How should I clean and store my toys?

Beyond Simple Storage

Most people store their sex toys in a place easy enough to access when necessary but outside public view. The thought of someone walking by, perhaps on their way to the bathroom, and seeing your vibrator laying on the dresser is enough to motivate most people to keep their sex toys in a more private location. This scenario is important to consider when choosing a spot for your toys, but there are some issues to consider that go beyond a potentially embarrassing situation.

Health Concerns

It goes without saying that anything you put into your body should be clean and free of harmful bacteria. Just as you wouldn't want to use a toothbrush that was put away wet and stored in the dark for a week you shouldn't use a sex toy that's not clean. Without getting into the potential for illness from sharing a sex toy with someone else, it's possible to get a yeast infection or urinary tract infection from your own toys, even if you're the only one who has ever used them. Fortunately there are a few easy steps you can take that go a long way to prevent this from happening.

Basic Storage Guidelines

Proper sex toy storage involves avoiding prolonged exposure to moisture, heat and lack of air and light. We realize that it isn't possible to avoid all of these conditions. After all, storing a vibrator on a windowsill is not practical for everyone - but the more you can do the better. Bacteria thrive best in moist, warm and dark environments so the farther away from that you get the better off you'll be, and the less bacteria will have a chance to grow. The more moisture, heat (to a degree), lack of air circulation and light, the better. The following steps will help you keep your sex toys clean, and help keep you healthy.

1. Wash your toys before and after use. An antibacterial cleaner like Before and After Adult Toy Cleaner or antibacterial soap is a good choice. Although, you need to be sure you aren't using harsh chemicals on delicate toys. Realistic sex toys made from materials like Cyberskin or jelly can be damaged by harsh cleaners. If in doubt, buy some Before and After Cleaner. It's inexpensive and lasts a long time.

2. Dry your toys thoroughly before storing them to remove as much moisture as possible. If you can, let your toys sit out for a while before putting them away.

3. Store your toys in a place that has some air circulation. A dresser drawer is a good place, as is a shelf in your closet. You can also store sex toys in a paper or cloth bag if you'd like. You want to avoid storing toys in plastic bags like the ones they come wrapped in. Plastic bags are fine for shipping from the manufacturer, but a bad idea after the toy has been used. Plastic bags prevent air from circulating and moisture from escaping.

4. Avoid storing your sex toys in a place that is exposed to a lot of moisture, such as your bathroom. You should also avoid storing toys in a spot that has extreme heat fluctuations, like near a heating vent or radiator. Temperature changes can promote condensation, which will create the damp conditions necessary for bacteria to grow.

Following these simple steps can go a long way to prevent the bacteria that could cause a yeast or urinary tract infection from growing on your toys.