Latex, which isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in sex toys the way it is in condoms

How to clean sex toys, according to experts | Mashable

Size: 250ml | Formula: Water-based | Bottle type: Spray nozzle | Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propylene Glycol, Methylisothiazolinone What we like Lube can be just as useful for solo sex as it is for partnered sex—sometimes even more so. We don’t always have the time or patience for the type of foreplay we need to self-lubricate when masturbating, you know? And according to Dr. Streicher, anytime you don’t use lube but aren’t naturally wet enough, you not only run the risk of discomfort and irritation, you could also wind up with some vaginal tearing. Ouch. Giving your sex toys a little TLC will help to keep them looking good and prolong their longevity for future use.

6. You only let expensive, luxury sex toys near your genitals.

Spread of STIs: If you share sex toys with a partner, not cleaning them properly can increase the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs, such as herpes and HPV, can survive on surfaces and be transmitted through contaminated toys. So what exactly are proper precautions here? Just as when you don’t want to deal with a lot of cleanup after solo sex, condoms are useful to have on hand so you can use a new one for each sexual act. Or, you know, you can use this as an excuse to expand your sex-toy collection so no one has to share (whether that’s you and a partner or your vagina and your butt). 9. You’re embarrassed about using a sex toy. You want to clean your sex toys every time you use them because dirty (used) toys can introduce bacteria and possibly cause infections,” she says. “They can also collect lint, dust, and other debris that you want to keep out of your bits.”

Lovehoney Fresh Biodegradable Sex Toy Wipes (25 Count)

The cleverly named Foami cleaner is one of the best foaming options on the market. Made by Sweet Vibes, this sudsy cleaner features natural ingredients known for their antibacterial properties like tea tree oil and aloe extract. The bottle contains three ounces, but you only need two to three pumps per clean, so it'll last you quite some time…unless, perhaps, you run out of body wash and use this skin-safe soap to wash your arms and legs. Even if you have no trouble orgasming without a toy—or want to take the focus off orgasms as we mentioned—toys can still enhance something that’s already pleasurable. “Sex toys can be like delicious toppings [on] an already really good scoop of ice cream,” says Finn. “Yes, ice cream is delicious by itself, but today I want some with chocolate and a cherry on top just to change it up, to add a little bit of texture and flavor.” 5. You don’t use the right (or any) lube. Anal sex is a common sexual practice across genders and sexualities. Showering before anal sex, alongside other cleaning tips, can help all parties feel more comfortable and may help prevent the spread of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anal sex presents the highest risk of contracting and transmitting HIV and AIDS if either partner has HIV, and they do not use a condom. Meet the experts: Alexandra Fine, the co-founder and CEO of Dame, and Celina Criss, a certified sex coach with a Ph.D. in human sexuality, who is the curriculum director of Sex Coach U and the executive director of the World Association of Sex Coaches.Plus, not cleaning your sex toys can cause them to deteriorate, and when you’ve spent a pretty penny on a nice vibe, that’s the last thing you want. “They can get buildup on them, which can cause toys to work less effectively,” says Engle. No thank you. Porous materials can be cleaned with soap and water or a toy cleaner. A gentle liquid soap, like you would use for your hands, is a fine choice for most toys,” Deysach says. After you do know what you like, splurging can be worth it. More expensive brands tend to have better warranties, higher quality materials and parts, and will generally last you a long time. 7. You don’t read the instructions. While a soapy washcloth and water works in many cases, you can also buy specialized sex toy cleaner. This is Mintz's preferred method, and she advises people to look for a water-based cleaner that's both alcohol and paraben-free. She recommends — and uses herself — LELO's Toy Cleaning Spray. For those looking to compare options, Babeland has a toy cleaner as well. Now that we’ve established that, things are about to get pretty specific. Here are Finn’s guidelines for cleaning your sex toys:

Sex Toys So You Can Use Them Safely - SELF How to Clean Your Sex Toys So You Can Use Them Safely - SELF

Keeping your sex toys clean has a number of obvious benefits. It prevents the spread of germs and bacteria, keeping STIs and yeast infections at bay.System Jo makes some of the best lubricants, so it’s no surprise it also offers an effective, fragrance-free sex toy cleaner. The foaming formula is free of parabens and alcohol, requiring just a few pumps and 60 seconds of soaking to get the job done. It’s safe to use on most sex toy materials. Christie is a writer, editor, and content strategist living in New York City. She is currently the senior commerce editor at Prevention.