Rose sex toys have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many users reporting improved sexual experiences and heightened pleasure. However, to fully enjoy the benefits of your rose toy, you need to keep it clean and hygienic. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about cleaning and storing your rose toy.
Do I Need to Clean My Rose Toy If I'm the Only One Using it?
Yes, you do. Even if you are the only one using your rose toy, it is still important to clean it regularly to prevent the spread of infections. While the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is lower when using the toy solo, it is not zero. Additionally, bodily fluids can accumulate on the toy, leading to unpleasant odors and potentially damaging the toy over time.
Using unclean sex toys can potentially introduce unwanted bacteria or other pathogens—like fungi—into the vulvar-vaginal environment that can lead to the overgrowth of bacteria known as bacterial vaginosis or cause a urinary tract infection
The Most Sanitary Material for Rose Toys
When shopping for a rose toy, it is important to consider the materials used to make it. Some cheaply priced toys may be made with inferior materials that could make it harder to clean, and lead to infections. The most sanitary material for rose toys is silicone, which is nonporous and does not trap fluids and bacteria. Avoid toys made with porous materials like jelly-rubber or latex as they can harbor millions of bacteria and germs, making them difficult to clean and sanitize.
How to Clean Your Silicone Rose Toy
Step 1: Clean with Fragrance-Free Soap or Toy Cleaners
After using your rose toy, it is important to clean it thoroughly to remove all bodily fluids and bacteria. While boiling water is not recommended for motorized toys, you can use fragrance-free soap or toy cleaners to clean the toy. Spritz the toy with a fragrance-free soap and let it sit in a sink of water for a few minutes. Then, rinse the toy clean and wash off the soap with lukewarm water. Avoid using scented soaps as they may interfere with your vagina's natural pH balance, increasing the risk of yeast infections.
Step 2: Dry with a Soft Towel or Cleaning Cloth
After rinsing and cleaning the toy, dry it off with a soft towel or cleaning cloth. Ensure that the towel is soft and plush, and gently wipe the toy dry. Avoid using harsh strokes that may scratch or damage the toy's surface.
Step 3: Store Safely
When it comes to storing your rose toy, it is important to give it some breathing room. Instead of hiding it away, consider flaunting it in the open as a decoration. If you prefer to keep it out of sight, store it in a satin or silk sack. These materials are smooth and highly breathable, allowing for air circulation while keeping your toy safe.
In conclusion, proper cleaning and storage of your rose sex toy is crucial for maintaining optimal hygiene and prolonging its lifespan. Always use the appropriate cleaning materials and store the toy in a safe and breathable environment. With these simple steps, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of your rose toy for years to come.
What About Cleaning Other Sex Toys?
When choosing your cleaning method, it is always a good idea to refer to your toy's manual, if possible, to learn the best way to clean it. We consulted experts Searah Deysach, owner of Chicago-based sex toy store Early to Bed, and Sophia Chase, proprietor of Chicago Dungeon Rentals, for advice on best practices for cleaning sex toys.
According to Chase, there are three levels of cleaning: cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing. Cleaning removes material from the surface, disinfecting destroys bacteria and certain pathogens to make something hygienic, while sterilizing kills all bacteria, viruses, and fungi. For non-porous toys that are used on the genitals and made of materials such as 100% silicone, metal, borosilicate glass, or hard plastic like ABS or TPC, cleaning and disinfecting are usually enough.
Your vibrator, ball gag, or butt plug should be clean at a minimum, with no lube or body fluids left on it. If you are the only person using it, or it's just you and a fluid-bonded partner, washing the toy with soap and water is usually enough. Sterilizing is overkill unless you are doing invasive medical play. However, porous toys, including jelly rubber, "silicone blend," PVC, leather, and certain types of stones, are difficult to thoroughly clean and can harbor bacteria, so experts do not recommend using them.
Note that not all toys marketed as silicone are 100% silicone, particularly those that have a "soft skin"-type texture. You can try a flame test to confirm that your toy is 100% silicone. Hold a lighter to the toy for a quick spot check, and the toy's surface should not melt. We recommend doing this flame test only with non-mechanized toys like dildos.
In summary, cleaning and disinfecting your sex toys is crucial for maintaining their hygiene and prolonging their lifespan. Different cleaning methods take varying amounts of time, so it's important to choose the right method for your toy's material. Non-porous toys made of materials such as silicone, metal, borosilicate glass, or hard plastic can be cleaned and disinfected, while porous toys are difficult to clean and should be avoided.
