Safe Sex: 8 Toy Cleaners That Come Highly Recommended
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
Motor City native, Atlanta living. Sagittarius. Writer. Sexpert. Into all things magical, mystical, and unknown. I'll try anything at least once but you knew that the moment I revealed that I was a Sag.
This post is in partnership with BET+.
Kingdom Business is back for its second season, with even more sermons, songs, and serpents. The series picks up where it left off, with actress Serayah as Rbel caught between the stripper pole and the pulpit. With the first lady of the church working desperately against her, Rbel must find a way to live her dreams and honor her friend while figuring out her faith in the process.
Season one served a collection plate of rivalry, deceit, and revenge –– among many other tribulations. Between the 28-year-old’s acting, conviction, and harmonious voice, here are a few reasons why season two of Kingdom Business is a must-watch.
If the Spirit Doesn’t Move You, Serayah’s Singing Voice Will
Rbel, formally known as Rebecca Belle, is a stripper whose life forcibly takes a turn after suffering a tragedy. Through her quest to find the truth, Rbel finds herself at odds with the head of a local church, First Kingdom’s Denita Jordan, played by the legendary Yolanda Adams. Rbel unknowingly emerges as what a faithful Christian embodies: a perfectly imperfect human who works every day to try their best while leaning on God. Although struggling with her faith, each ballad sung by Rbel can be felt, as the lyrics relate to personal struggles we all endure in different ways. Gospel songs hit differently when your life is in shambles, and chile, Serayah is singing new life into folks.
Serayah is a Formidable Opponent to The Yolanda Adams
As one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, it’s no easy task to take on the role of a person on the opposing side of greatness. Serayah’s Rbel does an excellent job meeting Jordan at her level while shining through her solos. Throughout season one, Rbel emerges as a top streaming artist, an accomplishment that begets something of a holy war.
Serayah’s Acting Range is Engaging
As a former stripper trying to make a name for herself in the gospel industry, you can imagine the struggles that could come with it. Rbel goes through a range of emotions, all understandable and relatable. Despite several crises of faith, Serayah ensures Rbel delivers a humbling performance that makes the audience root for her redemption.
The Kingdom Business Soundtrack is Everything
Streaming now on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music, the Kingdom Business: Season 1 soundtrack is one you’d want to add to your playlist for high and low times. Aside from four soul-soothing songs from Serayah, the soundtrack also features singles from co-star/Hamilton’s Chaundre-Hall Broomfield, gospel artist Chandler Moore, and legend Yolanda Adams.
Serayah’s Rbel Makes You Root For Her
With First Kingdom beginning to crumble under the pressure of lies, infidelity, and deception, Rbel’s window to take that top spot seems wide open; however, the end of season one showed us the Spirit had other plans. Whether you believe or not, Serayah’s Rbel makes you want to see her win. Who doesn’t love a good underdog with a laid 22” bust down? Whether she seeks Him or not, God is proving to be on Rbel’s side. But is it enough to turn everything around for her? Will Rbel lean on faith or fear?
With secrets coming to light, success within reach, and the devastating conclusion of season one, you don’t want to miss season two––especially with more guest collaborations. Kingdom Business returns to BET+ on Nov 2.
BET+ Original | Kingdom Business | S2 Official Traileryoutu.be
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 via Getty Images
Nia Long On Her Final Decision To Leave Ime Udoka: 'Loving Myself Was Bigger And More Important Than Saving Anybody'
Jeezy has been pulling out all the stops for the promo of his new album I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget. The iconic rapper tapped legendary actress Nia Long for an intimate conversation about love, trauma, and the Black family. The discussion provided insight into the “All There” rapper’s childhood, strained relationship with his mother, who has since passed, and his career mishaps. He also briefly spoke on his decision to file for divorce from Jeannie Mai, saying that he feels “saddened,” “disappointed,” and “uneasy” about it. However, he believes that God is leading him on a different path.
Throughout the conversation, Nia also opened up about her life experiences, including her relationship with her father, her sons, and her ex-fiancé Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
“You know I had a really public breakup recently. It was a wake-up call for me in the sense that, like ok, you’re gonna do this on your own, and you’re gonna be fine, and you’re not gonna worry about what anyone thinks and has to say ‘cause the relationship was rocky for a very long time,” she said. “I don’t believe that another person can break anyone up like, I just don’t buy that.
When Ime was the Boston Celtics head coach, he was caught having an affair with a staffer and was suspended for the 2022-2023 season. This suspension ultimately led to his firing. However, the cheating scandal led to the public rallying behind The Best Man actress, which the mother of two revealed she was “shocked” by.
“I had to realize for myself that anything that happened in the…last year and a half of my life, that shit didn’t have nothing to do with me,” she expressed. “It didn’t have nothing to do with me. I was not embarrassed. The way that Black people stood up for me and the way that Black women were like, ‘Oh no, you don’t do that to her,’ I was shocked because I didn’t realize that what I had done or what I’ve done in my career had so much impact.”
While she did admit that things between her and Ime had been “rocky” for a long time, she was trying her best to make things work. But she soon learned that choosing herself was the best option. “I think my older son saw me trying to keep the family together, but I had to come to a place where loving myself was bigger and more important than saving anybody.”
While time has passed and both parties have seemed to move on with their lives, we all have our down days. Jeezy checked in with Nia to see how she’s truly feeling since the breakup and the scandal that followed. “I think I’m exactly where I need to be, which is some days I’m like totally good, and other days I’m like, oh God, this feels like so much work. And other days, it feels like women shouldn’t have to be this strong,” she said, tearing up. “I don’t want to be this strong sometimes.”
The former couple were together for 13 years and share a 12-year-old son together. Nia also has a 22-year-old son from a previous relationship.
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.
Feature image by Theo Wargo/Getty Images
