Ran a dildo through the dryer; throw out?

November 21, 2011 5:39 PM

I ran it through the dryer... sex toy edition.

So I managed to run a silicone dildo through the washer and dryer, dryer on perm press, full cycle. Is it now off-the-table for sexy times?

No visible damage, no meltiness, no burnt smell or anything like that. Looks and feels intact.

Thanks!

posted by anonymous to Human Relations (9 answers total)

If it's truly silicone, and not a vibrator (has no electronic or non-silicone plastic parts), it's probably okay. People bake with silicone, after all. Granted, it might not be the same formulation of silicone as used in bakeware or kitchen utensils, but in absence of any documentation that says to not expose it to a temperature over 200-some degrees, I'd not worry about it.
posted by WasabiFlux at 5:45 PM on November 21, 2011

It's entirely silicone? They make baking pans and potholders out of that, it's probably fine if you can't see or smell any damage.
posted by dilettante at 5:46 PM on November 21, 2011

Maximum drum temperature on most electric dryers is somewhere in the range 165-185F (permanent press is generally at the lower end) IE: well below the boiling point of water. Silicone toys can be boiled in water to sterilize them. So if your toy physically looks ok it should be fine.

PS: not all silicone is the same; you've got to be careful generalizing properties across the many different materials grouped under the generic description silicone.
posted by Mitheral at 5:52 PM on November 21, 2011

If it is medical silicone like good toys ought to be, you're totally cool. I might wash it just in case.
posted by Blasdelb at 5:58 PM on November 21, 2011

You can also use a condom with it if you're unsure about it being safe.
posted by luckynerd at 7:14 PM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]

If your toy is a single piece of silicone with no seems or holes you are perfectly fine. If it does have those things it is still probably fine but the heat could have gotten to a core made of different material. But, honestly, I can't think of a toy that is like that that isn't cheap and in need of an upgrade.
posted by munchingzombie at 7:55 PM on November 21, 2011

One of the advantages of having a silicone toy is that you can sterilize them in boiling water. It should be fine. You can check with the manufacturer )if you know it) to be sure. Babeland has an article.
posted by annsunny at 8:12 PM on November 21, 2011

Forget this happened. Don't use silicone lube. Check your pockets next time.
posted by desjardins at 8:35 PM on November 21, 2011 [4 favorites]

Sex toy store worker here ... check the manufacturer's website to insure the toy is 100% silicone. If so, inspect the toy for any damage. If there is no damage, you can go back to using it. If there is damage, but it is small and doesn't affect the integrity of the toy, just use a condom over it.

Silicone, depending upon the grade (quality) should be able to withstand hot water and dryer temps.
posted by kuppajava at 2:30 PM on November 23, 2011