Cleaning adult toys is a crucial step to ensure hygiene, safety, and extend the product's lifespan. The appropriate cleaning method should be selected based on the toy's material type (which determines its durability) and usage scenario (whether it comes into contact with bodily fluids). The core principles are "thorough cleaning + avoiding material damage". Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide:
I. Core Preparation Before Cleaning: Identify the Toy's Material First
Different materials vary greatly in corrosion resistance and high-temperature tolerance. Incorrect cleaning can cause material aging, release harmful substances, and even trigger allergies. First, determine the material through the product manual or by touch. The common classifications and their characteristics are as follows:
| Material Type | Common Products (Examples) | Durability (Key Features) | Cleaning Taboos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical-Grade Silicone | Vibrators, some strokers, wearable toys | Resistant to warm water and neutral detergents; good elasticity and easy to clean | Avoid strong acids/alkalis (e.g., alcohol, 84 disinfectant) |
| TPE/TPR | Soft strokers, male masturbators, realistic toys | Resistant to warm water but prone to oil absorption; soft texture | Avoid high temperatures (>60°C), alcohol, and oil-based detergents |
| ABS Plastic | Toy casings, control rods, non-contact parts | Temperature and friction resistant; high hardness | Avoid scratching with sharp tools |
| Glass/Metal | High-end massagers, insertable toys | High-temperature and disinfection resistant; can be boiled or disinfected with UV light | Avoid violent impact (to prevent cracking) |
| Latex | Some adult products (less common) | Prone to aging, acid-sensitive, and poor elasticity | Avoid alcohol, high temperatures, and direct sunlight |
II. General Cleaning Steps (Applicable to Most Toys)
Regardless of the material, toys must be cleaned within 1 hour after each use (to prevent bacterial and mold growth from residual bodily fluids). The steps are as follows:
1. Pre-Treatment: Disassemble + Remove Residues
- If the toy is detachable (e.g., the battery compartment of a vibrator, the inner liner of a stroker), disassemble the parts first (remove the battery/charging cable to avoid short circuits from water ingress).
- Rinse the surface with running warm water (30-40°C, a temperature that feels not hot to the touch) to initially wash away visible residues of bodily fluids and lubricants. Avoid using hot water, as it may deform TPE/TPR materials or age silicone.
2. Choose the Right Cleaner: Avoid "Household Cleaners"
Never use household cleaners such as soap, body wash, shampoo, or dish soap — these products contain fragrances and surfactants that can remain in the material's crevices and irritate mucous membranes during subsequent use. They may also corrode TPE/latex materials.
Instead, choose the following specialized cleaning products:
- Priority option: Specialized disinfectants/cleaners for adult toys (available on e-commerce platforms). These are mild in composition, contain antibacterial ingredients, and are compatible with various materials.
- Alternative (for emergencies): Unscented, alcohol-free baby-specific body wash (only suitable for silicone and ABS plastic; ensure thorough rinsing).
3. Cleaning Operation: Gentle + No Dead Ends
- After applying the cleaner, gently rub the toy's surface with your finger pads (avoid using sponges/brushes to prevent scratching the material). Focus on cleaning crevices and grooves (e.g., around the buttons of a vibrator, the textured areas of a stroker).
- For hollow toys (e.g., male masturbators), turn the inner liner inside out (ensure the material is reversible to avoid tearing), clean the inner wall, and rinse repeatedly until no cleaner residue remains (residues can cause itching and allergies).
4. Drying: Avoid Mold Growth from Moisture
- Gently blot the surface moisture with a clean, lint-free towel (e.g., an eyeglass cloth or specialized cleaning cloth). Avoid vigorous wiping (to prevent material wear and pilling).
- Place the toy in a cool, well-ventilated area to air-dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight (to prevent silicone/TPE from aging and yellowing) and do not use the hot air setting of a hair dryer (high temperatures can deform the material).
- For toys with electronic components (e.g., vibrators), ensure they are completely dry before reinstalling the battery or charging to prevent short circuits and damage.
III. Enhanced Cleaning for Special Materials/Scenarios
1. Glass/Metal Toys (Deep Disinfection Possible)
These materials are resistant to high temperatures and chemical corrosion. After basic cleaning, an additional disinfection step can be added:
- Boiling disinfection: Place the toy in cold water (ensure it is fully submerged), bring the water to a boil, and simmer for 5-10 minutes (avoid overboiling to prevent loose joints). Remove and dry.
- UV disinfection: Place the toy in a specialized UV disinfection box (available on e-commerce platforms) and disinfect for 10-15 minutes according to the instructions (suitable for scenarios where boiling is inconvenient).
2. Shared Toys (Strict Disinfection Required; Sharing Not Recommended)
If sharing is unavoidable (e.g., between partners), in addition to basic cleaning:
- Wipe the surface with medical-grade 75% alcohol wipes (only suitable for ABS plastic, glass, and metal; alcohol is forbidden for silicone/TPE as it corrodes the material).
- Alternatively, soak the toy in a specialized disinfectant for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.
3. Cleaning Before Long-Term Storage
If the toy will not be used for a long time (more than 1 month), after thorough cleaning and drying:
- For silicone/TPE toys: Apply a thin layer of specialized maintenance powder (cornstarch-based, not talcum powder) to prevent material adhesion.
- For all toys: Store them individually in sealed bags/specialized storage boxes (to avoid contamination from contact with other items) in a cool, dry place (away from humid/high-temperature areas such as bathrooms and balconies).
IV. Reminders for Common Mistakes
- Cleaning with alcohol/84 disinfectant: Only suitable for ABS plastic, glass, and metal. Silicone/TPE will harden, crack, and release harmful substances when in contact with them.
- Rinsing with hot water: Water above 60°C can deform TPE/TPR and age silicone. Warm water (30-40°C) is always recommended.
- Air-drying in direct sunlight: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight accelerate material aging, causing yellowing and reduced elasticity.
- Storing immediately after cleaning without drying: A humid environment can breed mold (especially on the inner walls of hollow toys). If mold is not detected before the next use, it may cause gynecological/andrological inflammation.
- Wiping with a regular towel: Towel fibers easily remain on the toy's surface, which can rub against mucous membranes and cause discomfort during subsequent use.
