Last night I had a customer in the store very interested in the new jimmyjane Form series we have just started to carry.
I secured the sale and at the register the other girl I was working with offered toy cleaner as an add on sale. I told her and the customer that jimmyjane recommends cleaning their toys with warm soapy water ONLY. They do NOT recommend toy cleaner. She wanted to know why. I told her that I reckoned (logically) that because of the way it's charged (there is a little metal disk on the end of the toy that meets up with the charger)the cleaner might damage or leave residue on the charger jack or toy and would probably eventually cause the toy to charge poorly.
The other sales girl actually argued with me about it in front of the customer. It really pissed me off because it was unprofessional and looked really bad to the customer.
The customer bought the toy without the cleaner and left the store.
Then the other sales girl was telling me how the owner only wants us to recommend the cleaners. Of course she does, it an add on sale that brings us about $10. Sometimes when I add on sales like that, I'm saying. "Ya want fries with that?" It's not cool, it comes off as pushing sales and I don't do that.
BUT!!!!! (and here is where it's best to know these things before you shop or open you mouth and insert your foot to a customer) This girl HAS NO IDEA WHAT MAKES THE CLEANER WORK!!
But I do! So, I'm going to tell you.........
In toy cleaners my store carries, you will find these ingredients and I will explain what they do.....
C-14-16 Olephin Sulfonate: Cleanser, foamer, will leave a build up (go figure) Rumor has it this causes cancer but my research does not concur. It's actually quite mild.
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: Cleanser, very mild, unlike sulfates, the molocules are too large to penetrate skin which would cause irritation.
Cocomidopropyl Betaine: Antispeptic....this is what makes toy cleaners "antibacterial" Similar to Triclosan which is used in soaps like Dial, it kills fungus, viruses and bacteria but does not irritate skin.
Hydrolized Oat Protein: conditioner and emulsifier. Emulsifiers hold ingredients together, thickens the product and keep them from separating.
Sodium PCA: Conditioner
Glycerin: common in detergents and soaps and lubes. A natural moisturizer for skin.
Corn Glycerides: Solubilizing agent. Ya all know what soluble means, right? It's 8th grade Science people.
Panthenol: Pro Vitimin B, aka, moiturizer.
Methyl and Propylparaben: Preservatives
Cirtic Acid: Buffer for PH balance.
There now you know what all that stuff is supposed to do for your toys. There is nothing in it that is any better than regular mild soap and warm water. You do not NEED toy cleaner if you wash your toys carefully. One thing it is good for are toys that cannot be washed because they are not water proof or resistant. Corded Bullets and some slim vibes fall into that catagory.
Most people also think you do not need to rinse or wipe away toy cleaner and you should. Think about it like this....you wouldnt leave soap on your dishes would you?
For something like a corded bullet you want to spray the cleaner on a cloth and wipe it, then wipe it again with a cloth dampened with plain water.
Here are some other things to follow for maintaining expensive (and not so expensive) toys....
Regularly inspect your toy for flaws, including rough seams (you may be able to file down very small seams with a fingernail file), discoloration (which may be an expected part of the manufacturing process or indicate extreme temperature exposure), tears in softer materials such as jelly and realistic materials.
Check for cracks or chips in acrylic, glass, and plastic toys or plastic pieces of toys (battery packs, handles, etc.).
Never store toys with battery packs. Bigger batteries such as AA and AAA aren't so bad, but those little watch batteries can explode very easily and destoy your toys and anything else they touch.
Use the right lube!
Water-based lubricant may be used with any sex toy.
While silicone lubricants are perfect for use with a partner, a silicone lubricant should never be used with silicone toys, nor should it be used on any realistic material (Cyberskin, Futurotic, NeoSkin, Fauxskin, Soft Touch, UltraSkin or PleasureSkin).
Never use an oil-based lube or petroleum jelly on any toy that will come into contact with or be inserted into the vagina (may increase risk of vaginal infections), or with anything made of rubber/latex, including latex condoms (will disintegrate latex).
If you share your sex toys with a partner, or want to switch between anal and vaginal use, even on yourself, you must thoroughly clean the toy to avoid infection, and to avoid introducing bacteria into the vagina. Condoms are a quick and easy way to keep toys clean in this situation.
Silicone: Hypoallergenic and easiest to maintain, silicone dildos and non-battery-operated toys may be boiled for two to three minutes, or washed with soap and water. NEVER boil silicone sex toys with electrical components. Let them air dry completely or dry with a lint-free cloth before storing.

Plastic/Acrylic/Glass: All can be washed with warm water and anti-bacterial hand soap and sterilized using an alcohol-soaked cotton ball (rinse thoroughly afterward); acrylic and glass toys may be boiled or submerged in hot water if they're not battery-operated.
Rubber/Latex and Jelly: These products are extremely porous, so be sure to wash them thoroughly with warm water and anti-bacterial hand soap, and rinse so that no trace of soap is left, as it can degrade the material and cause irritation to you. Again, while it's a good idea to use a condom with any insertable toys, it's an especially good idea with these materials.
Realistics: (if you're unsure of the type of material, check the packaging or product page), and this type of material is widely used for erection rings and masturbation sleeves, as well as vibrators and dildos. Thoroughly wash with warm (never hot) water and a liquid antibacterial soap, then let air dry completely. Once dry, sprinkle with the included "renewing" powder or cornstarch. Never use talcum powder or baby powder, as these can cause irritation and sometimes larger problems for women (pure talc is fine but very difficult to find).
Metal toys should be made of surgical or stainless steel only and can be cleaned in any manner.
There you go!!! And if you don't want to spend that extra ten buck on toy cleaner, you now know you don't really have to.