Whether you’re new to anal play or have been playing with this type of sex toy for years, proper cleaning is essential. This process helps to prevent infection and makes the anal toy more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Most anal beads and butt plugs are made with non-porous materials that are easy to clean with soapy water or a sex toy cleaner. Porous materials trap bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens that are dangerous to the anus.
Washing
Anal sex is a common sexual practice, and while it can be enjoyable for both parties, it can also carry risk of infection. Showering before anal sex and other cleaning tips can help prevent infection.
When cleaning anal toys, first rinse with plenty of water to get off anal lube and any faecal matter. Then wash with warm water and a bit of mild soap. Use a soft brush to avoid damaging the toy.
Once clean, dry your anal toys thoroughly and store in a toy bag to keep them dust-free and ready to use. Regular cleaning helps anal toys last longer, so it’s well worth the effort.
While you can use a regular dishwasher cycle to clean non-electronic anal toys, it’s best not to do so with electronic or battery-operated anal toys. The high temperatures and harsh detergents can damage these toys, which could make them unsafe to use.
Using a disinfectant spray can be an easy and effective way to clean anal toys. These sprays typically contain antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory zinc salts. They can be used on toys made of silicone, rubber, and latex. Some sprays are even submersible, meaning they can be fully submerged in water. Look for sprays that are labeled ‘100% waterproof’, ‘IPX7’ or ‘IPX8’ to be sure your anal toy can be safely used in the bath or shower.
Boiling
Using a pot of boiling water, people can sterilize their anal toys. The process works well for most anal plugs that are non-porous. However, people should check the label on the toy to make sure it can be boiled or submerged in water. For example, silicone sex toys can be boiled but not those with batteries or motors. It is also important to remove the plugs from any packaging before boiling.
Generally, the best way to clean an anal toy is to wash it after each use. Leaving a toy dirty encourages bacteria to grow, which can cause infections. People should also try to shower before anal sex to reduce the amount of fecal matter that is transferred to the anal plug.
Another way to reduce the risk of infection is by wearing a condom when masturbating. Many sexually transmitted infections are spread through anal penetration, and using a condom can lower the chances of spreading them. It is also possible to avoid fecal contamination during anal sex by eating more fiber and having regular bowel movements. If a person notices large amounts of fecal matter on their anal plug, they may need to visit their doctor for a health screening.
Drying
Anal sex toys should be fully dry before and after use. This will prevent bacteria from getting trapped in the toy and in the vagina, which can lead to infections such as UTIs and yeast infections. It will also help to avoid irritation and other sensitivities.
Start with washing off the anal plug with warm water to remove any lube or fecal matter. Wash it gently, taking time to get into all the nooks and crannies. It’s a good idea to scrub for at least 30 seconds, just as you would with your hands after handling something gross. After washing, rinse and let it sit to air-dry.
When sanitizing the anal plug, choose a disinfectant that is appropriate for its material. For instance, using hand sanitizer on a metal or silicone anal plug could damage the material and create rust. Moreover, the alcohol residue can irritate the genital area, so it’s best to opt for a cleaner that is gentle on the skin but tough on germs.
If you have an anal beads sex toy, make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use. These are sex toys that consist of a string of balls that are either consistent in size or that gradually increase in size and have small spaces between them. If the toy becomes contaminated with anal debris, it can irritate the sphincter and cause infection and itchiness.
Disinfecting
Many anal sex toys are made from porous materials such as cyberskin, jelly or elastomer. These kinds of toys are not the safest to use because they have holes across their surface which can trap harmful things like bacteria, fungi and viruses. This is a major reason why porous anal sex toys should not be shared between partners.
These kinds of anal toys should be washed with plenty of warm water and a small amount of anti-bacterial soap to get rid of any left over lube and faecal matter. Then, they should be rinsed and allowed to dry thoroughly before being used again. You can also boil these types of toys (as long as they don’t have any mechanized parts) for a deeper clean.
Non-porous anal sex toys can be cleaned by washing them with mild soap and warm water. If you want to be extra cautious, or if you are using a toy that is meant for multiple people, you can boil these anal sex toys for three minutes to ensure they are completely sanitized.