Anyone who keeps their sex toys in their bedroom table drawer, listen up, as you may want to kick that habit.
Now, while it is true that modern sex toys are way sleeker, discreet and arguably demure than their '90s or '80s counterparts - it's clear that people who own them still would prefer not to have them out on full display in their homes.
And, while we're all different with differing preferences when it comes to locations in our homes, we prefer to, ahem, self-pleasure in, it's fair to say that many opt to keep their X-rated devices stashed away in their bedside table drawer, given the proximity to the bed.
But, as we say, this may not be the best idea according to an expert in the field.
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First things first, we sat down with Melissa Quick, a sexpert at So Divine, who explained to Tyla the importance of cleaning your sex toys before and after each use.
And, no, this doesn't mean a quick going over with a wet wipe or a speedy wash under the tap, as a proper good clean includes removing bodily fluids, skin bacteria, and other contaminants that can accumulate during use.
Doing it both before and after reduces your risk of introducing microbes during use and protects the toy’s material from long-term damage, helping it last longer and function as intended - it's a win, win, win!
Now, when it comes to storage, keeping your sex toys in a bedroom table drawer is common, but there are hygiene considerations.
Melissa warns: "Drawers can accumulate dust, lint, and moisture, all of which can compromise the cleanliness of your toys. If toys are stored whilst still damp, or in contact with other toys of different materials, bacteria can grow more easily.
"Therefore, fully drying each toy and storing it separately, ideally in a clean pouch, cloth bag, or its original box, is essential for maintaining hygiene."
According to the sexpert, the risks of using unclean or improperly stored sex toys include bacterial and fungal infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
"Toys that are not properly cleaned or stored can carry bacteria from previous use, skin, or other environmental sources," she adds.
"Porous materials like jelly, rubber, or TPE are particularly susceptible because microscopic pores trap bacteria, while non-porous materials like silicone, glass, stainless steel, or hard plastic are easier to clean and safer to store long-term in a drawer."
Echoing this, Cat, who is the Head of Creative, Community and Education at Ersties, admitted: "We’ve all been there, rolled over, pressed the off button and thrown the toy back in the drawer and forgotten about it… but here’s why you should make sure to give it a good wash after use, and at the very least, before you use it next!"
As we know, sex toys collect a layer of bodily fluids, which can contain bacteria.
Even if it’s your own bodily fluid, the bacteria can multiply when left in a warm drawer and if you don’t clean it before use, you’re inviting a whole new type of bacteria into your body.
And no matter how clean your home may be, there's a whole load of dust and dirt a slightly sticky toy can collect in a drawer!
Additionally, of you’ve used lube, it can also add to the collection of dust but also possibly break down the material of the toy. Ideally, the lube shouldn’t do that, but you’re better off safe than sorry.
"In general," Cat notes, "keeping anything that’s a bit moist in a drawer can lead to mould and bacteria, not sexy things to bring into your next pleasure session."
OK - so where should you store your sex toys?
Well, Cat says that she likes to keep certain toys in their own little bags, in order to protect the material and prevent cross-contamination.
"I also line my drawer (or in my case, my 'sex box' with a softer material so it’s not rubbing against the toy," she went on, adding that ventilation is good for reducing bacteria and mould.
"but be careful about sun too as it can damage the material," she outlined, highlighting the importance of washing your toys immediately after use.
"Of course give yourself some time to relax, but don’t forget about it. I take mine with me when I go to the bathroom to wash up, so it’s all done together," she suggested.
While you can also use a sex toy cleaner, it's good to be careful of the ingredients and check if they work well with your body and the material of the toy.
Cat also mentions that when you’re cleaning the toy with soap, always use a pH-neutral, unscented soap.
"Lastly," she rounded off, "think about the material.
"If you’re using silicone or glass, water and soap is great (if the toy is waterproof). Some toys are porous and can be pretty difficult to clean as bacteria can stay inside them, so if you’re using something like a jade egg, it’s safer to use a condom on it.
"Then you can set up your little sex toy corner with the charging cable, cleaner and paper, so you’re always prepared and will never have an unwashed, or low battery toy die on you while in use ever again!"
Noted.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life, Advice, Health, Women's Health, Tyla Exclusive
Rhiannon Ingle