Sexual toys are fun! We all have our favorites. Sometimes they are only for us, while other times we want to share. However, did you know that you are still at risk of an STI if you share your toys? Just because your body parts aren’t touching someone else’s doesn’t mean you don’t need to take precautions. You can still get an STI if you don’t take proper care when sharing sex toys.
STIs can be transmitted via shared sex toys through the transfer of bodily fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, blood, pre-cum) or through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. If a person with an STI uses a sex toy and it's not cleaned properly before another person uses it, the STI can potentially spread.
Any STI that can be transmitted through sexual contact can theoretically be spread through shared sex toys. This includes:
The material of the sex toy plays a significant role in the risk of STI transmission:
Thorough cleaning of sex toys before and after each use, and especially between different users, is crucial to minimize the risk of STI transmission.
According to one source, the risk levels for various STIs are as follows:
While precise transmission rates are not readily available, it is clear that sharing sex toys without proper precautions increases the risk of STIs. Taking steps to clean toys properly and using barrier methods can significantly reduce this risk.
Not sure how to properly clean a sex toy? Cleaning your sex toys properly is essential for hygiene, preventing infections, and prolonging the life of your toys. The best method depends on the material of the toy. Here's a general guide and specific instructions for different materials:
Read the Manufacturer's Instructions: Always prioritize the cleaning guidelines provided by the toy's manufacturer. These instructions will be specific to the material and any electronic components.
Remove Batteries (if applicable): If your toy is battery-operated, remove the batteries before cleaning to avoid damage. Never submerge battery compartments unless the toy is explicitly labeled as fully waterproof.
Wash with Mild Soap and Water: For most non-porous toys (silicone, glass, stainless steel, hard plastic), warm water and a mild, unscented soap are sufficient. Gently lather the toy, ensuring you clean all surfaces and crevices. Avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, or antibacterial soaps that could irritate your skin or damage the toy.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the toy under warm running water until all soap residue is completely gone. Soap residue can cause irritation.
Dry Completely: This is a crucial step to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
Air dry: The best way is to let the toy air dry completely on a clean surface.
Pat dry: If you need to dry it faster, use a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Ensure it's completely dry before storing. Avoid using towels that have been used on other body parts, as they may harbor bacteria.
- Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap.
- Can be boiled for 5-10 minutes (for non-vibrating toys).
- Top-rack dishwasher safe (for non-vibrating toys; avoid harsh detergents).
- Specialized silicone-safe toy cleaners are also available.
- Wash with soap and water.
- Pyrex glass is often dishwasher safe (top rack).
- Can be boiled (place a soft towel in the pot to prevent cracking).
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Wash with warm soapy water.
- Can be boiled or soaked in a 10% bleach-water solution for 10 minutes (for non-electronic parts).
- Dishwasher safe (for non-electronic parts).
- Wash with antibacterial soap and water.
- Do not boil.
- Wash gently with warm water and mild, unscented soap.
- Specialized toy cleaners designed for porous materials are recommended.
- Some manufacturers recommend using condoms with these types of toys to prevent direct contact and make cleaning easier.
Wash gently with warm water only (no harsh soaps). Air dry and then dust lightly with cornstarch to prevent stickiness (avoid talcum powder).
- Rubber, Latex, Jelly: Clean thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap. Disinfection may not be fully possible due to the porous nature. Consider using condoms with these.
- Wipe with a damp, soapy cloth or a specialized leather cleaner.
- Do not soak.
- Condition with a leather conditioner after cleaning.
- Can often be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Hang to air dry.
- Never submerge them in water unless they are explicitly labeled as waterproof (check the IP rating).
- Remove batteries.
- Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild, unscented soap or a specialized toy cleaner. Pay attention to seams and crevices.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or allow to air dry.
Use specialized sex toy cleaners: These are pH-balanced and designed to be safe for both your body and your toys.
Consider UV sterilizers: Some devices use UV light to kill bacteria, but they don't remove physical debris, so washing is still necessary.
Store toys properly: Once dry, store your toys separately in a clean, dry place, preferably in individual bags or containers, to prevent dust and contact with other materials that might degrade them. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Always clean before and after each use, and especially before sharing with a partner or using on a different body part.
If a toy develops cracks or damage, it's best to discard it as it can harbor bacteria and may not be safe to use.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your sex toys remain clean, hygienic, and enjoyable for longer. Remember, sharing is caring, but safety comes first!
Sexual health and performance specialist focusing on the intersection of physiological vitality and lived experience. Tracy Daly provides a knowledgeable, shame-free space for the LGBTQIA+ community and those in CNM/ENM relationship structures, advocating for sexual agency through behavior change and radical inclusivity.
