How to Properly Clean Anal Toys?

Anal toys, by definition, spend a lot of time in one of the body's less clean areas. There will be no shaming here; we just want you to have fun in whatever way feels good for you, as long as you do it safely. That is why we will demonstrate exactly how to clean your anal toys. Cleaning your butt plug, dildo, anal beads, or prostate massager properly is the best way to keep your butt healthy and your toys lasting. Simply follow the methods listed below to find a solution that works for you.

How you clean your anal toys will be determined first and foremost by whether or not they are waterproof. This is especially true if it has electronic components, such as a vibrating butt plug or prostate massager. If you are unsure whether your anal toy is waterproof, the best place to look is in the instruction or safety manual that came with it. If you no longer have them or can't find the answer, look it up on an online sex toy store, which should state whether or not it's waterproof.

But it doesn't stop there! Not all waterproof toys are the same — there are various levels of sex toy waterproofing:

Submersible — Your anal toy is completely waterproof and can be submerged underwater with no problems. This may also be written as '100% waterproof,' 'IPX7 waterproof,' or 'IPX8 waterproof'.

Splashproof — Your anal toy can withstand a quick rinse under the tap but should not be submerged or taken into the bath or shower. It could also say 'water resistant' or 'IPX5 (or lower) waterproof'.

What material is your anal toy made of?

Another factor to consider when determining how to clean your anal toys is the materials they are made of.

We classify sex toy materials into two types: porous and non-porous.

Porous Materials

Porous materials are commonly used in the manufacture of sex toys, particularly anal toys. Unfortunately, they are not the most secure materials to use. The term 'porous' refers to the presence of microscopic holes on the surface of these materials, which can trap harmful substances such as dirt, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others. It may go without saying, but those things should not be anywhere near your body, let alone inside it. That's why many people use a condom to cover their porous anal toys before inserting them.

The holes in porous materials also make it difficult to clean your toys properly. Germs will remain inside the pores, and you will be unable to heat them to the high temperatures required for sterilisation without destroying the material.

Porous materials that you may come across include:

• PVC
• TPE/TPR
• Vinyl
• Jelly
• Rubber
• Latex
• Silicone 'blends' (i.e. non-silicone materials)
  
  

Non-Porous Materials

Non-porous materials, on the other hand, are safe for the body and easy to clean. They lack the pores and instead have a smooth, sealed surface. That is why, at Be Daring, we make every effort to recommend anal toys made of safe, non-porous materials.

The following are the most common non-porous materials used in sex toys:

• ABS
• Plastic
• Glass
• Steel
• Silicone

The Best Methods for Cleaning Anal Toys

Soap and Water

Good for: porous and non-porous materials, waterproof and splashproof toys.

The truth is that most anal toys are extremely simple to clean! You only need soap and water. Lather up your anal toy with some water and mild, unscented soap (not the moisturising, lavender-scented stuff). Lather up your anal toy with some water and a mild, unscented soap (not the moisturising, lavender-scented stuff). You can use your hands or a soft cloth to get into all the crevices and grooves. After that, rinse it off and pat it dry with a clean towel. This method can be used with electronic toys such as anal vibrators and anal thrusters as long as they are waterproof or splashproof. Scrubbers and dish brushes, for example, can damage the surface of your anal toy. You'll be creating scratches for germs to get stuck inside, which can harm you and make cleaning more difficult the next time!

Sex Toy Cleaner

Good for: porous and non-porous materials, as well as all waterproof and non-waterproof toys. A specially formulated sex toy cleaner, such as this one from JO, is the most convenient alternative to good old soap and water. The majority of them are available as sprays, foams, gels, or wipes. To use them, simply follow the instructions on the packaging. Usually, this will involve applying them to your anal toy, leaving them for a specified time and then rinsing or wiping it off. If you can, it’s better to rinse rather than wipe, as this ensures that you’re removing the nasty stuff from the surface instead of just moving it around.

Boil Them

Good for: some non-porous materials, waterproof toys without electrical parts.

You may have heard about boiling your anal toys in addition to cleaning them in one of the methods listed above. Boiling sex toys is more about disinfecting and sterilising them than it is about cleaning them. There are several reasons why you should sterilise your anal toys rather than simply cleaning them. If... is one of them.

• The toy is being used by several people.
• You are worried about STIs.
• You haven't used it in quite some time.
• You didn't buy it from a reputable source and want to disinfect it before using it.

Unfortunately, the answer isn't as simple as "boil non-porous toys and don't boil porous ones!" Porous materials cannot be boiled without being damaged, but some non-porous materials, such as hard plastic (ABS), will simply melt at the high temperatures required for sterilisation. And, of course, do not boil any toys with electrical components!

The procedure for boiling anal toys is fairly simple. Bring a large (clean) pot of water to a boil without any soap or other additives, then immerse your anal toys in it for 1-3 minutes. If you're boiling steel or glass toys, put a washcloth in the pot first, or put them in a mesh laundry bag to protect both the toys and the pot from bouncing around.

Dishwasher

Good for: some non-porous materials, waterproof toys without electrical parts.

If you want to sterilise your anal toys, another viable option is to use a dishwasher. It achieves the same result (and necessitates the same precautions) as boiling them in a pot, but with less effort. Simply place your compatible anal toys on the top rack of an otherwise empty dishwasher. Don't use detergent or soap because they can leave a residue that you don't want near your genitals later.If your dishwasher has a'sanitize' function, select it and start it. Otherwise, run a cycle that lasts 5-10 minutes (no longer) and reaches at least 150  degrees Fahrenheit.

UV Storage Boxes

Good for: porous and non-porous materials, all waterproof and non-waterproof toys.

UV storage boxes, which kill bacteria and other germs on objects placed inside them, are gaining popularity. They're available for phones, glasses, and now sex toys (like this one from B-Vibe), but do they work? The main disadvantage of UV sanitizers is that they can only 'clean' the parts of toys that the light can reach. Some anal toys have complex shapes and textures, making it difficult for light to penetrate the entire toy. Another problem is that it is unclear how well these boxes work and how much bacteria they actually kill. If you want to use one, always clean your toys first with soap and water (or a sex toy cleaner). They can be used as an additional step in your cleaning process, but they should not be used in place of a manual surface clean.

How to Clean Your Anal Toys

So your butt plugs and anal beads are germ-free and sparkling clean. But how do you keep them like that? Many people keep their sex toys in their nightstand or sock drawer, away from prying eyes and sticky fingers. However, simply storing them loose can undo all of your hard work in cleaning them. Your anal toys should ideally come with a storage pouch, bag, or box in which you can keep them. These keep them clean and free of dust and dirt until the next time you need them. You don't always get that lucky, but they're reasonably priced and often come in a variety of sizes. Ziploc bags, for example, are not breathable and should not be used to store your sex toys. You should also try to store each toy separately to avoid them colliding and damaging the material they're made of. Keeping anal toys made of PVC and other porous materials together can result in them melting and fusing together!

How Often Should You Clean Your Anal Toys

You should clean your anal toys immediately after each use. I know it can be inconvenient when all you want to do is bask in the post-orgasm bliss, but it is critical. Cleaning your anal toys on a regular and thorough basis is the best way to keep them fresh and safe to use, and it will also help them last longer! You can also give them a quick clean before using them if you want. If you've stored them properly, they should be clean, but a quick rinse can get rid of any dirt they may have picked up during their downtime.