Sexual health means a wealth of things. Yes, it for sure means getting tested both with and without your partner as a preventative measure for screening, treating, and managing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. However, sexual health is also pleasure. Period. And it’s also practicing safe sex in all the ways, including utilizing products like lube and, per our agenda today, a toy cleaner.
Similarly to when you’re seeking out lubricants to heighten the sexual experience, you also want to make sure that your toy cleaners are safe for the toy itself and your body. In fact, it’s imperative that you clean your toys to keep bacteria away and use condoms on your toys as an added safety measure if you’re sharing your toys in any capacity. This helps to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
If your toys are made of porous materials, you’ll need to take a bit of extra care. Porous materials can range from elastomer (rubber) and jelly rubber to Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which sometimes contains phthalates. When dealing with porous material you risk bacteria worming its ways into the microscopic holes in that type of material.
Let’s check out eight toy cleaners that you can pick up at your own discretion, each one proven to be safe for you and your toys. While these are undoubtedly convenient options, they can also be washed with warm water and a mild soap or even just a damp washcloth in a pinch. (Do, however, be sure to check with a physician as every body is not the same and sensitivities can differ from person to person.)
1. Babeland Toy Cleaner, $18.00
Babeland offers toy cleaners in two sizes: the 6 oz size and the 4 oz size (which retails for $15). Maybe you’re a bargain shopper who can do the math to determine which size gets you more bang for your buck, but I’m here to tell you I cannot do it. I say just go for the bigger size.
2. Lelo Antibacterial Toy Cleaning Spray, $13.90
At a somewhat reasonable price considering the brand, Lelo promises an alcohol- and paraben-free product. They also allow for payment using Sezzle for this product and I can’t deny that I’ll Sezzle just about anything no matter how minor the price.
3. Afterglow Toy Tissues, $23.99
I’m a fan of anything that allows you to roll over and/or clean in a pinch, so pardon my excitement to find out that these toy-cleansing wipes exist. The wipes are antibacterial but also include bergamot essence, an ingredient often used to soothe inflamed skin. Downside: only 20 wipes come in a pack, so keep this in mind.
4. Wicked Anti-Bacterial Foaming Toy Cleaner, $17.99
Not only do you get quality, but you also get the quantity with the Wicked Foaming Toy Cleanser. And, if you’re anything like me the foam gives you a false sense of extra cleanliness. However, my favorite part is that this particular toy cleaner is safe for all materials. Not to mention, the product is vegan-friendly.
5. UVee Home Play UV Cleaner, $287.99
If you’re a tech lover, then you’ll need to get on this right away. There’s nothing more satisfying (I imagine) than rolling over after you’ve finished getting off and throwing your toy in a glowing box, rather than having to get up and tend to it. If you’re on a budget, we may very well wish to see if this is a Black Friday find come fall.
The device, according to the company’s website, kills 99.9% of bacteria within 10 minutes and also offers storage space, so I’m thinking it might actually be worth the money.
6. Maude No. 0, $10.00
Though there’s only 1 oz to work with, I’ve heard nothing but good things about this brand. The plus side to the small size is that it’s TSA-approved, meaning that this liquid solution can make it through the security check without stopping traffic. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, making the price point well worth it if you ask me.
7. Promescent Before And After Wipes, $14.95
While the other wipes may be a bit expensive, Promescent offers a much cheaper rate for their product and they take an extra dollar off if you decide to subscribe for automatic delivery every 30 days. For the eco-friendly girls, these wipes are made from biodegradable material, they’re flushable, and pH approved.
8. Intimate Earth Green Toy Cleaner, $11.92
Unlike the other sex toy cleaners listed here, this foaming spray is made of natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and the company's “trademarked natural ingredient” guava bark. No alcohol or triclosan (an antibacterial material) have been added, as the company claims that studies show that the ingredient changes hormone regulation. Additionally, it’s rather large in size, making it one of the best bargains on this list.
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Motor City native, Atlanta living. Sagittarius. Writer. Sexpert. Into all things magical, mystical, and unknown. I'll try anything at least once but you knew that the moment I revealed that I was a Sag.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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