If you're a fan of adult toy parties and regularly use the products that are sold at them, then you need to know how to take care of them properly. Using a sex toy improperly - and not cleaning it the right way - can cause illnesses, infections and other undesirable consequences. Since these products are meant to bring sexual fulfilment and pleasure, using them in a way that causes health risks completely ruins the experience. Maintaining the sex toys you buy or receive at a lingerie party is easy; some basic, common sense tips can be found below.

Before Use

Before using your sex toy for the first time, inspect it carefully for imperfections or rough seams that could hurt you or your partner. Double check that there are no tears, chips or cracks as well, and always use fresh, new batteries in them if required.

To ensure that your adult sex toys aren't inadvertently damaged - and to make sure that you and your partner are unharmed - always use an appropriate lubricant (note: silicone lubricant should never be used with silicone toys). As a general rule, water based lubricants are the best because they are safe with any type of sex toy. Check with the instructions that came with your specific product to find out what other types of lubricant you can safely use.

Cleaning Your Sex Toy

Hygiene is terribly important when it comes to using sex toys. Remember that you need to clean it after every time you use it; you also need to sanitise it if you use it for different applications in one session - i.e., oral to vaginal. Otherwise, germs can cause infections and other very unpleasant problems. Different cleaning techniques are necessary for different types of sex toys; if you're unsure what material yours is made out of, stick with mild soap and warm water.

Plastic/Glass/Acrylic - Use warm water and antibacterial hand soap, then rinse the soap thoroughly off. Sterilise with alcohol-soaked cotton pads.

Silicone - These are the easiest to clean, and can either be boiled for a couple of minutes or cleaned with a good antibacterial cleaner. Let them air dry, or use a lint-free cloth.

"Realistics" - This synthetic material is used in many different sex toys; if you're unsure, check the packaging that yours came in to find out. Use warm water and antibacterial soap, then let it air dry. Sprinkle cornstarch on to maintain its composition, but never use baby powder.

Jelly And Rubber/Latex - The extremely porous nature of this material means that you must be very diligent about rinsing all traces of soap from off of them. You can use warm water and antibacterial hand soap for best results, then let it air dry.