What material is best for dildos? Advice?

Contributor: Anne Anne
This may seem a bit embarrassing, but I had to throw away four of my dildos because I did not clean them properly. Instead of cleaning them after each use, I would clean them before I was ready to use them again. I ended up getting a pretty bad yeast infection as a result of it. So I was wondering what you all thought I should do for my next purchases, what would you recommend, how should I store my dildos... I feel kinda dumb and careless. I don't know how open I am to glass or metal products, but if you can tell me some benefits I may give it a shot.
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Glass
- Kira - , Cora Jane , Petite Valentine , WhoopieDoo , nori , Badass , Girly Juice , Bex1331 , Sinfully , ksparkles16 , indiechick , Gunsmoke , Loriandhubby , Gone (LD29) , spunkmonkey , xMila , wdanas , Modern^Spank^Anthem , FHeemz , married with children , G&L , ichwillwaffels , AlianneCimorene , giftdgecko , Gracie , icyqueen , sexytileena / absolutely love sex , Happenstance , roskat , Bethy Cassatt , RuMaRo34 , AmethystSmoke , PeaceToTheMiddleEast , limecoconut , Stinkytofu10 , *Camoprincess* , Missmarc , sexyfun , Meido , Apirka , potstickers , Lildrummrgurl7 , KinkyNicki92 , Synthete , Virgingasms , britanny0620 , Aishiteru , wildshores , Harpina is gone , Bignuf , Dr. Curious
51
Metal
- Kira - , Petite Valentine , WhoopieDoo , Girly Juice , Bex1331 , Gunsmoke , Loriandhubby , Gone (LD29) , spunkmonkey , xMila , FHeemz , married with children , AlianneCimorene , Gracie , icyqueen , roskat , AmethystSmoke , PeaceToTheMiddleEast , limecoconut , *Camoprincess* , Bignuf
21
Acrylic
Silicone
hot lil momma , padmeamidala , Rossie , Mr. E , eggiweg , - Kira - , tattedsexy71 , Rin (aka Nire) , Miss Anonymous , ily , Petite Valentine , WhoopieDoo , nori , Girly Juice , Feisty , Master DarkWolf , Bex1331 , Sinfully , DreamWolf , ksparkles16 , indiechick , Gunsmoke , Breas , Loriandhubby , mistressg , Falsepast , KrissyNovacaine , K101 , Gone (LD29) , Sangsara , darthkitt3n , spunkmonkey , xMila , wdanas , marrythenight , Modern^Spank^Anthem , FHeemz , BurntToast , married with children , 3d3n1 , ichwillwaffels , AlianneCimorene , giftdgecko , xgamerx , Gracie , BlooJay , ghent529 , icyqueen , mirajah , travelnurse , icelandia , Happenstance , brevado , LavenderSkies , roskat , Bethy Cassatt , RuMaRo34 , MidnightStorm , AmethystSmoke , PeaceToTheMiddleEast , limecoconut , brian691986 , *Camoprincess* , sexyfun , Meido , AliMc , Apirka , mmmmm , FallFire , potstickers , Lildrummrgurl7 , Synthete , Virgingasms , Luca77 , Incendiaire , darkr , britanny0620 , Aishiteru , lalapetitee , tequilafish , wildshores , bellea , Fleurs Violettes , baba ghanoush , llellsee , angel42539 , Arlinnae , Harpina is gone , Winifred , Bignuf , spiced , Inkkythesquid , Dr. Curious , phoenixfire
94
Cyber Skin
Latex
Jelly
UR3
Total votes: 166 (101 voters)
Poll is closed
06/28/2012
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Contributor: GingerAnn GingerAnn
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06/28/2012
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Quote:
Originally posted by Anne
This may seem a bit embarrassing, but I had to throw away four of my dildos because I did not clean them properly. Instead of cleaning them after each use, I would clean them before I was ready to use them again. I ended up getting a pretty bad ... more
What were the dildos you threw away made from? With certain materials it really doesn't matter how soon you clean them - once bacteria gets a foothold they're compromised. It's best to use condoms or toy covers with those.

My favorite material is silicone. It's squishy-soft, but you can boil it to sterilize it.

ETA: Also, don't beat yourself up about it. Mistakes are worth making if you learn from them.
06/28/2012
Contributor: Rossie Rossie
My favorite dildo material is silicone also.

Just make sure to change your toy cleaning habit: clean them thoroughly after every session, and store them properly till the next time. If you're going to try silicone toys, make sure they're not touching when you put them away, the easiest method is to bag them separately in ziploc bags.
06/28/2012
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
Silicone will probably be best for you since it sounds like your used to softer materials than glass or metal. That said, glass and metal are GREAT materials. They don't harbor any bacteria and clean up easy as can be. They can be boiled to sanitize them if you've gone a while without cleaning them. You can do this with silicone as well so long as it doesn't have a motor. Also glass and metal can be used for temperature play and the firm material adds an new sensation.

I would suggest, like Rossie, to get into a routine of cleaning. After your done, clean up right away. Once you get in the habit it will be harder to break. Also stay away from jelly, UR3, latex, Cyber Skin, etc. If it's porous material once the bacteria is on it - it's on it. There's really no cleaning it off. It can build up even if you clean it right away.
06/28/2012
Contributor: Rin (aka Nire) Rin (aka Nire)
Quote:
Originally posted by Rossie
My favorite dildo material is silicone also.

Just make sure to change your toy cleaning habit: clean them thoroughly after every session, and store them properly till the next time. If you're going to try silicone toys, make sure ... more
Pure silicone toys can touch each other without the material being harmed, but it's true that if you're not cleaning them properly storing them separately can keep bacteria from spreading.

Silicone = the best stuff EVER! It's a wonderful material from both a pleasure and cleanliness perspective, especially if you're diligent about cleaning up. Best to get in the habit of cleaning right away... though I see nothing wrong with enjoying your afterglow for a little bit first.
06/28/2012
Contributor: Miss Anonymous Miss Anonymous
Quote:
Originally posted by Anne
This may seem a bit embarrassing, but I had to throw away four of my dildos because I did not clean them properly. Instead of cleaning them after each use, I would clean them before I was ready to use them again. I ended up getting a pretty bad ... more
Silicone always, I no longer order anything else when it comes to dildos. Well besides glass and metal.
06/28/2012
Contributor: Anne Anne
Quote:
Originally posted by Petite Valentine
What were the dildos you threw away made from? With certain materials it really doesn't matter how soon you clean them - once bacteria gets a foothold they're compromised. It's best to use condoms or toy covers with those.

My ... more
I had the butterfly vibrator strap-on, the thrusting panther, this waterproof suction vibrating dildo, and the silver rotating beads jackrabbit. I believe they are all silicone, but I know that pretty much all of them are made from california erotics.
06/28/2012
Contributor: Rin (aka Nire) Rin (aka Nire)
Quote:
Originally posted by Anne
I had the butterfly vibrator strap-on, the thrusting panther, this waterproof suction vibrating dildo, and the silver rotating beads jackrabbit. I believe they are all silicone, but I know that pretty much all of them are made from california ... more
Knowing Cal Exotics, there's a fair chance that they were TPR silicone, with the "TPR" part mentioned only in small print on the back of the box. Can't say for sure, though. Can't seem to find good info on any of the toys you mentioned.
06/28/2012
Contributor: nori nori
I like silicone best, but glass is also a good choice.
06/28/2012
Contributor: Badass Badass
Glass.
Cleaning is easy and you dont have to pay much attention.
& They are terribly beautiful.

One downside though, they are a bit hard to store.
06/28/2012
Contributor: Girly Juice Girly Juice
If it's a G-spot-targeting dildo, I prefer glass, steel, or wood, because they're very firm and can provide the pressure I need.

If it's a dildo meant to stimulate the vagina in general, and not just the G-spot, then silicone is my preference. It's squishy and feels awesome but is still firm enough to feel good on my G-spot as it passes by.
06/28/2012
Contributor: Feisty Feisty
i always use Silicone
06/28/2012
Contributor: Master DarkWolf Master DarkWolf
Silicone is the safest and most versatile, but it depends on your taste...
06/28/2012
Contributor: Sinfully Sinfully
Glass and silicone get my vote.
06/28/2012
Contributor: DreamWolf DreamWolf
Quote:
Originally posted by Master DarkWolf
Silicone is the safest and most versatile, but it depends on your taste...
Agreed... Haven't tried glass yet and I am totally in LOVE with steel!!! ^^
06/28/2012
Contributor: ksparkles16 ksparkles16
glass and silicone are the best!
06/29/2012
Contributor: indiechick indiechick
Quote:
Originally posted by Anne
This may seem a bit embarrassing, but I had to throw away four of my dildos because I did not clean them properly. Instead of cleaning them after each use, I would clean them before I was ready to use them again. I ended up getting a pretty bad ... more
glass and silicone are the easiest to clean because they can handle bleach, dishwashers and boiling water
06/29/2012
Contributor: Gunsmoke Gunsmoke
We prefer glass, metal and dual-density silicone (Vixskin or O2).

But the basic issue is you have to clean them when you're done - as I assume you learned the hard way.

Every so often I wipe them down with alcohol after the normal hot soap and water.
06/29/2012
Contributor: Loriandhubby Loriandhubby
i love glass, metal, and wood.

But it sounds like you enjoy softer materials. in this case, I would sugest always purchasing silicone. it is easy to clean, just boil it for a 10 min and it is ready to go again. it is not porous so there is no need to worry about germs lingering.

I hope you have better sucess with your next purchase.
06/29/2012
Contributor: mistressg mistressg
I've had a similar issue. Silicone is the best bet.
06/29/2012
Contributor: KrissyNovacaine KrissyNovacaine
Silicone makes great insertables!
06/29/2012
Contributor: K101 K101
Quote:
Originally posted by Anne
This may seem a bit embarrassing, but I had to throw away four of my dildos because I did not clean them properly. Instead of cleaning them after each use, I would clean them before I was ready to use them again. I ended up getting a pretty bad ... more
Ummm... you said you cleaned BEFORE every use? What material was you using? Something porous? Because if you were using something like silicone, that isn't porous, there's really no reason it should've given you an infection as long as you did clean it before EACH use.

Anyways, I wouldn't go all glass. I'd go with silicone and SOME glass. I don't always like to use something as hard and intense as my glass toys. I usually prefer something soft when I begin playing, and often I leave my glass out of my session all together, unless I'm actually in the mood for it. I think most of us prefer having some type of softer toys. I would not go writing all soft materials off for good. I even like TPR. Flutter is a toy I use often and it's TPR.

Also, if you like clitoral vibrators/nonpenetrati ng ones as well as penetrating ones, I'd recommend going all silicone in that department. Clitoral only vibes like Zini Deux or Matryoshka (it CAN be inserted a tiny bit, but not much) are both silicone and will last you for so long if you take proper care. They're silicone so you can use them as long as they're still working without worries of bacteria.

For penetrating toys, I'd recommend silicone if you want to write of all porous material for good. I cannot do that because unfortunately, silicone toys aren't always made for girls like me who prefer average to smaller sizes. However, there's still a wide selection of safe silicone vibrators available so that's not a bad choice if you do want to write off all porous material.

I really don't recommend plastic. It's safe and all, but most plastic toys are cheaply made and come with less than good vibrations. Unless you go for something of quality that has a PU coating or something, but again, if you go with plastic only, you're stuck with pretty rigid toys that have no give for grinding or days when you want something less intense/hard. I hate plastic. It causes me pain, even if it's small. Somethign about plastic in my cooter just hurts deep inside.

Now if you do want to go with plastic, something of quality and with a somewhat smooth coating is probably your best bet. I do enjoy Freestyle very much and it's hard plastic, but has the lightest PU coating, which gives it SOME smoothness.

I also love glass and do recommend having some glass toys to girls who are sure they like glass. However, it's probably not a material you want to use each time. If you do happen to be OK with hard material only, you're in luck. There are so many glass and plastic toys available. I still have to recommed silicone though.
06/29/2012
Contributor: Anne Anne
Quote:
Originally posted by Anne
This may seem a bit embarrassing, but I had to throw away four of my dildos because I did not clean them properly. Instead of cleaning them after each use, I would clean them before I was ready to use them again. I ended up getting a pretty bad ... more
I actually did some research on the dildos I had. I forgot to mention one, mostly because I didn't use it that often and it was my first sex toy I bought.


Purring Thrusting Panther
Waterproof Wall Bangers Dong (Purple)
7 Function Venus butterfly- Strap-on vibrator, Butterfly kiss platinum edition, and the Platinum Jack Rabbit (Silver)

I noticed that some of the products were jelly, like the Panther and the Wall Bangers Dong. If bacteria is left on jelly made products, could it erode or ruin the dildo? I may have been wrong to throw away half of my collection if that's the case. All the advice is very useful and I thank you all for taking the time to help me. : ]
06/29/2012
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Quote:
Originally posted by Anne
I actually did some research on the dildos I had. I forgot to mention one, mostly because I didn't use it that often and it was my first sex toy I bought.


Purring Thrusting Panther
Waterproof Wall Bangers Dong (Purple)
7 ... more
Jelly cannot be sterilized and will absorb whatever it's exposed to — be it bacteria or chemicals. TPR, which is what I believe the Purring Thrusting Panther is made from, is a little more resilient than jelly, but it is also porous and cannot be sterilized like silicone, glass or metal.

With both Jelly and TPR, even if you were to clean them immediately after use, there is a chance that bacteria could still take a hold. If you intend to use toys made from these materials for penetration, the best course of action is to use toy covers or condoms.

Eden has a great Guide To Materials if you need to research some of your other toys.

Silicone toys require a higher initial investment, but I think not having to use condoms, and the ability to sterilize them between uses makes them worth the extra money. My advice is to keep an eye out for sales. EF has seasonal promotions (current one is 20% off, code: FIREWORKS), and there are the Crazy Thursday and Finally Friday promotions every week. Also, Facebook Friends get some insane specials, sometimes up to 70% off.
06/29/2012
Contributor: G&L G&L
Many of the glass toys can just go in the dishwasher, which may be easier for you to keep up with.
07/01/2012
Contributor: ichwillwaffels ichwillwaffels
Quote:
Originally posted by Anne
This may seem a bit embarrassing, but I had to throw away four of my dildos because I did not clean them properly. Instead of cleaning them after each use, I would clean them before I was ready to use them again. I ended up getting a pretty bad ... more
I would recommend silicone cause they are a good material and generally easy to clean. Glass is probably the easiest to clean of all and they can be fun if you choose them carefully.
07/02/2012
Contributor: giftdgecko giftdgecko
We recently got our first glass and it's great, easy to clean and maintain. It's also always firm, sometimes it's hard to apply pressure with some others. Silicone is a great material as well
07/04/2012
Contributor: xgamerx xgamerx
Personally I think glass is a little scary. I'd be afraid of it breaking.
07/06/2012
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Quote:
Originally posted by xgamerx
Personally I think glass is a little scary. I'd be afraid of it breaking.
Have no fear, watch ToyTimeTim's video in the Glass Safety Test thread.
07/06/2012