Ah, the pleasures of running a nice bath after a long day. You put on some relaxing music, light a few aromatherapy candles, and get things nice and foamy with your favorite bath bomb. It’s time for some self-pleasure, so you take your favorite waterproof toy with you in the bathtub. After you’ve indulged in a (or several) toe-curling orgasm(s), it’s time for cleanup.
So what’s the protocol for cleaning waterproof sex toys? Obviously, waterproof toys are designed for underwater use. But just because you feel nice and clean after the bath, it doesn’t mean the toys are necessarily clean enough. Sex toys are exposed to your most intimate parts, and you don’t want soap scum, bacteria, and water residue lingering on any devices that rub against your delicate internal membranes. Sanitizing sex toys properly is essential to prevent infection and extend the lifespan of your toy. Here’s all you need to know about sex toy hygiene and how to take care of your waterproof sex toys.
Why Bath Use Requires Extra Cleaning
Exposure to Bath Products
Taking a bath is a cleaning process for you and your skin, but it’s not a substitute for properly sanitizing your sex toy. Most of the time when we take a relaxing bath – especially if you’re setting the mood for a good self-love session – we put plenty of bath products in. Soap, bath oils, and salts all leave a layer of residue on the non-permeable plastic of your sex toy which, over time, can degrade the waterproof seal. Merely wiping off the toy with a towel will not remove this residue.
Risk of Bacteria Growth
Bacteria thrives in warm, damp places. Leaving your uncleaned sex toys on a towel (or even worse, in the bathtub or shower) without proper cleaning is a recipe for microbial growth.
Waterproof Seals Need Care
Most fully waterproof sex toys are made of medical-grade silicone with a special seal to keep water out of the battery. However, antimicrobial seals don’t hold up without proper cleaning. If residue is left on the toy for long enough, Mold can still grow on the outside of the seal over time, eventually degrading the waterproof seal and damaging the silicone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Waterproof Sex Toys After Bath
Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Use
Immediately after you are finished using the toy and get out of the bathtub, run warm water over the toy to get rid of any bath product residue. Scrub the toy with your hands or a soft cloth to remove any visible buildup.
Step 2: Wash with Mild Soap or Toy Cleaner
Spritz on some specialized toy cleaner or apply fragrance-free, body safe soap. Scrub all surfaces gently, paying extra attention to textured areas or visible seams.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly to Remove All Residue
Rinse the toy under running water until you’re sure it is free of any soap or cleaning product. Though it’s usually fine to get a little water on waterproof toys, try your best to avoid directly splashing water into any open charging ports.
Step 4: Dry Properly to Prevent Mold or Bacteria Growth
Pat the toy dry with a lint-free towel; wet lint and fluff left on the toy can breed mold and bacteria. Let the toy air dry completely before storing it in a clean place specifically relegated to sex toys.
Special Care for Waterproof Vibrators & Electronic Toys
Avoid water in charging ports
Even though your toy is technically waterproof, charging ports are vulnerable areas where water can still enter and mess with the connectors. High-quality waterproof sex toys are designed to stay in the bathtub with you as long as the plastic cover on the charging port is closed, but not for jets of water to go directly in the open charging port.
Check Manufacturer Instructions
Like human sexuality, waterproof-ness is a spectrum ranging from totally waterproof (almost no electronic devices are totally waterproof) to merely splashproof. “Water resistant” does not mean the same thing as submersible or waterproof. Always check manufacturer instructions to see if your device can be safely submerged in water for as long as it takes for you to enjoy a self-love session in the bathtub, or if it’s only meant to get a little wet.
Use Alcohol Wipes for Extra Sanitization
To make sure your toys are really clean, wipe them down with some alcohol wipes after scrubbing and drying. Alcohol wipes dry quickly and get rid of any residual bacteria or soap that may remain on the toy, even after cleaning.
Proper Storage Tips for Waterproof Toys
Store In A Dry, Ventilated Area
We’ve gone into detail already about the dangers of moisture and bacteria growth. The best way to prevent nasty mold or bacteria growing on your favorite sex toys is to store them in a dry, ventilated area without condensation. This means your bathroom or shower area may not be the best place to store your sex toys.
Use a Storage Pouch or Case
Minimize the amount of contact your sex toys have with potentially germ-ridden surfaces by keeping them in a specific case or pouch (which often comes with your sex toy). This prevents dust (ick!) buildup and keeps your toys hygienic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not rinsing properly: As we’ve noted above, one of the biggest mistakes when it comes to cleaning waterproof sex toys is assuming that your bath soaps will clean your sex toys as well as your body. Make sure to properly rinse all bath oils and soap off the toy, as these products can irritate your skin if left on the toys.
- Skipping drying: Storing damp toys – especially in an unventilated place where they can’t dry properly – can lead to mold and bacteria growth that degrades the waterproof seal.
- Using harsh cleaners: On the other side of the coin, using harsh cleaners to get rid of bacteria can also degrade the waterproof seal and silicon your toy is made of. Avoid alcohol bleach, or strong detergents and stick to approved sex toy cleaners or mild, body-safe soaps.
Conclusion
Sanitizing waterproof sex toys properly not only extends the lifespan of your sex toys, but is integral to maintaining sex toy hygiene. Establish your own post-bath cleaning routine so cleaning your waterproof sex toys becomes second-nature. It only takes a few minutes to scrub, rinse, dry, and store your sex toys in their proper place! Follow our recommended cleaning steps so your waterproof sex toys last for many, many fun and splashy sessions.
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