Sexual Health Sex Toy Safety; Cleaning & Disinfecting August 2010 Sex toys are devices, such as vibrators and dildos, which are used to increase sexual pleasure and provide added erotic stimulation. Sex toys can transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Never Share Sex Toys • Always use a new latex or polyurethane condom on a sex toy if it being used in different areas, for example anus to vagina. • Cleaning and disinfecting is always a two step process. Even if the product label states that it can be a one step process always use the following two step method if possible: Step one – Cleaning means removing visible organic debris (such as vaginal secretions, stool). Step two – Disinfected ensures that any germs, which are not visible are killed or inactivated. • The technique used to clean the sex toy depends on what the toy is made of. Always check the label for product information. Not all sex toys can be disinfected. • Type of Surface Cleaning Jelly Rubber – this product is quite porous with small holes where germs can be found. Use mild soap. Unable to be disinfected. Never use rubbing alcohol or bleach, as it will damage the rubber. Cyberskin, Soft skin, Ultraskin – These products are made of thermal plastic. It feels lifelike and tears easily. Use mild soap. Unable to be disinfected. Do not use rubbing alcohol or bleach. The surface may be tacky after cleaning, use the special talc provided. Silicone – silicone toys are not likely to cause an allergic reaction. Use mild soap. Use a 1:10 bleach solution. Mix 60 ml (¼ cup) of bleach with 560 ml (2 ¼ cups) of water. Soak 10 minutes. This type of product can be boiled or can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher safely. Hard, Non-porous – hard plastic, acrylic, glass or metal Use mild soap. Use a 1:10 bleach solution. Mix 60 ml (¼ cup) of bleach with 560 ml (2 ¼ cups) of water. Soak 10 minutes. This type of product can be boiled or can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher safely. What does the manufacturer recommend for this product? Remember, for health sake, you want something that will disinfect – not just clean! • Toys with batteries or metal parts will be unsuitable for total immersion: > Wash with mild soap and water keeping the part with the battery out of water. > Then soak with a 1:10 household bleach solution for 10 minutes to disinfect. • No method of disinfection is guaranteed – the safest practice is not to share toys! If you have been diagnosed with a STI, consider throwing your sex toy in the garbage. Disinfecting Adapted with permission from the Middlesex London Health Unit. Huron County Health Unit 77722B London Rd., RR 5, Clinton, ON N0M 1L0 Phone 519-482-3416 1-877-837-6143 Fax 519-482-7820 www.huroncounty.ca