How to clean your dildo

How much did you look after your toys when you were a kid? Beanie Babies… Barbies… Hot Wheels… However you killed time, we bet you kept them clean, shiny and stocked with new batteries, right? It’s about time you do the same with your favourite adult toys.

Keeping your favourite dildos in tip-top shape not only keeps nasty bugs and germs away from your sensitive terrain, it also makes them last for years to cum. Now, when you buy a delightful dildo, there should be washing instructions included, but in case you need a refresher, read on.

Ok, so what happens if I don’t clean my dildo?

Before we get to the how, let’s talk about why.

Think about it, these toys are one of the only objects that come close to your nether regions. Other things on that list possibly include other dicks, vaginas, and your underwear - and those get washed, right? (At least we hope so.)

And while you may think you’re as clean as a whistle down there, chances are, there’s bacteria lurking that even a scalding hot shower can’t scrub away. And then there’s your bum, of course.

Bacteria lurks all around our bodies - and that’s natural - but it’s important that you wash toys after every use to stop bacteria building up, which could put some at risk of vaginal infections. This is all particularly important if you’re playing with a toy made out of a porous material. Bacteria LOVE to nestle into porous toys, and they thrive in these cosy damp spots. So, if you must play, always use a condom with a porous toy.

Now, it’s even more important to clean and disinfect your toys of all kinds if you share them with others, as they can carry and transfer STIs. This is true whether your toy is porous or not, so make a point to clean before and after every single use - yes, even if it is a bit of a mood killer. Whether it is your dildo, a vibrator, butt plug, or even a pair of handcuffs, they all have the potential to carry bacteria.

So, with that all cleared up, let’s dive into how to clean your beloved dildo.

1. Wash before and after use

Yes, you read that right. As time-consuming as it may sound, you should be cleaning your toys both before and after you use them. Even if you keep your dildos in your top drawer, it’ll still gather dust, hair, and all sorts of nasties.

So, if you’re not storing them in a sterile environment between uses, then you could be putting yourself at risk of infection by skipping out on a thorough scrub.

2. Different methods of washing

Thankfully, there are many ways to keep your dildos fresh and clean. Let’s take a peek.

Good old soap and water

The good news is that most dildos can be squeaky clean through a simple wash with mild soap and clean, warm water - this includes glass dildos, metal dildos and even wooden toys. Make sure your soap of choice is fragrance-free and mild - with no harsh chemicals or disinfectant - but still enough to disinfect. Nobody wants an itchy vulva or asshole, either. If your toy is made of something porous, you’ll need to really get in there and scrub.

Wipes

Not your bog-standard wet or baby variety, these kinds of wipes must contain some form of disinfectant. Just give your dildo a thorough wipe down, being sure to get into all those nooks and crannies. 

Boil

One fan-favourite - albeit a slightly slower way - of disinfecting your dildos is by boiling them. Before you submerge in scalding water - do take care, darlings - be sure to remove any batteries. You also need to be completely sure that your toy is waterproof and non-motorised. Only silicone, pyrex, glass, or stainless steel dildos can be boiled.

Soaking in water

Dildos without batteries or that aren’t motorised - and those with complicated “crevices” and lumps and bumps - can be submerged in water to kill off any bacteria. Leave your dildo to soak for a few minutes for a deep clean.

But, speaking of water, don’t put your dildo in the dishwasher unless you’re sure it’s dishwasher safe. Pyrex are safe in the top-rack, but glass dildos shouldn’t be exposed to such high temperatures.

Cleaning spray

Cleaning sprays are also a handy way to give your favourite dildo a quick clean-down. They won’t burn a hole in your pocket, and they can save you a lot of hassle. Our favourite is the Sinnovator Anti-bacterial Toy Cleanser, which is safe to use on all your latex, silicone, and rubber besties.

Dry with a clean towel

There’s a reason the word ‘moist’ is such a creepy one. When your dildos are left damp, those hard-to-reach crevices become a fertile breeding ground for all sorts of nasty bacteria. Don’t just pick up the last towel you threw over the bannister - choose one that’s fresh out of the washer and dryer. Unless you want your dildo growing life of its own.

How to make your dildos last longer

Take your batteries out

I know, another pain-in-the-ass job, but taking your batteries out of your sex toys after each use can help prolong their life. Batteries can rust and corrode your toy from the inside out.

Clean properly

Duh. We’ve already been through this, but keeping your toys in as good condition as possible all starts with how you take care of them. Consider the type of toy, the material it’s made from, and whether or not it needs batteries, and care accordingly. When you’re not using them, store in a box or specially designed bag - mesh and breathable fabrics are a good idea.

Use the right lube

Yep, how you choose to get wet and slippery could have an impact on the lifespan of your dildos. If you’re using a silicone dildo - a favourite material of ours - then steer clear of silicone lube and oil-based lube, as these will cause the toy to deteriorate. Your best option all-round is a water-based lube, which is both body-safe and condom-safe.

Wrap it up

This rule doesn’t just apply to real flesh phalluses. The safest way to use your toy - especially if sharing with someone else - is to wrap up with a condom. If you just can’t stay away from porous materials - such as Cyberskin, hard plastic and jelly - condoms are important, as these types of toys can never be 100% disinfected. Always, and I mean always, change condoms between people or holes.

When it comes to wanking, germs and nasties should be the furthest thing from your mind. Stay clean so you can scream.

How much did you look after your toys when you were a kid? Beanie Babies… Barbies… Hot Wheels… However you killed time, we bet you kept them clean, shiny and stocked with new batteries, right? It’s about time you do the same with your favourite adult toys.

Keeping your favourite dildos in tip-top shape not only keeps nasty bugs and germs away from your sensitive terrain, it also makes them last for years to cum. Now, when you buy a delightful dildo, there should be washing instructions included, but in case you need a refresher, read on.