Let’s talk about porous sex toys. You might love them for their soft, realistic feel, but that same porous nature means they need special attention when it comes to cleaning. Unlike non-porous materials like silicone or glass, porous toys have microscopic holes on their surface where bacteria, fungi, and viruses can hide. This doesn’t mean you have to give them up, but it does mean that proper hygiene is non-negotiable.
Understanding how to clean and maintain your porous toys isn’t just about making them last longer; it’s about protecting your health. Improper cleaning can lead to the transfer of bacteria and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), turning a source of pleasure into a potential health risk. This can result in issues like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your porous sex toys safe and clean. We’ll cover what makes a toy porous, the risks involved, and provide a step-by-step cleaning process. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to enjoy your favorite toys without worry.
What Are Porous Sex Toys?
A “porous” material is one that has tiny, often invisible, pores or openings on its surface. These pores can absorb liquids and harbor microscopic organisms. In the context of sex toys, this means bodily fluids and bacteria can get trapped inside the material itself, making them harder to completely sanitize.
Common porous materials used for sex toys include:
- TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber): Often marketed as “jelly” or “cyberskin,” TPR is popular for its soft, squishy, and often lifelike texture. It’s affordable but is highly porous and can degrade over time, especially when exposed to certain lubricants or harsh cleaning methods.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Another common material for affordable toys, PVC often contains phthalates to make it soft and flexible. It’s porous and can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): Similar to TPR, TPE is a rubber-like material known for its soft and stretchy properties. While some TPEs are less porous than others, they generally require careful cleaning.
- Gelatin: Sometimes used in DIY or novelty toys, gelatin is extremely porous and is typically designed for single use.
- Nylon: While less common for insertable toys, nylon can be found in some BDSM gear and is a porous material.
In contrast, non-porous materials like medical-grade silicone, glass, and stainless steel have smooth, solid surfaces. This makes them much easier to clean and sterilize, as bacteria have nowhere to hide.
The Risks of Improper Cleaning
The primary risk associated with porous toys is incomplete sanitation. Because you can’t always see what’s lurking in those tiny pores, it’s easy to assume a toy is clean when it isn’t.
Here are the main health concerns:
- Bacterial Infections: Bacteria from your body (or your partner’s) can colonize the toy’s surface. Reintroducing these bacteria during later use can disrupt your natural pH balance and lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis or UTIs.
- Yeast Infections: Fungi, like the Candida that causes yeast infections, can also thrive in the damp, warm environment of a poorly cleaned toy.
- STI Transmission: Porous materials can harbor viruses and bacteria that cause STIs. If a toy is shared between partners without proper sanitization (or without using a condom over it), it can become a vehicle for transmission.
- Material Degradation: Using the wrong cleaners (like bleach, alcohol, or oil-based soaps) can break down porous materials, making them even more susceptible to trapping bacteria and potentially leaching harmful chemicals.
Because of these risks, it is highly recommended that porous toys are not shared between partners. If you do choose to share, using a new condom over the toy for each person is the safest practice.
How to Clean Your Porous Sex Toys: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning porous toys requires a gentle but thorough approach. The goal is to clean the surface effectively without damaging the material.
What You’ll Need:
- Warm (not boiling) water
- A dedicated, mild, antibacterial soap (unscented is best)
- A clean, soft cloth or towel
- A dedicated cleaning basin or bowl (optional, but good practice)
Step 1: Immediate Post-Use Rinse
As soon as you’re finished using your toy, take it to the sink. Rinse it thoroughly under warm running water to remove any lubricants and bodily fluids from the surface. This initial rinse prevents residues from drying and becoming harder to clean later. Avoid using hot or boiling water, as extreme temperatures can damage or warp porous materials like TPR and TPE.
Step 2: Wash with Soap and Water
Apply a generous amount of mild, antibacterial soap to the toy. Lather it up in your hands and wash the entire surface of the toy, paying close attention to any crevices, textures, or details where bacteria might accumulate. Wash for at least 20-30 seconds, similar to how you would wash your hands. It’s best to use a soap that is free of harsh chemicals, oils, and strong fragrances, as these can degrade the toy’s material and irritate your skin.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve washed the toy, rinse it again under warm running water. Make sure to remove all soap residue. Any soap left behind can irritate your sensitive areas during the next use and can contribute to the breakdown of the toy material over time. Keep rinsing until the surface no longer feels slippery from the soap.
Step 4: Dry Completely
This is arguably the most critical step for porous toys. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Use a clean, lint-free cloth or towel to pat the toy dry. Do not rub aggressively, as this can cause micro-abrasions on the toy’s surface.
For toys with intricate details or internal canals (like strokers), you may need to take extra care. Gently shake out any excess water and allow the toy to air-dry completely on a clean surface or towel. Ensure there is good air circulation. Some people use a small, low-heat fan to speed up the process, but never use a high-heat source like a hairdryer. The toy must be 100% dry before you store it.
Step 5: Proper Storage
How you store your toys is just as important as how you clean them. Store your clean, dry porous toy in a place where it won’t come into contact with other toys, especially those made of different materials. Some plastics can react with each other, causing them to become sticky or melt.
Use a dedicated storage bag made from a breathable fabric like cotton or velvet. Avoid sealing it in an airtight plastic bag or container, as this can trap any residual moisture and encourage bacterial growth. Store your collection in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a drawer or a box in your closet.
Special Considerations and Common Questions
Can I boil porous sex toys?
No. Boiling is a great way to sterilize non-porous materials like silicone and glass, but it will destroy porous toys. The high heat can melt, warp, or permanently damage materials like TPR, TPE, and jelly, making them unsafe for use.
What about toy cleaners?
Many commercially available sex toy cleaners are designed for non-porous silicone toys and may contain ingredients (like alcohol) that are too harsh for porous materials. If you choose to use a toy cleaner, read the label carefully and ensure it explicitly states that it is safe for materials like TPR or TPE. When in doubt, mild soap and water is the safest and most effective option.
How often should I replace my porous toys?
Porous toys have a shorter lifespan than their non-porous counterparts. Inspect your toys regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as:
- Changes in texture (becoming sticky or gummy)
- Discoloration or staining
- Cracks, tears, or rips
- A persistent odor that doesn’t wash away
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to retire the toy. Continuing to use a damaged porous toy significantly increases the risk of infection.
What lubricants are safe with porous toys?
Always use a water-based lubricant with porous toys. Silicone-based lubricants will react with TPR and TPE, causing the material to break down and become sticky. Oil-based lubricants are also a no-go, as they can degrade the material and are difficult to clean off completely.
Make Hygiene Part of the Fun
Cleaning your sex toys might not be the most exciting part of using them, but it’s an essential act of self-care. By adopting a consistent and correct cleaning routine, you ensure that your toys remain a source of pleasure and not a source of problems. It protects your body, extends the life of your toys, and gives you the peace of mind to fully relax and enjoy yourself.
Take the time to learn about the materials your toys are made of and treat them with the care they—and you—deserve. A few minutes of cleaning after each use is a small price to pay for safe, healthy, and worry-free pleasure for years to come.