Photographed By Dan McCoy.Here at R29 Wellness, we talk a lot about sex toys and their use. So, today, we're taking a moment to shed some light on a vital final step: cleaning them afterward. It's imperative to disinfect your toys before using them again. If you don't, you risk a bacterial or yeast infection; even STDs can pass between partners via a dirty toy.
Thankfully, Women's Health has put together a list of five toy-cleaning tips from "cleaning expert" Jolie Kerr, author of My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag...and Other Things You Can't Ask Martha. The first step, says Kerr, is to determine what your toy is made of. You can usually find this information on the package, but if not, do a little online research or ask a salesperson if you're in-store.
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If your toy is silicone, stainless steel, glass, or wood, and has a motor, all you need to do is wipe it down with soap and a damp cloth. If it's silicone, stainless steel, Pyrex, or stone (yes, these toys exist) and does not have a motor, feel free to stick the toy in boiling water for eight to 10 minutes. You can even wash it in the dishwasher (don't use soap) for a seriously deep clean. Click through for the full list of pointers on keeping your playtime as safe as it is sexy. (Women's Health)