The general rule is to wash your toys before and after each use. Dry them thoroughly and store them in a container or bag that will keep them clean. Some male sleeves need to be dusted with cornstarch after they dry (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).
We are obsessed with bringing only the safest and greatest pleasure-products to your boudoir.
Because there are currently no Australian safety regulations for intimate devices, we have made it our mission to ensure our offerings represent only the highest-grade products, with no hidden nasties.
Intimate toys that are porous contain many microscopic holes which make a cosy home for bacteria, viruses, fungus and other unsavoury beings. Even when “cleaned”, these nasties remain trapped inside the holes of your porous toy. Using a condom with porous toys is often recommended, although research does not prove this is effective. Does it make sense to use a toy filled with contaminants that could cause infections, rashes and other yucky stuff? Of course not. And that’s why The Spicy Boudoir products are all manufactured from high-grade, non-porous materials. Because they have a smooth and impermeable surface, non-porous products can be properly sterilised for safe use.
This material is not porous and is hypo-allergenic. It is also soft and used to create realistic and bendy toys. They are durable, and with proper care, they will last longer than any unsafe jelly toy. Yes, they are more expensive, but they are worth it.
Silicone is commonly used to make sex toys more bendy and realistic. It is more expensive than materials made with dangerous chemicals because it is more durable.
Silicone is the soft, silky side of non-porous materials, although it does range from very soft to very firm depending on how it’s formulated. Silicone holds body temperature well, transfers vibrations without being buzzy, and can be boiled to be sterilized. A good silicone product will last a lifetime with proper use and care. Keep in mind that many companies will claim to use silicone, when their toys are really made out of a mix of elastomer and TPR4. This means they may still be somewhat porous, although far less so than your typical jelly toy. These silicone-like toys are safer than some materials, but still can't be completely sterilized. If you’re not sure if the toy is 100 percent silicone, assume it isn’t.
This sexy material is not only nice to look at but easy to clean since it isn't porous. Just stick it in the dishwasher, in some bleach, or in boiling water.
This material is not porous and is easily warmed to body temperature, which may make it more pleasurable for some. It is also looks appealing to many, and it is easily cleaned with boiling water, bleach or in a dishwasher.
This glass is commonly used in sex toys. (Think Pyrex, one of the most well-known brands.) This material is perfect for a sex toy because it is non-porous, non-toxic and does not change form with high temperatures. This means it can be easily cleaned by being boiled or run through the dishwasher.
Glass is hard, smooth, heavy and often very beautiful. It makes for fantastic products that can be easily cleaned and hold temperature well; you can even dip them in warm or cool water for easy temperature play. (Never extreme hot or cold; this can damage glass and also potentially harm your delicate tissues. Eek!)
ABS is a non-porous hard plastic used by a lot of middle-of-the-road and high-end manufacturers. It’s easy to clean and generally smooth (although some lower quality toys will have seams), but it can be a little buzzy when transferring vibrations.
For those trying to strengthen their PC muscles, a Lucite sex toy is the perfect pick for you. The firm texture makes Kegel exercises easy to practice. Stick it in the dishwasher when you're finished using it.
While this hard-as-a-rock material may not seem ideal for a sex toy, there are some benefits to purchasing this type of toy. The firm texture is ideal for PC muscle strength-building activities such as Kegel exercises. People with a prostate may use this toy for stimulation as well. This toy can be cleaned in boiling water or in the dishwater.
Yes, there are toys made out of wood and stone and have been since the Dark Ages. The Spicy Boudoir is not stocking these items yet but we are researching wood dildos from a company in Europe. If you are interested in this please contact us.
Particularly anything with anal toys needs a flared base so they don’t get lost up your bum (which they can) even if you think “it’s long enough”. It will involve a trip to the hospital if that ends up happening.
It is important that manufacturers start to take into account people living with physical disabilities. Developing products to assist with dexterity, mobility and sight impairment is an area that needs improvement. Australia is leading the way internationally with industrial design of sex toys. Melbourne’s RMIT has a dedicated unit Design and Sexual Health Innovation: http://dashi.rmitidsites.net.au/. The unit is led by Dr Judith Glover, a former blacksmith turned sex toy designer. You can read more about DaSHI on our blog pages.
Be wary of any toys labelled as “Novelty Items”. Sex toys are labelled novelty only to get around international shipping laws for medical devices (which sex toys are considered). This also means the maker doesn’t have to use safe materials. You can run into things like lead or cadmium, which are obviously not good for you. If a person were to use a Novelty sex toy internally or for sexual pleasure, the manufacturer would not be accountable for any adverse reactions that a consumer might have.
An affordable material used to make sex toys feel somewhat realistic. Jellies contain phthalates.
Many manufactures create packaging for sex toys that reads phthalate-free, however, they do not consider all of the materials that are being used in the toy. While sex toys that are made from jelly feel somewhat realistic, jellies contain phthalates. Jelly is commonly used because it is a more affordable material.
This latex material is commonly used to make dildos. It has a pungent odour and often causes allergic reactions. If you buy a rubber sex toy, be sure to use it with a condom because it is porous.
PVC and Vinyl are both cheap materials that contain phthalates. They are commonly used in sex toys to make them soft and more affordable.
PVC and Vinyl are both cheap materials that contain phthalates. They are commonly used in sex toys to make them soft and more affordable.
Other chemicals to look out for include timethytin chloride, phenol, carbon disulphide, toluene, and cadmium. These chemicals may affect the fetus of a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding. They also have harmful effects on the central nervous system.
Avoid toys made of Cyberskin, Elastomer, Fanta Flesh, FauxFlesh, Futorotic, Jelly (or other various spellings), Neoskin, SEBS, Silica Gel, TPE/TPR, TPR-silicone, and UR3. These are either toxic, or porous, or both.
If any product smells bad or you experience a burning sensation when using it, then get rid of it.
Contamination No-No’s
Operator Error
Storage Tips
Friendly Lubes
