2 Shy 2 Ask

The answer is yes & no. Yes it is essential when using sex toys to keep them clean without question as bad hygiene can lead to infection and a urinary tract infection is easily caught from dirty sex toys, likewise it is essential that when using penetrative sex toys you have enough lubrication that you do not tear or experience discomfort in any way. It is not essential that you buy a sex toy cleaner from a store but it is often easier than using antibacterial soap at home and whilst your own saliva is a natural lubricant a lube in a bottle is readily available and in the case of anal sex essential.

If you are using a penetrative sex toy such as a vibrator or dildo using lubricant is always a good idea, simply spread a little on the shaft before inserting and you will find the sensations more pleasurable and any discomfort to the minimum. Even a clitoral vibrator benefits from a little lube to make the massage process smoother with less resulting soreness. Anal sex requires lubrication full stop as the anus produces no natural lubrication of its own. An anal lube specifically for the task in hand will provide more slip and prevent tearing. Lubricants range from cheap water based versions such as super slik to organic sex lubricants with no chemical content and body friendly properties. Your choice will of course be dictated by your purse and priorities. There are many lubricant brands  on the market nowadays and companies such as Sliquid and Pjur offer women friendly choices. Loving Joy sex toys have released both a sex toy cleaner called sparkle and lubricant called Slide that offer fantastic value for money with the sex lubricant being paraben free and close to the bodies own natural lubrication. Our advice would be to choose the best lubricant you can afford and use it when you feel its needed.

Always clean your toys and at the very least run under hot water to kill any bacteria left on the surface. An antibacterial hand wash will do the job or if you have a silicone sex toy pop it on the top shelf of the dishwasher for a sterile treatment. A sex toy cleaner is easy to use and you can keep it to hand in your bedside drawer for when you can’t quite be bothered to get up. Make sure you dry your  sex toy well as putting it away damp will lead to mould growth which isn’t pleasant on an intimate object!