Sexual health means a wealth of things. Yes, it for sure means getting tested both with and without your partner as a preventative measure for screening, treating, and managing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. However, sexual health is also pleasure. Period. And it’s also practicing safe sex in all the ways, including utilizing products like lube and, per our agenda today, a toy cleaner.
Similarly to when you’re seeking out lubricants to heighten the sexual experience, you also want to make sure that your toy cleaners are safe for the toy itself and your body. In fact, it’s imperative that you clean your toys to keep bacteria away and use condoms on your toys as an added safety measure if you’re sharing your toys in any capacity. This helps to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
If your toys are made of porous materials, you’ll need to take a bit of extra care. Porous materials can range from elastomer (rubber) and jelly rubber to Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which sometimes contains phthalates. When dealing with porous material you risk bacteria worming its ways into the microscopic holes in that type of material.
Let’s check out eight toy cleaners that you can pick up at your own discretion, each one proven to be safe for you and your toys. While these are undoubtedly convenient options, they can also be washed with warm water and a mild soap or even just a damp washcloth in a pinch. (Do, however, be sure to check with a physician as every body is not the same and sensitivities can differ from person to person.)
1. Babeland Toy Cleaner, $18.00
Babeland offers toy cleaners in two sizes: the 6 oz size and the 4 oz size (which retails for $15). Maybe you’re a bargain shopper who can do the math to determine which size gets you more bang for your buck, but I’m here to tell you I cannot do it. I say just go for the bigger size.
2. Lelo Antibacterial Toy Cleaning Spray, $13.90
At a somewhat reasonable price considering the brand, Lelo promises an alcohol- and paraben-free product. They also allow for payment using Sezzle for this product and I can’t deny that I’ll Sezzle just about anything no matter how minor the price.
3. Afterglow Toy Tissues, $23.99
I’m a fan of anything that allows you to roll over and/or clean in a pinch, so pardon my excitement to find out that these toy-cleansing wipes exist. The wipes are antibacterial but also include bergamot essence, an ingredient often used to soothe inflamed skin. Downside: only 20 wipes come in a pack, so keep this in mind.
4. Wicked Anti-Bacterial Foaming Toy Cleaner, $17.99
Not only do you get quality, but you also get the quantity with the Wicked Foaming Toy Cleanser. And, if you’re anything like me the foam gives you a false sense of extra cleanliness. However, my favorite part is that this particular toy cleaner is safe for all materials. Not to mention, the product is vegan-friendly.
5. UVee Home Play UV Cleaner, $287.99
If you’re a tech lover, then you’ll need to get on this right away. There’s nothing more satisfying (I imagine) than rolling over after you’ve finished getting off and throwing your toy in a glowing box, rather than having to get up and tend to it. If you’re on a budget, we may very well wish to see if this is a Black Friday find come fall.
The device, according to the company’s website, kills 99.9% of bacteria within 10 minutes and also offers storage space, so I’m thinking it might actually be worth the money.
6. Maude No. 0, $10.00
Though there’s only 1 oz to work with, I’ve heard nothing but good things about this brand. The plus side to the small size is that it’s TSA-approved, meaning that this liquid solution can make it through the security check without stopping traffic. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, making the price point well worth it if you ask me.
7. Promescent Before And After Wipes, $14.95
While the other wipes may be a bit expensive, Promescent offers a much cheaper rate for their product and they take an extra dollar off if you decide to subscribe for automatic delivery every 30 days. For the eco-friendly girls, these wipes are made from biodegradable material, they’re flushable, and pH approved.
8. Intimate Earth Green Toy Cleaner, $11.92
Unlike the other sex toy cleaners listed here, this foaming spray is made of natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and the company's “trademarked natural ingredient” guava bark. No alcohol or triclosan (an antibacterial material) have been added, as the company claims that studies show that the ingredient changes hormone regulation. Additionally, it’s rather large in size, making it one of the best bargains on this list.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Getty Images