How to Clean a Vibrator and Other Sex Toys Safely

Globally, the sex toy market is predicted to grow by 9.92 billion USD by 2023. A big contributor to that growth is a shift in our belief system from “sex toys are dirty” to “sex toys are healthy” and toy companies are investing heavily in that messaging. The sex toy industry is growing faster than most of us can make room in our nightstands, but it’s not just because we’re talking about orgasm equality and sexual pleasure in a way that we never have before. It’s because sex toys (and first among them , vibrators) are touted as the remedy to everything from low self-esteem to insomnia, menstrual cramps to chronic dryness. Yes, your vibrator, which sounds like a revving engine, has always gotten the job done (and then some), but these quiet toys can bring just as much power and intensity. If you’re a first-time vibrator user, many of the toys below offer a wide range of vibration patterns and speeds to ensure you can find a comfortable introductory setting.

Though obviously that should be the case for any vibe vibrators, it’s nice that there’s a toy out there that markets itself as such and leans in to the different ways different bodies can enjoy some buzz. If you’re not looking for more intense direct stimulation, the Tango might be a bit too much. It is also on the pricier end, but if you want a bullet vibe that’ll last for a while and that you’ll actually want to use time and time again, we say the Tango is well worth the investment. The other aspects of the Poet’s design are just as impressive, with the finger-pad sized indents on its sides making it both easy for holding and squeezing, which adjusts the vibration and pulse speed. So yes, it’s a little pricey, but it has the features that back the price up, and still, it’s still cheaper than the Womanizer Premium or Lelo Sila.

Ideally, you should take the material into consideration when choosing your toy in the first place, but it’s okay if you skipped that step—you can look up your toy online to double-check. When you scarcely learn anything useful about the very basics in sex ed, it’s unlikely anyone went out of their way to tell you how to use a vibrator for the first time. For most of us, you literally have to take matters (including whatever batteries you might need) into your own hands.

The Rechargeable is Finn’s favorite of Magic Wand’s offerings to recommend because it is cordless and features a smooth silicone head and quieter motor. Some finger vibrators come in the design of a finger sleeve that easily slips over your digit of choice to make solo play or foreplay as easy as pressing a button (or your erogenous zones). Other devices are slightly larger and pebble-shaped to stimulate more surface area at once. Look no further than a bullet vibrator—the lipstick-shaped We-Vibe Tango X is tops. “[It] offers vibrations that penetrate through the skin to stimulate the entire clitoris,” sex educator Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, previously told SELF.

It might be a touch louder than other vibrators I tested, but not so loud that you’ll wake someone in the next room while you’re using it. “It’s super important to read the instructions of your particular toy to know how to keep it clean and in working order,” Lincoln says. She also explains that you should be using cleaners that are specifically formulated for intimate devices. “Toys are meant to bring fun into your experience. Make sure you’re in a comfortable space mentally and physically,” Chang says.

With its slightly slimmer shaft, flexible clitoral stimulator, and intense vibration patterns, it’s ideal for use with a partner. Whether you’re taking turns controlling the settings or using it during foreplay, this toy knows how to play nice (but not too nice). Skyn Vibes caters to newcomers in the world of pleasure with its user-friendly design and approachable features.

Insertable up to 17cm, the Silencer features a rounded tip and a silky-smooth shaft that’s ribbed for extra pleasure. It’s battery operated and completely waterproof, so go ahead and get your rub-a-dub-dub on in the tub. Designed to be felt but not heard, the Silencer is a whisper-quiet classic vibrator that comes from the “sexual happiness people” over at Lovehoney. If just three vibration options sounds too limiting, might we suggest the Minna Ola?

If you’re new to anal play, start with a smaller toy and use plenty of lube to avoid discomfort. “I love Uberlube, Good Clean Love, and Slippery Stuff,” shares Rosara Torrisi, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker and AASECT-certified sex therapist at the Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy in Syosset, New York. It’s incredibly important to keep your sex toys hygienic, and luckily it’s really simple to do so.

For those who enjoy versatility, this vibrator features one non-vibrating side and one vibrating side — both great for vaginal and anal pleasure. It looks luxurious, and you can play with three vibration patterns and three power levels. “Pleasure and orgasm are really good for you because they release hormones that reduce stress and anxiety,” says Zar. For most women, the clitoris is the gateway to orgasm — and this toy is made specifically for that pleasure part.

First, however, lets talk about what types of objects and materials to avoid. As with vibrators, anything sharp or pointed (like scissors) is a definite no-go. A glass bottle is not safe for insertion in the way that a glass dildo is. With 10 vibration intensities and 20 vibration modes (all laid out in the user guide that’s included in the package), there’s something for everyone with this toy. It’s easy to maneuver from mode to mode (just press the middle “wave” button) and increase/decrease the intensity (just press the plus or minus button).