THIS ENTRY WAS POSTED ON February 18, 2011 BY THEPLEASURECHEST.
There are a lot of sex toys out there, so here is a quick crash course on sex toy materials, care and cleaning.
Non-porous materials – May be shared safely after proper cleaning
Aluminum is a lighter-weight metal that warms quickly to body temperature but can also be cooled or warmed with water for temperature play. It can be used with all types of lubricant. Clean with soap and water.
Ceramic toys are double-fired and covered with body-safe glaze to be non-porous, hygienic, and durable. They may be warmed or cooled with water for temperature play and can be used with any type of lube. Clean with soap and water or isopropyl alcohol and air dry.
Glass can be used with all types of lube and washed with soap and water. Never use hollow glass, do not expose glass to extreme heat or cold, and discontinue use it if it becomes cracked or chipped.
Medical-grade plastic and Elastomer are non-porous and easy to clean. They are compatible with all types of lube and can be cleaned with soap and water.
Pyrex is glass that is more resistant to impact and extreme temperature. It can be sterilized by washing with soap and water, boiling, or in the dishwasher.
Silicone is hypoallergenic, hygienic, and durable. To clean, wash with soap and water. Toys without electrical components can be cleaned by boiling for three minutes or on the top rack of your dishwasher with no detergent. Silicone toys should not be used with silicone lube.
Stainless steel toys are prized for their hardness, heft, and hygiene. Try cooling them down or warming them up with water for temperature play. They can be used with all types of lubricant. Clean with soap and water, in the dishwasher, or with a 10% bleach solution.
Wood used in high-quality dildos is coated with various (depending on the brand) food-safe and in some cases medical-grade finishes that make them non-porous and easy to clean. Read labels on how to use and care for individual products, but in general they can be used with all types of lube and should be washed with soap and water or alcohol. Do not boil and retire or discard if deep scratches occur.
Porous materials – Are not safe to share without a condom, as they may transmit STIs and harbor bacteria and yeast.
Acrylic can be used with all types of lube and can be cleaned with soap and warm water.
Cyberskin (also sold as Ultraskin, Softskin, and UR3) is very delicate and must be used with water-based lube only. Most require a gentle and thorough wash with soap and water and air-dry, but see individual manufacturer for specific instructions. To maintain the feel of Cyberskin and keep it from getting sticky, powder it lightly with cornstarch (never use talcum powder on or near the genitals) and use a plastic bag for storage. Condom use is highly recommended.
Elastomer and TPR (Thermo Plastic Rubber) are durable, hypo-allergenic soft plastics free from phthalates*. Use water-based lube and wash them with soap and water or toy cleaner.
Hard plastic (yes, it’s porous!) can be used with any type of lube and cleaned with soap and water or toy cleaner.
Jelly-Rubber is a soft rubber that contains latex and phthalates*. To clean, wash with soap and warm water or toy cleaner. Condom use is highly recommended.
Leather can be cleaned with soap and water, with leather cleaner, or a rubbing alcohol solution. Once leather is cleaned, it should be allowed to air dry for at least 24 hours. You may want to use leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple. Never soak leather.
Neoprene can be washed with mild soap and water or toy cleaner and allowed to air dry fully.
Nitrile is a latex-free synthetic rubber compound that is now used in many cock rings and gloves as an alternative for those with latex and other sensitivities. Dispose of all gloves after use for sanitary reasons. Clean nitrile rings with mild soap and water or toy cleaner.
Nylon can be washed in the washing machine on the delicate cycle or by hand. Using a lingerie bag in the wash and air-drying can protect straps and help them keep their shape.
Silagel, Silicone blends, and Vinyl toys can be cleaned with soap and water or toy cleaner. Although they contain lower levels of potentially problematic chemicals than jelly-rubber, they are porous and condom use is still recommended.
*Phthalates (pronounced “thal-ates”) are plastic softenersthat are known to have carcinogenic properties. We do not recommend inserting them into the vagina or anus, the most absorbent areas of the body, without a condom.
Go forth and keep it clean!