How To Clean Silicone Toys?
Stains and smells can ruin the integrity of silicone toys if left improperly cleaned. If you've found your way here, we can assume you are looking for the best way of cleaning your toys. Fortunately for you, silicone toys are very easy to wash, as long as they are done correctly. This guide will aim to show the ease in caring for your toys and making sure they're clean for continued usage ;)
Cleaning your silicone toy
Before we start with the how, let’s tackle the when. The best time to clean your toy is immediately after usage. Lube is much easier to clean when various fluids are still wet, so try not to fall asleep straight after you’ve done the deed...
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Use warm water and mild unscented soap -
To start, we recommend using unscented soap and warm water in a sink or basin of water. Use your hands or a gentle sponge to wipe away any residue. For best results, ensure the toy is submerged in water whilst you work away at your toy.
We specifically mention unscented soap as your toys can absorb the various perfumes added to cleaning products. These chemicals can degrade the toy over time. So remember, using a mild soap is vital to keeping the silicone's integrity!
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Rinse and get rid of the soap residue -
Once you have properly cleaned your silicone toy, it is also important to ensure that all the residue and suds have been removed from the toy. This prevents any damage to the toy, as removing the residue means that your silicone won't get dry or sticky, so bacteria that would degrade the material cannot live.
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Pat dry or let the toy air dry -
Finally, once all the toy has been rinsed and all the suds/residue have been removed, it is important to allow it to properly dry out. We would recommend either leaving it somewhere sanitized to dry, such as a fresh towel or, if you're feeling impatient, pat it dry with a towel. It is crucial that your toy is completely dry before you store it away, this prevents a buildup of possible mold, which,if left to build up mold can also affect the quality of your toy - so make sure it's dry!
Can dishwashers be used to clean silicone toys? -
The short answer is, yes! You can clean your toys this way. If you're feeling particularly lazy or swept off your feet, you'll be pleased to know many silicone toys are non porous, so dishwashers can be used to clean them.
Make sure you are using it only on the ‘sanitise’ setting in your dishwasher. A simple sanitiser cycle will have the same effect as sponge/handwashing your silicone toys. However, even with this different method of cleaning, it’s important to remember to still avoid using harsh detergent or dishwasher tablets. These are also strong cleaners and will damage your toy in the same way as harsh soap.
What to avoid
A final point to note is to also avoid using abrasive scrubbers, or scourers. This is due to them having a similar effect in degrading the silicone on toys as harsh cleaners. But, unlike harsh cleaners, they can also leave marks of imperfections on your toys - so put the scourer down!
If you have an unruly bit of residue left on your toy we would recommend allowing your toy to soak first before trying to get it off using your hands/soft sponge or seeing if your dishwasher can help.
Storage after cleaning
So, you have cleaned and dried your toy properly! What now?
Storing toys after usage is equally significant as making sure it is properly cleaned. As silicone can react very badly to other materials such as rubber, silicone lube and other silicone toys. Meaning good storage is vital in maintaining the quality of your toys in the long term. We would recommend storing them in their own separate bags such as our velvet toy bags in a cool and dry place - away from direct sunlight.
This guide has everything you should need to know about caring for your platinum silicone toy, but if you're curious we have also written a blog about the best lube to use for silicone toys.