Dildos are one of the oldest and most popular sex toys in the world, and for a good reason - they can be incredibly pleasurable and boost your self-esteem and confidence! But with so many different materials on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. In this article, we're going to explain the different materials used for dildos.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a dildo is the material it is made from. This is because some materials are unsafe for use on the body and can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even infections. That's why it's important to only choose body-safe materials for your dildos, such as silicone, glass, metal, or stone (some of them).
Porosity is an incredibly important factor to consider when selecting a dildo or sex toy. Porous dildos have extremely small pores that can harbor bacteria and fungus, making them unsafe for regular use. Porous sex toys like latex and jelly can’t be cleaned using traditional methods and often need deeper sterilization. When looking for didos, you must consider if they’re nonporous, body-safe, and easy to clean!
Before we describe the different materials used for dildos, we must emphasize the lack of regulations in manufacturing sex toys. There are currently NO government regulations on manufacturing adult sex toys, which means it’s entirely your responsibility to find body-safe sex toys that are safe, clean, and healthy. Reading this article is an excellent first step!
The top materials for dildos
Metal Dildos
A metal dildo is a sex toy made from, you guessed it, metal! They are usually made out of stainless steel but can also be made from aluminum or titanium. Many people enjoy the firm, smooth feeling of metal dildos, as they are often quite different from the softer, squishier feel of dildos made from silicone.
Depending on your preferences, metal dildos can be heated up or cooled down. Heating up a metal dildo can add a new dimension of sensations, as the warmth can help relax the muscles and loosen the body. Cooling a metal dildo down can have a similar effect, as the cold can help numb the area and make it more sensitive.
Another plus of metal dildos is that they are easy to clean. You can simply put them in the dishwasher (without detergent) or boil them. This is great news for those concerned about bacteria, as metal is a nonporous material.
However, there are a few things to remember when using metal dildos. You must use a water-based lubricant, as oil-based lubricants can damage the finish on metal dildos. Metal dildos can be quite heavy, so use them comfortably. And metal dildos can conduct electricity, so don’t use them near any electronics!
Benefits of Metal Dildos:
How to Clean Metal Dildos
Simply wash with soap and water or place in the dishwasher (without detergent). Boiling the toy for a few minutes also works for sterilization.
Lube to Use with Metal Dildos
Water-based lubes are recommended, as oil-based or silicone-based lubes can damage the finish of the toy.
Glass Dildos
Glass dildos are smooth and sleek and can be used for both vaginal and anal penetration. The smoothness of glass makes it a good choice for people who want a friction-free experience. Glass dildos are also nonporous, meaning that they won’t absorb bacteria or bodily fluids. This makes them very easy to clean and disinfect.
Glass dildos can be heated or cooled, adding extra pleasure to your experience. To heat a glass dildo, place it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. To cool it down, put it in the fridge for a bit or run it under cold water. Be careful not to put it in the freezer, as this could damage the dildo.
Glass dildos are also very strong and durable, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking inside the body. However, it is important to check the dildo for any cracks or chips before using it, as these could cause cuts or scrapes. Glass dildos work best with water-based lubricants for anal and vaginal penetration.
Glass dildos feel amazing because they are smooth and slippery, so they easily glide in and out of the body. The firmness of the glass means it can provide some intense stimulation! To clean a glass dildo, use soap and water or a sex toy cleaner. You can also put it in the dishwasher, but it’s important to use a gentle cycle and put it in a protective bag first.
Benefits of Glass Dildos:
How to Clean Glass Dildos
Clean with soap and water or a sex toy cleaner. You can also place it in the dishwasher using a gentle cycle. For extra protection, put it in a protective bag.
Lube to Use with Glass Dildos
Water-based lubes work well for both vaginal and anal penetration, enhancing the smoothness of the glass.
Stone Dildos
As the name suggests, stone dildos are sex toys made from stone, and they've been around for a long time. The most common type of stone used is granite, although some people also use marble or other types of stone. Stone dildos are smooth, hard, and heavy and can be very beautiful. Because they’re smooth and hard, they can provide an intense sensation and stimulation.
Stone dildos are generally safe to use. However, because they’re so hard, you need to be careful not to drop them on your feet or anything else. Also, use plenty of lube, as the hard surface can cause friction. Some stone dildos are incredibly porous, so you must find nonporous and body-safe stone dildos after a thorough evaluation.
Any type of lubricant will work with stone dildos. However, because they’re so hard, you might want to use a thicker lubricant than you would with other materials. This will help reduce friction and make the experience more pleasurable. Stone dildos can be cleaned with soap and water or with a sex toy cleaner. But if your stone dildo is porous, you must boil them for a few minutes to kill the bacteria.
Benefits of Stone Dildos:
How to Clean Stone Dildos
If the dildo is nonporous, it can be cleaned with soap and water or a toy cleaner. For porous stone dildos, boil them for a few minutes to kill any bacteria. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the stone.
Lube to Use with Stone Dildos
Any type of lubricant (water-based, silicone-based, or oil-based) will work, but a thicker lubricant is recommended to reduce friction.
Silicone Dildos
Silicone is one of the most popular materials for dildos, as it is non-porous (meaning it won't harbor bacteria), hypoallergenic, and can be sterilized easily. It's also soft and flexible, making it comfortable to use. Glass and metal dildos are also nonporous and can be sterilized easily, but they are firmer than silicone, so if you prefer a softer material, silicone may be a better choice. Try Biird's Surii if you want a G-Spot dildo with a flexible body.
Since silicone is completely nonporous, it can’t harbor bacteria. That’s why you don’t need to worry about sterilizing or boiling the dildo after use — you can simply clean it with detergent or soap! Silicone dildos, such as Biird’s Namii or Evii clitoral suckers and vibrators, also feel luxurious. The silky soft material feels great against the skin, making it an excellent device to use on other erogenous zones of your body, such as the underarms and thighs.
Benefits of Silicone Dildos:
How to Clean Silicone Dildos
Clean with mild soap and water, or use a sex toy cleaner. You can also boil them for 3–5 minutes to sterilize, or put them in the dishwasher without detergent.
Lube to Use with Silicone Dildos
Only water-based lubes should be used, as silicone-based lubes can degrade the toy’s material over time.
While metal, glass, stone, and silicone are some of the best body-safe materials for dildos, they’re not the only ones. You can also find dildos made of plastic, PVC, wood, rubber, latex, and more. When selecting a dildo, you must ensure it’s body-safe and easy to clean.
