{"id":46386,"date":"2025-08-20T19:07:55","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T17:07:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=46386"},"modified":"2026-03-15T22:37:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T21:37:19","slug":"how-to-clean-and-maintain-shared-sex-toys-tc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-and-maintain-shared-sex-toys-tc\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Clean and Maintain Shared Sex Toys Between Partners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sharing sex toys<\/a> can be fun, hot, and help you connect in the bedroom, but it comes with responsibilities as well. Whether you\u2019re not yet exclusive with your current partner, you\u2018re polyamorous, or you\u2019re just using a sex toy with someone new for the first time, learning how to clean sex toys between uses with different partners is key to safer sex. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sex toy hygiene<\/a> is a cornerstone of safe play. It prevents cross-contamination risks, STI transmission, and infections. However, with the right knowledge and sanitizing methods, you can take precautions to keep shared toys clean and ready to use at any time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the Risks of Sharing Sex Toys<\/h2>\n

When toys are passed between partners (or even used on different body parts during playtime) they can carry STIs and infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast via bodily fluids. Porous materials can also hold onto bacteria<\/strong> and are more difficult to clean than non-porous materials. <\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you\u2019re only playing with one partner or on your own, using the same toy for anal and vaginal play<\/a> without proper cleaning can transmit potentially harmful bacteria<\/strong>, especially if you\u2019re going from anal play to vaginal play.<\/span><\/p>\n

Safe Materials for Shared Sex Toys<\/h2>\n

Always opt for body-safe, non-porous materials<\/strong> from high-quality brands. The best materials that are easy to clean<\/a> include medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic, as they\u2019re all non-porous and won\u2019t trap bacteria, making them a breeze to sanitize. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sex toy hygiene becomes more complicated when you introduce porous materials. When you\u2019re <\/span>sharing sex toys<\/span><\/a>, avoid toys made from jelly rubber, TPE, latex, and fabric, as they are difficult to fully disinfect and can harbor bacteria. If your heart is set on sharing a toy made from these materials, always use a condom with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Cleaning Methods for Shared Sex Toys<\/h2>\n