Caring for Your Intimate Products: Materials, Cleaning and Storage

A well-chosen intimate product can be a joy for years, but only if you look after it. A little care keeps it safe, hygienic and working beautifully. Here is a simple guide, from choosing the right material to storing it away.

Start with the material

The material decides how you clean a product and how long it lasts.

• Non-porous materials. Medical-grade silicone, glass, stainless steel and hard plastics (ABS) do not absorb bacteria and are the easiest to keep clean.
• Porous materials. Jelly rubber, PVC, vinyl, TPE and other soft rubbery plastics can hold germs even after washing. Planned Parenthood explains this in its page on sex toys. If you use a porous product, cover it with a condom each time.

Be wary of strong chemical smells, which can signal low-quality materials. Look for clear material information from the maker, and choose body-safe products from reputable sellers.

Cleaning, step by step

1. Clean after every use and before the product touches anyone else.
2. Wash with mild soap and warm water, or a cleaner made for intimate products. Skip harsh or perfumed cleaners.
3. Check the instructions. Many rechargeable products are waterproof, but only some can be fully submerged. Never put non-waterproof electronics under water.
4. Rinse well. Leftover soap can irritate sensitive skin.
5. Dry fully with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

Solid silicone, glass and steel with no electronics can often be boiled or run through a dishwasher. Always check the maker's guidance first.

Use the right lubricant

Water-based lubricant is safe with almost everything. Silicone lubricant can damage silicone products, so use water-based with silicone toys, or test a small hidden patch first.

Storing your products

• Keep each product in its own soft pouch or box, away from others.
• Do not let different materials touch, as some rubbery plastics can react with silicone.
• Keep them somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight.
• Remove batteries if you will not use a product for a while.

Sharing and safer sex

Sexually transmitted infections can pass on shared products. The simplest approach is not to share, or to use a fresh condom on the product for each person, and to wash before anything switches between partners or body areas.

When to say goodbye

If a product becomes sticky, cracked, discoloured or smells strange, it is time to replace it. Replace it too if it irritates your skin.

Caring for your pleasure is part of caring for yourself.

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This article is for adults and offers general information, not medical advice. If you have any concerns about your sexual health, talk to your doctor.