After buying a few sex toys, it is crucial that they are maintained so no infections will result from use. Soe toys can even break down if they are used with the wrong types of lubricant, so it is important to know what kind of toys you have and how they will need to be taken care of.
In most cases, you can use soapy water to clean your sex toy. A normal, bar soap used for cleaning your face and body will be gentle enough to use on your sex toy. However, you should keep the bar of soap dry when it is not in use. A wet bar of soap can have bacteria on it.
Also be sure to rinse the sex toy thoroughly after washing with soap. Soap can irritate genital areas and cause yeast infections or urinary tract infections in women. Be sure that there is no soap residue left on the toy and that all bacteria has been washed away by doing a final rinse with hot tap water.
Some sex toys can be sterilized after use in boiling water. This should be done with glass sex toys. Plastics and rubber materials might melt or become warped if set in boiling water. Toys with electronic parts that use batteries should never be immersed in water, just gently rinsed on the surface.
Toy cleaners can remove bacteria more effectively than plain soap because it is able to remove bacteria and buildup completely. These can be used every few days, weeks, or after every use. They should say on the bottle that they do not cause irritation. Some have to be rinsed off, while others do not.
The type of lube you use with your sex toy can be harmful to the toy or your body. Many lubes are expensive and you will not get much in a bottle. Water-based lubes are the safest and do not tend to cause yeast infections or urinary tract infections.
Silicone lubes cannot be used with silicone toys as they can break down the material, which can cause buildup of bacteria. They can be used on glass toys and anything that is not made out of silicone. They do not contain water and will not absorb into the skin, and tend to be smoother than water lubes. They do not evaporate as quickly and less can be used during sex play.
You might try to experiment with different oils and materials in your house because of availability. Never use soap, shampoo, or conditioner for lube. Olive oil or coconut oil seems to work well. Petroleum jelly or Vaseline is also a good alternative to an oil-based lube. If any irritation results, however, switch to a different lubrication. Gently wash any remaining lube off your body with mild soap and water after usage.
A sex toy needs to be washed of any bodily fluids and lube, or a crusty buildup can result. If the sex toy is not kept in a clean storage area, it will also need to be washed immediately before it is used.