that you’re going to be shoving up your butt or sticking your dick into.
If the toy came with a storage bag or case, use that to help protect them and keep them clean. If you don’t have that, storing them in something like a pillow-case is a handy way to keep them clean and ready for action.
