Levels of Decontamination
The Spaulding Classification system determines the level of decontamination required for medical devices and surfaces based on the risk of infection transmission. It classifies items into three categories:
- Critical Items | Items that enter sterile tissues or the bloodstream, posing a high risk of infection—for example, surgical instruments. These items must be sterilized.
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Semi-critical Items | Items that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin but do not penetrate sterile tissues—such as speculums and scopes. These items must be disinfected, if not sterilized.
By definition, ass play toys are in contact with the mucous membrane of the fist chute.
- Non-critical Items | Items that contact intact skin but not mucous membranes, posing the lowest infection risk—including blood pressure cuffs and bed rails. These items may be washed or sanitized.
Many fisters would place toys within the critical or semi-critical classification; however, for practical reasons, toys are treated as non-critical items. Porosity, material, and play circumstances determine cleaning methodologies used for toys.
Figure 1.1: Sex Toys on the Spaulding Scale
Decontaminating anal insertables at the critical level is ideal but unrealistic and unnecessary for most types of toy play within the fist chute.
Washing
Washing is defined as removing visible dirt, organic material, and debris using water and detergent/soap. In the context of toys, it refers to soap and water applied to remove lube, mucous membrane, or fecal material. Washing is the standard for toy cleaning and is effective at removing visible contaminants.
Many toys cannot be cleaned using other methods. Many manufacturers do not disclose materials within the toy or falsely identify a toy as being made from other materials. To prevent damaging your toy, wash it, allow it to dry in a mold-free location, and then store it away.
Regardless of decontamination method used for cleaning, toys that have been inside the fist chute should not be inserted in the front hole of trans men or the vagina of female fisters.
Figure 1.2: Soap and Water Bath
Scrub a toy in warm, soapy water to remove lube, mucosal membrane, blood, body fluids, and simple bacteria from toys.
Sanitization
Sanitization eliminates most bacteria and protozoal elements on a toy but may leave some viruses or fungi. A 2014 study indicated that HPV can linger on a toy for up to 24 hours, even if sanitized. For this reason, only fluid-bonded partners should share toys during a session.
Sanitization options available for toys include timed exposure to lower concentration cleaning agents (such as 10% bleach solution); boiling for several minutes; or extended exposure (usually 30 minutes or longer) to high levels of dry heat.
Figure 1.3: Leaking from Fluid Bonded Hole
Taking a huge load is one of several methods of fluid bonding. Other methods include shared lube, rim jobs, and spit play.
Fluid Bonded
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Adjective Having exchanged bodily fluids in a sexual situation or relationship via unprotected sexual activity, establishing a physical connection through the exchange of fluids.
Sanitization Methods by Material
The three options available to fisters for sanitizing toys include disinfectant immersion, boiling, or excessive heat (in an oven).
Note that the integrity of a toy affects options for cleaning. A toy with a tear may no longer be suitable for certain methods.
- Disinfectant Immersion
- Platinum Cured Silicone
- Low-grade Silicone
- ABS / Hard Plastic
- Metal
- Glass
- TPR/TPE
- Pseudo-skin
- PVC / Vinyl
- Latex / Rubber
- Boiling
- Platinum Cured Silicone
- Low-grade Silicone
- ABS / Hard Plastic
- Metal
- Glass
- TPR/TPE
- Pseudo-skin
- PVC / Vinyl
- Latex / Rubber
- Excessive Heat
- Platinum Cured Silicone
- Low-grade Silicone
- ABS / Hard Plastic
- Metal
- Glass
- TPR/TPE
- Pseudo-skin
- PVC / Vinyl
- Latex / Rubber
Disinfection
Disinfection kills or inactivates most bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces through the use of highly concentrated chemical disinfectants (e.g., bleach, alcohol).
Many non-silicone toys cannot be exposed to these disinfectant concentrations. Reputable silicone vendors advise toy players to avoid use of these high concentrations when cleaning toys.
Use of these cleaners is allowable on glass and solid stainless steel, but after their use, the toy should be washed with warm soapy water and rinsed prior to insertion.
Disinfection is not a viable option for decontaminating toys.
Sterilization
When playing with non-fluid bonded playmates sterilization is the only viable solution to eliminate all chances of disease transmission. Sterilization, the process of killing all microbial organisms, including spores, involves advanced, expensive equipment such as an autoclave. Autoclaves are impractical due to purchasing cost and energy consumption.
In reality, sterilization is impractical in the context of toy play. All known sexually transmitted organisms and other infectious agents shared by brachioprocol penetration can be killed by sanitization or elapsed time.
Figure 1.5: Autoclave Deterrents
Autoclaves are expensive, energy hogs, clunky, and inappropriate for many toys.
