You can use either. The antibacterial effect will not work unless you allow the product to remain on the toy (or skin) surface for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. Otherwise you may as well be using plain soap and water. What might be a consideration is if you use a dish washing soap that is strong and you don't rinse well enough, then you might get residue on your genitals that could burn, or dry them out. However, dish washing soap is made to be used with your hands exposed to it, so there is nothing it will do to your toys that is harsher than what the hand soap would do.

I don't use antibacterial soap or any other products with the most common antimicrobial which is Triclosan. It is a hormone disruptor and I choose to avoid it. So, since I am also allergic to chlorine, bleach makes me ill - what do I do? I use Vital Oxide (it's different, more effective and has no smell, safe enough to wash your hands in it, plus no issues for me) in a spray bottle and mist everything down and let it dry. For someone who can use bleach, I recommend diluting it yourself in a spray bottle (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and using that, or using the pre-diluted Clorox Anywhere Spray. Or use that 10% solution to soak your toys.


PS, don't use dishwasher detergent while washing toys in the dishwasher - it leaves white marks all over the silicone and can etch the glass- ever see cloudy glassware? that's etching -- basically it's caustic, eats through material & is not good for toys!) less

I have never before had my lubes foam up or heard of anyone else have that happen! Wow, if anyone else has had it happen, please mention it because now I am intrigued!

A dish soap should not leave residue if rinsed well, that's because it's formulated not to, or we would taste the soap when drinking from a glass. I wonder, do you have soft water?

Anyway, if the soap is a problem, I recommend using the free Eden wipes, or a toy cleaner. Then see if you have a problem with those leaving residue.

I have an idea about removing soap residue, first of all finish with a cold rinse because it helps get rid of soap, then you could use a vinegar or lemon water rinse, as the acid helps get rid of the soap, too. I know these from washing hair, so I don't see how it's any different. Oh well, it's worth a shot. Obviously, trying a milder soap is something I figured you'd think of yourself. You know the bath shower gels they make? They are formulated to clean and not leave soap scum, so maybe that would work, too. less

What do you mean by culture study? Do you mean you swabbed them and cultured petri dishes to see what grew? I really would love to know your results, informal as they may be because I am curious which cleaning methods and products you used and what the results were per material!

Also, what materials were the toys made of that were damaged and what damage was it? What cleansers do you think caused said damage? I think people would like to know (okay, I would like to know ) what to beware! less

I would want to know all of this as well. I'm curious as to how "antimicrobial" antimicrobial materials and cleaners are.

To be honest, I was tempted to ask my sister for petri dishes and that gel thing which has a name that I forgot to do some soap effectiveness tests, but didn't get around to it before she changed jobs and no longer had an unlimited supply. I regret it now. : (


And I agree entirely about rinsing! Rinsing is crucial, and I feel like it's the most important part of cleaning. less

@ SincerelyN: You mean agar (with nutrients added, oh like some chicken stock... ) ? (for in the petri dishes?) I bet the name slipped your mind, however I bet the smell never does! Check out my link for the Vital Oxide above. I also have a handheld (and a floor model) steamer that sanitizes everything! And believe it or not, I have a UV-wand that I use for my allergies on bedding, etc. I wave that over stuff if I'm worried, but don't want to accelerate the breakdown of materials - but, between the Vital Oxide and the steam, I am not really concerned.

Did you know you can buy your own supplies to concoct an antibacterial toy treatment solution? Without getting myself in trouble...check the active ingredients, ( or my review of a certain toy cleaner). You will see a quick search of the Net turn up lots of cheap ways to buy your own active ingredient. If you have the science background I suspect, it should be no problem to look up and understand the research on efficacy, so no need to do your own tests, unless you wanted to see how you are doing adhering to your cleaning protocol. less

You can use either. The antibacterial effect will not work unless you allow the product to remain on the toy (or skin) surface for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. Otherwise you may as well be using plain soap and water. What might be a consideration is if you use a dish washing soap that is strong and you don't rinse well enough, then you might get residue on your genitals that could burn, or dry them out. However, dish washing soap is made to be used with your hands exposed to it, so there is nothing it will do to your toys that is harsher than what the hand soap would do.

I don't use antibacterial soap or any other products with the most common antimicrobial which is Triclosan. It is a hormone disruptor and I choose to avoid it. So, since I am also allergic to chlorine, bleach makes me ill - what do I do? I use Vital Oxide (it's different, more effective and has no smell, safe enough to wash your hands in it, plus no issues for me) in a spray bottle and mist everything down and let it dry. For someone who can use bleach, I recommend diluting it yourself in a spray bottle (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and using that, or using the pre-diluted Clorox Anywhere Spray. Or use that 10% solution to soak your toys.


PS, don't use dishwasher detergent while washing toys in the dishwasher - it leaves white marks all over the silicone and can etch the glass- ever see cloudy glassware? that's etching -- basically it's caustic, eats through material & is not good for toys!) less

Those are some really useful cleaners! I think I should look into getting these. Does the steamer affect the cheaper jelly materials? I have several rabbits that are jelly...(I know they are yucky in materials but oh so good feeling) that could use a good steaming if it would not melt them? Thank you in advance for your wise council! less

Those are some really useful cleaners! I think I should look into getting these. Does the steamer affect the cheaper jelly materials? I have several rabbits that are jelly...(I know they are yucky in materials but oh so good feeling) that could use a good steaming if it would not melt them? Thank you in advance for your wise council! less