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What happens if you don't clean your vibrator properly?

A vibrator that is not cleaned properly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi and other unwanted micro-organisms. Think of:

  • Vaginal infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Fungal infections

Even if you only use the toy yourself, bacteria can multiply between uses. And if you share toys with a partner, the risk of transmitting infections is even greater.

Shortening the lifespan of your toy? We'd rather not!

Quality sex toys are an investment. But those who clean with aggressive products or use the wrong water technique can damage the material. Silicone can become porous, coatings can come loose, and motors can fail from moisture penetration. Proper cleaning not only protects your health, but also the lifespan of your toy.

Different vibrators, different cleaning methods

Not all sex toys are the same. To determine how best to clean your vibrator, it is important to know what it is made of. When purchasing new toys, always pay attention to the material. The most common materials are:

  • Medical-grade silicone - non-porous, hygienic, easy to clean
  • ABS plastic - hard, smooth, non-porous
  • TPE/TPR - soft, porous, requires extra attention
  • Glass and stainless steel - non-porous, can be sterilised
  • Cyberskin/realistic materials - porous, very delicate

Non-porous materials (silicone, glass, steel, ABS) are easiest to clean and most hygienic. Porous materials (TPE, cyberskin) can harbour bacteria in microscopic pores, even after cleaning.

How should a vibrator be cleaned?

Once you know what material your vibrator is made of and whether it is waterproof or not, you can clean your sex toy optimally using the steps below.
One more thing: always clean before and after each use. Even if the toy looks clean, invisible bacteria can still be present.

  • Waterproof silicone, glass or steel (without motor): Wash with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Can also be boiled for 3-5 minutes for full sterilisation.
  • Waterproof silicone with motor: Wash with warm water and mild soap. Do not boil - the motor cannot withstand this.
  • Splash-proof (not fully waterproof): Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not submerge.
  • TPE/cyberskin: Wash gently with warm water and a specially designed toy cleaner. Dry thoroughly and apply renewal powder if recommended.
  • ABS plastic: Wash with warm water and mild soap. Dry with a lint-free cloth.

Toy cleaners: necessary or not?

Toy cleaners are special cleaning products that are safe for most materials and effective against bacteria and fungi. They are particularly recommended for:

  • Porous materials
  • Toys that are not fully waterproof
  • Quick cleaning between uses
  • When travelling

A good toy cleaner is pH-neutral, free from alcohol and parabens, and is gentle on sensitive areas. It is not a replacement for thorough cleaning with water, but an excellent supplement.

Good cleaners tested by us

Protecting and storing your vibrator

A clean toy is step one. Proper storage is step two! Keep in mind:

  • Do not store toys loosely in a drawer (dust, skin flakes, hairs)
  • Each toy in its own bag or pouch (prevents materials from reacting with each other)
  • Use the original packaging or a special toy bag
  • Store in a cool, dry place
  • Remove batteries if the toy won't be used for a longer period

Summary: your checklist for hygienic use

  • Clean immediately after use
  • Apply material-specific cleaning
  • Regularly check for wear or discolouration
  • Store safely in a separate toy bag
  • Consider a toy cleaner for extra hygiene
  • Replace porous toys in time

Extend the lifespan of your toy, and your pleasure.

In our web shop, you will find safe cleaning products, toy cleaners and storage bags. Everything you need to hygienically clean your vibrator or sex toy and store it carefully.

> View our cleaning and storage products

Veelgestelde vragen

Hoe vaak moet ik mijn vibrator schoonmaken?

U dient uw vibrator na elk gebruik schoon te maken. Ook vóór gebruik is een korte reiniging aan te raden om stof en bacteriën te verwijderen.

Kan ik mijn vibrator in de vaatwasser reinigen?

Sommige vibrators zonder motor, bijvoorbeeld van glas of roestvrij staal, kunnen in de vaatwasser. Controleer altijd de gebruiksaanwijzing. Vibrators met een motor zijn hier niet geschikt voor.

Wat is het verschil tussen toycleaner en gewone zeep?

Toycleaners zijn speciaal ontwikkeld om bacteriën en schimmels op seksspeeltjes te doden, zonder het materiaal aan te tasten. Gewone zeep kan prima werken, maar sommige zepen bevatten parfums of ingrediënten die bepaalde materialen kunnen beschadigen.

Waarom mag ik bepaalde speeltjes niet koken of onderdompelen?

Speeltjes van poreuze materialen (zoals Jelly of TPR) of niet-waterdichte vibrators kunnen beschadigen of onherstelbaar lekken als u ze kookt of onderdompelt.

Hoe bewaar ik mijn vibrator het best?

Bewaar uw speeltje in een apart stoffen zakje of doek, op een koele en donkere plek. Laat verschillende materialen elkaar niet aanraken om aantasting en besmetting te voorkomen.

Wanneer moet ik een vibrator weggooien?

Als het materiaal vettig, verkleurd, plakkerig of poreus wordt, of als er scheurtjes ontstaan, is het tijd om het speeltje weg te gooien. Dit voorkomt infecties of blootstelling aan schadelijke stoffen.

Kan ik siliconen speeltjes met elk glijmiddel gebruiken?

Nee. Gebruik bij siliconen speeltjes uitsluitend glijmiddel op waterbasis. Glijmiddel op siliconenbasis kan de oppervlakte van het speeltje beschadigen, waardoor het poreus en onhygiënisch wordt.

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