In the world of sexual wellness, taking care of your sex toys goes hand in hand with caring for the planet. Sustainable practices can make a big difference, from choosing eco-friendly materials to using mindful cleaning methods. Caring for and cleaning your sex toys sustainably ensures their longevity, minimises environmental impact, and supports personal health. Here’s a detailed and simple guide on how to maintain your sex toys while staying eco-friendly.
Understanding Your Materials
To care for your sex toys properly, it’s important to understand what they are made of. Different materials require different cleaning methods and maintenance to ensure they remain safe for use. The most common sex toy materials include:
Silicone: Non-porous, body-safe, and highly durable, silicone is a top choice for sustainability-minded consumers. It can be cleaned thoroughly without absorbing bacteria, making it an excellent choice. Our collection of sex toys are all made from sustainable body-safe silicone.
Glass: Usually made of borosilicate glass, it is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.
Stainless Steel: Known for being non-porous and resistant to bacteria, it is easy to sanitise and built to last.
Jelly Rubber, PVC, and Other Porous Materials: These materials are often cheaper but tend to be porous, which makes cleaning them well quite challenging. Consider replacing these with non-porous options for a more sustainable and safer choice.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Methods
When cleaning sex toys, choosing sustainable practices helps reduce water waste and chemical runoff. Here are some effective and eco-friendly cleaning methods:
Use Natural Soaps: Opt for unscented, plant-based soaps without harsh chemicals. These options are biodegradable and better for both your body and the environment. Dilute with warm water and use a soft cloth or sponge to clean.
Boiling for Sterilisation: For toys made of silicone, glass, or stainless steel (and without electronic components), boiling is an excellent way to sanitise them. Submerge the toy in boiling water for 3-5 minutes and then allow it to cool completely before handling.
Eco-Friendly Toy Cleaners: Look for specialised toy cleaners made with environmentally friendly ingredients. Many brands now offer products free of sulphates, parabens, and other non-biodegradable chemicals.
Minimising Water Waste
One often-overlooked aspect of cleaning sustainably is minimising water use. Here’s how to be mindful of your water consumption:
Shorter Rinses: Instead of letting water run while cleaning, use a bowl of water to rinse toys or fill a small container to dip and clean.
Collect and Reuse: If you use water to clean toys, consider collecting it to water plants (as long as it doesn’t contain harsh soap).
Mindful Boiling: When boiling toys, use only as much water as necessary to cover them. Once cooled, repurpose the water if possible.
Sustainable Drying Practices
After washing, proper drying is essential to prevent bacteria buildup. Here’s how to dry your sex toys sustainably:
Air Drying: Place toys on a clean, lint-free cloth or towel and let them air-dry. This saves energy compared to using a dryer or other electric drying methods.
Reusable Towels: Use cloth towels that can be washed and reused instead of disposable paper towels. This simple change helps reduce waste significantly.
Storage for Longevity
Storing your sex toys correctly not only keeps them in good condition but also extends their life, reducing the frequency of replacements. This is better for both your finances and the environment! Sustainable storage tips include:
Avoid Plastic Bags: Instead of single-use plastic bags, store your toys in natural cotton or linen pouches (All Viola Green products come with their own carry bags). These breathable fabrics help prevent moisture buildup.
Keep Them Separate: Don’t store toys together without protection, especially if they are made of different materials. Direct contact can lead to material degradation over time.
Temperature and Humidity: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid breaking down materials.
Power Considerations for Vibrating Toys
Many sex toys such as vibrators come with vibrating components that require batteries or charging. Here’s how to handle them sustainably:
Rechargeable Batteries: Opt for toys with built-in rechargeable batteries. This reduces the number of disposable batteries that end up in landfills. This is one of the most important and simple ways to incorporate sustainability into your daily life, for example, at Viola Green, all of our toys are built with rechargeable lithium batteries.
Energy-Efficient Charging: Charge toys only when needed and unplug them as soon as they’re fully charged to prevent unnecessary energy use. If you are unsure when your toy/s are fully charged, set an alarm to take them off the charger.
Dispose Responsibly: If you need to dispose of a toy with batteries or electronics, recycle it at an e-waste facility.
DIY and Home-Made Toy Cleaners
If you don’t want to buy a purpose made sex toy cleaner, then creating your own cleaners at home can be more sustainable and cost-effective. A simple recipe includes:
Tea Tree Oil Solution: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil (known for its antibacterial properties) with water. Spray on toys, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
Baking Soda Paste: For deeper cleaning, mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply it gently to the toy, scrub, and rinse off with water.
Sustainability Beyond Cleaning: Mindful Purchasing
One of the best ways to promote sustainability is by making thoughtful purchases:
Choose Long-Lasting Materials: Invest in high-quality toys made from materials like silicone, stainless steel, or glass that will last for years.
Support Eco-Conscious Brands: Look for companies that prioritise sustainability in their products and packaging (Obviously we are biased and want you to buy our products, but there really are a lot of brands making great products). Brands that use recyclable or biodegradable packaging and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes make a positive impact.
A Word on Disposal
Eventually, even the highest-quality toys may need to be retired. When disposing of a toy:
Recycle if Possible: Check with local recycling programs to see if they accept silicone or electronic components.
Contact the Manufacturer: Some companies have take-back programs where they responsibly recycle or repurpose old toys.
Sustainable sex toy care goes beyond just cleaning. It’s about conscious decisions that support both the environment and your own well-being. By adopting eco-friendly cleaning methods, being mindful of water usage, and making thoughtful purchases, you can ensure your sexual wellness practices align with a sustainable lifestyle.