You’ve invested in a vibrator; go you! You know how to use it, hooray! But what about cleaning and maintaining it? Failing to swot up on how to clean a vibrator could leave you out of pocket as well as frustrated and unfulfilled. But fear not… this passionbugs blog will teach you everything there is to cleaning a vibrator.
Table of Contents
- Choosing the Right Cleaning Materials
- Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning Your Vibrator
- Frequency: How Often Should You Clean Your Vibrator?
- Special Considerations for Silicone Vibrators
- Drying and Storage Tips for Longevity
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in Vibrator Hygiene
- Enhancing Safety with Proper Vibrator Maintenance
- Discover More Tips on Sex Toy Care and Usage
- passionbugs Bestselling Vibrators
Choosing the Right Cleaning Materials
Just like your home, where you may have a designated arsenal of cleaning supplies for the kitchen, another for the bathroom, and a third for the rest of the house, your sex toys deserve their own unique cleaning kit. Trust us, the products used elsewhere around the house are not invited to this more intimate party! So, before you reach for the bleach or that trusty antibacterial spray, hold up! No vibrator needs smell like a pine forest, and a “fresh lemon scent” isn’t really the sexy vibe you’ll be aiming for. Let’s keep the harsh stuff in the kitchen and the gentle TLC in the bedroom, your vibrators and your body will thank you.
When it comes to what to clean a vibrator with, passionbugs recommend having the following cleaning materials to hand:
- Gentle anti-bacterial soap (never washing up liquid)
- Sex toy cleaner
- A lint free cloth or soft sponge
- It can also be handy to have an old toothbrush on standby – we’ll explain why shortly.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning Your Vibrator
Without proper care and maintenance your vibrator isn’t going to be up to giving you the best possible experience. An unclean vibrator is not going to be attractive to use and far from turning you on, it could actually turn you off. Knowing how to clean a vibrator is the best way to keep the good vibes flowing and it really is a cinch.
We appreciate cleaning isn’t exactly the sexiest of tasks but its got to be preferable to a painful urinary tract infection, or yeast infection right?!
It’s worth bearing in mind that vibrators made from non-porous materials such as silicone are naturally going to be easier to clean and dry. Non-porous simply means these materials won’t absorb liquids such as bodily fluids, lubes, toy cleaner or water. Porous materials such as soft plastics, some rubbers and jelly may absorb fluids so they are going to need extra attention. They may also require a longer drying time.
Following these simple steps to clean a vibrator keeps everything nice and simple.
How to Clean a Waterproof Vibrator
- Rinse the vibrator under warm running water to remove any debris such as left over lube or bodily fluids
- Wash the entire vibrator with plenty of mild soap. Alternatively you can spray the vibrator with a sex toy cleaner.
- Leave the soap or the sex toy cleaner in contact with the vibrator to do its work. This should take approximately 30 seconds.
- Now gently scrub any stubborn areas such as ridges or nodules – this is where the old toothbrush comes in handy!
- Rinse the vibrator under warm running water being careful to remove any soap or cleaner residue.
- Finally, place your vibrator somewhere clean to air dry. A clean facecloth, towel or kitchen paper are ideal.
How to Clean a Non-Waterproof Vibrator
- Wipe the entire vibrator over with a clean damp facecloth or kitchen paper.
- Spray liberally with sex toy cleaner and leave for approximately 30 seconds.
- Now gently scrub any stubborn areas such as ridges or nodules.
- Wipe the entire vibrator again with a clean dry facecloth or kitchen paper until it is dry.
And of course, this method can also be used on waterproof toys for those looking for the quickest route.
passionbugs bestselling sex toy cleaner
Looking forward to an affordable sex toy cleaner? Look no further!
Loving Joy Toy Cleaner 100ml
- A toy cleaner that is tough on germs yet gentle on you.
- Suitable for use on all types of sex toys.
- Easy spray bottle for precise application.
To tell if your vibrator is waterproof or not, simply check out it’s packaging. If the packaging has already hit the recycle bin then check out the manufacturers manual online. Or, if you bought your vibrator from passionbugs head to the product page and scroll down to product description. Under “Features”, in addition to any power and battery information, it will also tell you whether or not the product is waterproof.
Frequency: How Often Should You Clean Your Vibrator?
It is highly recommended that you should clean your vibrator after every use. Proper cleaning of vibrators, and indeed any other sex toy, is essential if you want to avoid nasty bacterial infections or the transmission of STIs. By failing to clean a vibrator properly, you are inviting bacteria with open arms (hardly sexy).
And if you want to be extra sure about maintaining the best hygiene levels, then you might want to give your vibe a quick clean before use. After all, depending on where you store your vibrator, dust may have gathered, or even cobwebs!
Special Considerations for Silicone Vibrators
Silicone is a seriously sensual material that feels luxurious. It is also expert at ensuring the best possible sensations are felt so it’s hardly surprising that many of the bestselling vibrators are made of silicone. When it comes to cleaning silicone sex toys, you are immediately at an advantage. Silicone is non-porous meaning it isn’t prone to absorbing the aftermath of our pleasure. It’s unlikely that bacteria will seep into its core but there are some special considerations that it does require.
How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys
In order to clean a silicone vibrator you can follow the step by step guide shown above. BUT you need to be mindful that silicone doesn’t like any oil based products including oil based soaps. Oil is harmful to the delicate make up of silicone. Even in very small quantities it could be detrimental to the wellbeing of your vibrator causing it to deteriorate, tear or break down.
Silicone vibrators should never be popped in the dishwasher for cleaning nor should you stick it in boiling water.
Don’t be tempted to store it alongside other sex toys. Silicone doesn’t like being against other silicone toys or in fact any other materials. If you have one sex toy box or sex toy bag, wrap your silicone toys in their own clean facecloth to avoid them coming into contact with other toys.
Drying and Storage Tips for Longevity
Regardless of the price tag attached to your new vibrating buddy, any vibrator will last longer with plenty of loving care. Drying and storing your vibrator correctly is key to its longevity. Storing damp toys causes them to deteriorate. Any water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. This will no doubt bring with, unpleasant smells before beginning to break down the material of the toy.
Top Tips for Drying and Storing Vibrators
After cleaning, leave the toy to airdry by placing the vibrator on a clean flat surface. (Don’t be tempted to put your vibe on a radiator, this could damage it)
Leaving a toy overnight is ideal but we appreciate that isn’t always possible.
You can speed the process up by rubbing the vibrator all over with a clean facecloth or kitchen paper.
Check the toy is completely dry before storing. Running your fingers along the entire toy is the simplest way to do this.
Once dry, pop the vibrator into a designated sex toy bag or sex toy box. Never use a plastic bag to store sex toys. Your toys need to be able breathe. Using a plastic bag may make your toy sweat, causing condensation and dampness which we know isn’t healthy for sex toys.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Vibrator Hygiene
When it comes to vibrator hygiene, there are a few common mistakes that will certainly compromise your toy’s safety and lifespan.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage materials and cause irritation. A sex toy cleaner costs less than a fiver so chuck one in your basket.
- Don’t be tempted to skip cleaning after each use. Let’s be honest, cleaning isn’t the first thing that springs to mind in the midst of post-coital activity but it’s a must.
- Avoid fully submerging non-waterproof vibrators.
- Never store damp vibrators.
- Avoid storing your vibrator directly in contact with other toys, as different materials can react.
Enhancing Safety with Proper Vibrator Maintenance
Proper vibrator maintenance not only keeps your vibe looking pristine, it also ensures safety. Cleaning will minimise exposure to harmful germs, by preventing bacterial buildup. Bacteria can lead to infections and irritation. Using the correct cleaning materials such as mild soap or a toy cleaner, preserves the integrity of the vibrator’s material. This in turn prevents wear that can create tiny cracks where bacteria can hide. By storing your toy correctly you are also reducing the further reducing contamination risks, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience every time.
Discover More Tips on Sex Toy Care and Usage
In addition to cleaning, storing and generally maintaining a vibrator, we have a couple more tips that even the pros want to hear…
Using condoms will reduce clean up as they create a physical barrier between you, your lube, your bodily fluids and the toy. Simply remove the condom after play and hey presto, clean vibrator! Using a condom will also enable you to share your vibrator with a partner. Just make sure you use a different condom for your partner.
Playing in the shower or the bath will also reduce clean up because you are already in water! Obviously this only works with waterproof vibrators.
Opting to use a water based means you don’t need to worry about compatibility. Water based lubes go with any vibrator material, they are compatible with all types of condoms and they are kind to sensitive skin.
Sex toy storage is a worthy investment. Keeping all your toys in one place makes them easy to access and easy to keep safe.
passionbugs Bestselling Vibrators
Not yet decided on a new vibrator? Why not check out our bestselling vibrators below?
Satisfyer Sexy Secret App Controlled Rechargeable Panty Vibrator
- An exhilarating wearable vibrator that sits discreetly in your panties.
- Held in place magnetically for secure and precise clitoral stimulation.
- Free downloadable app to control the vibrations using a mobile phone or your Smart Watch. Also enables a long distance lover to take control as well as connecting to your playlist!
- Create and share vibration modes with other app users.
- Whisper quiet.
Loving Joy Remote Controlled Love Egg Vibrator
- A vibrating egg with wireless remote control.
- Tease and please from afar with a reach of up to 20 feet.
- 10 powerful settings to indulge your desires with.
- Rechargeable and waterproof.
- The perfect partner for quality “me” time or couples play.
10 Speed Double Ended Wand Massager
- A double ended vibrating wand massager for massage and thrilling internal fun.
- Traditional vibrating massage head plus an insertable vibrating dildo end.
- Luxurious smooth silicone head for absolute comfort and maximum stimulation.
- Waterproof for splishy splashy sex.
- USB charging so you can enjoy battery free play.
Fifty Shades of Grey Greedy Girl G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator
- Powerful and iconic, this rabbit vibrator provides simultaneous clitoral and g-spot stimulation.
- 36 possible vibration combinations for endless play opportunities.
- Fully rechargeable so you can enjoy battery-free fun.
- 2 separate motors and 15 speeds provide satisfying sensations for blended orgasms.
- A luxurious satin bag perfect for gifting and also discreet storage.
Rocks-Off Touch Of Velvet 10 Function Bullet Vibrator
- Let the tapered tip direct powerful vibrations precisely where you desire them.
- 10 spine-tingling modes provide sensational opportunities for tailor-made pleasure.
- Both small and portable for complete discretion.
- Stylish and elegant for an experience that looks as good as it feels.
- Completely waterproof so you can enjoy yourself in the bathtub too!
