Silicone products, be it beauty tools, cleansing devices or sex toys are just more hygienic for our skin and lady bits, than other materials. It is almost impossible for bacteria to grow on silicone due to its non-porous surface and natural antimicrobial properties. This prevents you from putting unwanted bacteria onto your skin, unlike nylon bristles or other materials that grow bacteria after the first use.

Silicone-based beauty tools are gentle on the skin, unlike materials like plastic or metal that can be abrasive and cause micro-lacerations. Silicone is non-abrasive and won’t damage the skin, and is a more environmentally friendly material compared to others. Silicone also won’t grow bacteria or degrade over time like plastic does, which means you can use it for much longer without having to replace it. And unlike plastics, silicone is non-toxic to aquatic or soil organisms, and it does not leech any harmful chemicals back into the environment. Silicone can also be recycled after a lifetime of use, and if incinerated in a landfill, it will convert back into harmless ingredients, like amorphous silica, carbon dioxide, and water vapour.

The How To

Because of its hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties, silicone devices are very low maintenance when it comes to having to clean them. The best way to clean a silicone facial washing device is with soap and warm water once every one to two weeks if you are using it consistently. Any standard soap will do, just make sure you thoroughly rinse off all soap residue before drying by patting it with a lint-free towel.

To clean a silicone vibrator, you essentially want to clean it in the same way as a silicone beauty tool, but much more frequently. You need to clean your silicone toys before and after each use. Simply hand wash your silicone sex toy in warm water with antibacterial soap or any device cleaner. Rinse, dry, and store away from other silicone devices.

If you live in an area that has hard water, you might notice a powdery white substance on your brush. That’s caused by a build up of minerals and is not dangerous. However, to remove the residue, simply soak the silicone pieces in distilled white vinegar for about 30 minutes. 

What Not To Do

If you have a silicone based face cleansing device, be sure to avoid using oil and clay-based cleansers, or cleansers with granular exfoliants as they may damage the silicone. Also be sure to avoid using any cleaning products that contain alcohol or acetone, as it can damage the silicone and irritate the skin.

When it comes to cleaning your silicone sex toys, you need to first figure out your device’s resistance to water. Some silicone sex toys are waterproof, while others are only water resistant. It is also important to store your device away from other silicone devices, and dry it down completely. Bear in mind that scented soaps or household cleaners can break down the silicone and should be avoided.

Bottom line, don’t be gross, you need to give your silicone tools a good clean after use. Just because something is antimicrobial doesn’t mean it’s completely immune to bacterial colonization. To prevent breakouts and keep your tools working at their full potential, keep them clean.

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