How to Clean and Maintain Your Vibrators

Having a vibrator is a great way to spice up your sex life and have fun. According to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, conducted by Indiana University's Center for Sexual Health Promotion, women who used vibrators had better overall sexual function than those who did not use them during that same time frame.

That said, it’s just right that we should take good care of those who take care of our pleasure. Knowing how to clean and maintain it is essential to keeping these little best friends in good condition. The notion of how to clean a vibrator is not difficult, and there are simple steps you can take to ensure it remains safe and hygienic.

In this blog post, we'll discuss how to clean a vibrator and other tips for maintaining its lifespan. Read on to find out more!

Have you ever stopped to think about the importance of proper maintenance for your vibrators? In a 2023 survey conducted by Bedbible, it was found that only 22% of respondents clean their sex toys after use, while 14% of them have never cleaned their vibrator. It's a staggering number as proper maintenance of your vibrators is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, keeping your vibrator clean helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and other germs that can cause infections and discomfort. Nobody wants to deal with that!

Secondly, maintaining your vibrators prolongs their lifespan. Let's face it: vibrators for women can be a significant investment, and we want to get our money's worth, right?

Lastly, taking care of your vibrator shows self-respect and self-love. By treating your vibrator with care, you're treating yourself with care too. You deserve to have a pleasurable and safe experience every time you use it.

In the following sections, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of how to clean your vibrator, provide storage tips, troubleshoot common issues, and explore different lubricant options. Stick with us, and you'll become a vibrator maintenance pro in no time!

So you've got your eye on a shiny new vibrator, but before you hit that "Add to Cart" button, it's important to know what materials and care instructions come with it. Vibrator materials vary greatly, but the most common ones are silicone, hard plastic, glass, metal, jelly, and TPR/TPE. Here's a quick guide to help you understand each one better:

Silicone is the safest and most popular material as it's easy to clean and retains body heat. Just be sure to only use water-based lubes.

Glass is an elegant and luxurious material that adds an extra layer of stimulation. Clean glass toys with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Metal offers powerful sensations but tends to be more expensive. Clean metal vibrators with rubbing alcohol or a special toy cleaning solution.

Hard plastic is durable and less expensive than silicone, but isn't as gentle against skin. Clean this type of vibrator with mild soap and water.
Jelly toys are the least expensive and most widely available. Keep in mind, however, that they're porous and should only be used with a condom and water-based lube. Clean jelly toys with a 10% bleach solution and hot water.
Thermoplastic Rubber & Elastomer (TPR/TPE) toys are a mix of rubber and plastic that offer an enjoyable experience, but can be slightly less durable than other materials. Clean them with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Finally, don't forget to clean and dry your toy after each use. It's also a good idea to store it away from direct sunlight, which can deteriorate the material over time.

In addition to cleaning, storage is also an important aspect of maintaining your vibrator. It's best to store your toy in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. You can use a storage pouch or a designated container to keep it protected and dust-free. 

Remember, proper care and maintenance will not only ensure the longevity of your vibrator but also provide you with a safe and pleasurable experience every time you use it. So, choose the right materials, follow the care instructions, and keep that toy in tip-top shape for endless pleasure!

You can also check Healthline’s handy little chart on how to properly handle and store your mini lovers according to their materials and other specifics.

Before you get down and dirty, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions. They usually provide specific guidelines on how to clean your toy. But if you’ve already tossed those instructions out the window as soon as you unwrap your new toy, don't worry, we've got you covered.

1. Always remove any batteries or charging cables before cleaning. You don't want any electrical mishaps or ruined circuits.

2. Mild, unscented soap works best for cleaning your vibrator. Gently wash the entire toy, making sure to pay extra attention to any ridges or textured areas. Don't forget about the buttons either!

3. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. A quick trick to ensure a thorough rinse is to run it under a running tap, letting the water flow through all the nooks and crannies.

4. Dry it off with a clean towel or let it air dry. Just make sure it's completely dry before you store it away.

5. If your toy is waterproof, you can submerge it in water for a more thorough clean. Just remember to keep the battery compartment dry. And don't forget to dry it off properly before storage.

1. Mild, non-scented soap or body wash
2. Warm water
3. Soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge

1. Pot for boiling water: Disinfect your vibrator by first surface-cleaning them and then bathe them in boiling water for a few minutes.
2. Bleach and spray bottle: Boiling and bleaching should kill almost all bacteria on your sex toy.
3. Dishwasher: This works with appropriate dishwasher disinfecting setting, otherwise, stick to boiling and bleaching.
4. Paper towels or clean washcloths: For the finale. Use these to wipe and air-dry toys after cleaning.

Cleaning your vibrator regularly not only keeps it in good condition but also ensures a safe and hygienic experience. So, get those suds and warm water ready, and keep your vibrator clean as a whistle!

So, you've run out of your usual toy cleaner or mild soap, and you're wondering if there are any alternative cleaning solutions for your vibrator. Well, you're in luck because we've got a few ideas up our sleeves!

Yes, that kitchen staple can come to the rescue when it comes to cleaning your toy. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar and use a clean cloth or cotton swab dipped in the solution to wipe down your vibrator. Vinegar is known for its antibacterial properties, so it can help keep those germs at bay. Just make sure to rinse your toy thoroughly afterward to get rid of any vinegar smell.

You can find this at your local drugstore, and it's a great alternative for disinfecting your vibrator. Mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide, and use a cloth or cotton swab to wipe down your toy. It's important to note that hydrogen peroxide can bleach certain materials, so it's best to do a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of your toy before using it on the whole surface.

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and use a cloth or cotton swab to clean your toy. Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties and can help keep your vibrator fresh and clean. Just remember to rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any residue.

While these alternative cleaning solutions can be effective, it's important to remember that they may not be suitable for all types of vibrators. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions to ensure you're using the right cleaning method for your specific toy.

So, next time you're in a pinch and don't have your usual cleaning products on hand, give one of these alternative solutions a try. Just remember, a clean toy is a happy toy, and a happy toy means a happy you!

Cleaning your waterproof vibrator is actually pretty straightforward. First, make sure it’s unplugged, or its batteries are removed. You'll want to use a mild, soap-free detergent (something like mild dishwashing soap is good) and warm water.

Start by running your vibrator under lukewarm water to get any visible residue off. Then, get a soft cloth and lightly dip it in the soapy water and carefully rub it all over your vibrator. Be sure to use circular motions for the best coverage!

You can also use a special toy cleaner for extra security if you like. Lastly, take a clean cloth and rinse your vibrator thoroughly with cool water. When you’re done, you can towel it off, or air-dry it and it’ll be all ready to go for your next fun time!

Water-resistant vibrators are designed to be used around water, so the cleaning process is actually pretty simple. Its cleaning process is pretty much the same way as its waterproof counterpart.

Cleaning a porous vibrator can be a bit tricky since they're designed to be softer and absorbent than non-porous materials like silicone or hard plastics. However, the most important thing is to make sure that it's getting thoroughly disinfected before and after every use to avoid bacteria or other organisms from forming.

To do this, soak your vibrator in a gentle, anti-bacterial solution and let it sit for around 10 minutes before using a soft cloth and air-dry it.

All you need is some mild, unscented soap, and some warm water. Begin by washing off any debris from your toy with the soap and warm water. Once you've removed any residue, you can simply rinse it off and pat it dry with a lint-free cloth.

It's definitely possible to clean your sex toys in the dishwasher, but there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind first. While the high-temperature cycle and hot water of a dishwasher are good for sterilizing, some materials (such as silicone, rubber, and certain plastics) could become damaged if exposed to high temperatures and hot water.

Also, it's important to note that cleaning in a dishwasher does not necessarily prevent you from getting a bacterial or fungal infection. It's always best to consult the instructions of the toy's manufacturer or simply wash it with soap and water.

For regular use, we recommend cleaning your vibrator before and after each use. This ensures it's kept free from any bacteria, so you can continue enjoying it worry-free.

We hope you have enjoyed reading all there is to know about keeping your toy clean and safe.

Good upkeep is the key to a long, happy life for your vibrator. It'll help you keep your toy clean and in good working order, which will make it last longer, feel better, and look like new so that it will be fun to use. A little attention now can help you get the most out of your vibrator experience and have good times without any worries.

There you have it: everything you (probably) ever wanted to know about how to clean your toys, but were afraid to ask. Did we miss something important? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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1. https://newsinfo.iu.edu/news-archive/10877.html
2. https://bedbible.com/state-of-sex-toys-industry-statistics/
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/how-to-clean-sex-toys#what-to-clean
4. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-sex-toys/

[1] https://newsinfo.iu.edu/news-archive/10877.html
[2] https://bedbible.com/state-of-sex-toys-industry-statistics/
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/how-to-clean-sex-toys#what-to-clean
[4]https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-sex-toys/