Diana asked: How do I disinfect a vibrator? I usually clean it with antibacterial hand soap, but a friend told me that isn’t enough. How can I clean it without harming it? I think it’s made from plastic.
Table of Contents:
Keeping a vibrator clean is an essential part of your sexual entertainment. While not all vibrators can be disinfected, all of them require routine cleanings to keep harmful bacteria away. This bacteria can lead to infections and put a real damper on the party. Here’s how to keep your vibrator clean and disinfected to help maintain your sexual health.
You Will Need:
- Water
- Cleaners
- Mild hand soap (for jelly rubber, CyberSkin, Ultraskin and Softskin toys)
- Soap (for silicone and hard, non-porous toys)
- Disinfectants:
- Bleach (for silicone and hard, non-porous toys)
- Jelly Rubber, CyberSkin, Ultraskin and Softskin toys cannot be disinfected
- Rubber gloves (optional)
Steps to Clean and Disinfect:
- It is important to clean a vibrator before and after each use. Check the label for proper cleaning instructions, if they differ from the ones described below, follow the ones that came with the vibrator. Remember, not all toys can be disinfected without damaging them so read the labels carefully.
- Begin by cleaning the surface of the vibrator with the recommended cleaner. Use a soft cloth with the soap and water to gently wipe away any organic debris.
- After the toy has been cleaned, it is important to disinfect, if the toy is able to be disinfected.
- Mix a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water.
- Soak as much of the toy as possible in the solution for 10 minutes. Do not soak any toys with batteries or metal on them as they will become permanently damaged. However, you can soak just the end without the batteries in the solution. Take caution not to allow any water or solution into the battery area.
- Remove from the solution and rinse with clean water.
- Dry completely before storing or use.
- Discard the remaining bleach solution.
- Another method for disinfecting either silicone or hard, non-porous toys is to place them in the top rack of the dishwasher and run it through a normal cycle.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- Never share sex toys with others. STIs can be transmitted by sex toys such as vibrators and dildos.
- Silicone toys can also be boiled for 10 minutes to disinfect.
- Once the toy is dry, store it in a dry location that is free from moisture.
- There are adult toy cleaners available from most locations where vibrators are sold. These are effective cleaners and are designed to be safe for all recommended vibrators.
