How to Clean and Care for Your Sex Toys: The Complete Guide

Proper cleaning isn't just about hygiene—it's about health. Bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens can thrive on improperly cleaned toys, leading to infections, irritation, and potential health issues. This guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning, sanitizing, and storing your toys to keep them safe and long-lasting.

Different materials require different care. We'll break down cleaning methods by material type so you know exactly how to care for each toy in your collection. When in doubt, always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for your specific product.

Why Cleaning Matters

Sex toys come into contact with bodily fluids, lubricants, and sensitive mucous membranes. Without proper cleaning:

• Bacteria can multiply and cause infections (UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections)
• Residue from previous use can irritate sensitive tissue
• Lubricant buildup can degrade some materials over time
• Sharing toys between partners can transmit STIs
• Toys may develop odors or discoloration

The good news: proper cleaning is straightforward once you understand your materials.

When to Clean

Before Every Use

Even if you cleaned after last use, dust and debris can accumulate during storage. A quick rinse or wipe-down before use ensures you're starting fresh.

After Every Use

This is the critical cleaning. Remove all bodily fluids and lubricant promptly—don't let residue dry on the toy.

When Sharing

If sharing toys between partners or between different body parts (vaginal to anal or vice versa), clean thoroughly or use a condom on the toy between uses.

After Long Storage

If a toy has been stored for months, give it a thorough wash before use, even if it was clean when stored.

Understanding Materials: Non-Porous vs. Porous

The most important distinction in toy cleaning is whether the material is porous (has microscopic holes that can harbor bacteria) or non-porous (smooth surface that can be fully sanitized).

Non-Porous Materials (Body-Safe)

These can be fully sanitized and are safest for your body:

• Medical-grade silicone
• Borosilicate glass
• Stainless steel
• Ceramic (glazed)
• ABS plastic (hard plastic)

For more on body-safe materials, see our materials guide.

Porous Materials (Use with Caution)

These cannot be fully sanitized—bacteria can live in their microscopic pores:

• TPE/TPR (thermoplastic elastomer/rubber)
• PVC/vinyl
• Jelly rubber
• Latex
• Realistic "cyberskin" or "UR3" materials

If you use porous toys, consider covering them with a condom and replacing them periodically, as they can never be fully sanitized.

Cleaning by Material Type

Silicone

Medical-grade silicone is one of the easiest materials to clean and sanitize.

Basic cleaning:

• Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue
• Air dry or pat dry with a lint-free cloth

Deep sanitization (non-motorized silicone only):

• Boil in water for 3-5 minutes
• Run through dishwasher (top rack, no detergent)
• Soak in 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly

For silicone vibrators:

• Never boil or dishwash motorized toys
• Use soap and water or toy cleaner
• If waterproof, you can submerge briefly; if splash-proof only, wipe carefully without submerging
• Pay attention to seams and charging ports

Important: Don't use silicone-based lubricant with silicone toys—it can degrade the material. Use water-based lubricant instead.

Glass

Borosilicate glass (like Pyrex) is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and extremely easy to clean.

Basic cleaning:

• Wash with warm water and soap
• Or wipe with antibacterial toy cleaner

Deep sanitization:

• Boil for 3-5 minutes
• Run through dishwasher
• Soak in bleach solution

Caution: Inspect glass toys before each use for chips or cracks. Any damage means the toy should be discarded.

Stainless Steel

Surgical-grade stainless steel is virtually indestructible and easy to sanitize.

Basic cleaning:

• Wash with soap and water
• Or wipe with toy cleaner

Deep sanitization:

• Boil for 3-5 minutes
• Run through dishwasher
• Soak in bleach solution

Steel can also be cooled (refrigerator) or warmed (warm water) for temperature play.

ABS Plastic

Hard plastic is non-porous but cannot withstand high heat.

Cleaning:

• Wash with soap and warm (not hot) water
• Or use toy cleaner spray
• Do not boil or dishwash—heat can warp or damage plastic

TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber)

These soft, flexible materials are porous and require extra care.

Cleaning:

• Wash with warm water and mild soap immediately after use
• Dry thoroughly—moisture trapped in pores can encourage bacterial growth
• Apply cornstarch (not talcum powder) to maintain texture if the toy becomes tacky

Limitations:

• Cannot be fully sanitized—use with a condom if sharing
• Replace periodically, as bacteria can build up over time
• Don't store touching other toys, especially silicone

Leather

Leather toys (restraints, paddles, harnesses) require different care.

Cleaning:

• Wipe surface with damp cloth
• Use leather cleaner for deeper cleaning
• Condition with leather conditioner to prevent cracking
• Never soak or submerge in water

Leather is porous and cannot be fully sanitized—don't share leather items that contact bodily fluids directly.

What to Clean With

Soap and Water

The most reliable method for most toys. Use:

• Mild, unscented soap (fragrance can irritate)
• Warm (not hot) water
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue

Avoid antibacterial soaps, which may leave residue and aren't necessary for adequate cleaning.

Toy Cleaners

Commercial toy cleaners are convenient but not essential. They're useful for:

• Quick cleaning when water isn't available
• Travel
• Touch-ups before use

Look for cleaners that are fragrance-free, alcohol-free (or low-alcohol), and compatible with your toy's material. Most come as sprays—spray on, let sit briefly, wipe off with a clean cloth.

Bleach Solution

For deep sanitization of non-porous, non-motorized toys:

• Mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
• Soak toy for 10 minutes
• Rinse extremely thoroughly
• Air dry completely

Only use on silicone, glass, steel, or hard plastic. Never use on porous materials, leather, or motorized toys.

What NOT to Use

• Hand sanitizer (too harsh, leaves residue)
• Alcohol wipes (can damage some materials)
• Harsh household cleaners
• Anything with fragrance
• Acetone or nail polish remover

Cleaning Vibrators and Motorized Toys

Electronics require special care. The key question: is it waterproof or splash-proof?

Waterproof Vibrators

Truly waterproof toys (check product specifications) can be:

• Rinsed under running water
• Submerged briefly for cleaning
• Cleaned with soap and water normally

Still avoid submerging charging ports if possible. Pat dry thoroughly, especially around seams and buttons.

Splash-Proof/Water-Resistant Vibrators

Many vibrators are splash-proof but not fully submersible. For these:

• Wipe with a damp cloth rather than rinsing
• Use toy cleaner spray
• Be careful around control buttons and charging ports
• Never submerge

Battery-Operated Toys

• Remove batteries before cleaning
• Clean the toy body as appropriate for its material
• Ensure battery compartment stays dry
• Remove batteries during storage to prevent corrosion

Proper Storage

How you store toys affects their longevity and hygiene.

Storage Guidelines

• Separate storage: Store each toy in its own bag or container. Many toys come with storage pouches—use them.
• Breathable materials: Use cloth bags, not plastic bags (which can trap moisture)
• Cool, dry place: Avoid humid environments or direct sunlight
• Keep toys apart: Some materials can react with each other, causing degradation
• Remove batteries: Take batteries out of toys during extended storage

What to Avoid

• Don't store toys touching each other (especially different materials)
• Don't leave toys in plastic bags or airtight containers (moisture buildup)
• Don't store near heat sources or in direct sunlight
• Don't keep in bathroom drawers (humidity)

Maintaining Your Toys

Regular Inspection

Before each use, check your toys for:

• Cracks or chips (especially glass)
• Tears or damage in silicone
• Sticky or degraded surfaces
• Unusual odors
• Motor issues (weak vibration, strange sounds)

If a toy shows signs of damage or degradation, replace it.

Battery and Charging Care

• Charge fully before first use (for rechargeable toys)
• Don't leave charging for extended periods after full charge
• Store with partial charge (not empty, not 100%)
• Charge periodically during long storage to maintain battery health

Lubricant Compatibility

• Silicone toys: Use water-based lubricant only (silicone lube can damage silicone toys)
• Glass and steel: Any lubricant type works
• ABS plastic: Water-based recommended
• TPE/TPR: Water-based only

See our lubricant guide for more details.

When to Replace Toys

No toy lasts forever. Replace when you notice:

• Cracks, chips, or tears
• Surface degradation (tackiness, discoloration, peeling)
• Persistent odor despite cleaning
• Motor problems that affect performance
• Battery that no longer holds charge

Porous toys should be replaced more frequently than non-porous ones, as bacteria can build up in the material over time.

Quick Reference Cleaning Chart

Material	Basic Clean	Deep Sanitize	Notes
Silicone (non-motorized)	Soap & water	Boil, dishwasher, bleach solution	Use water-based lube only
Silicone (motorized)	Soap & water or toy cleaner	N/A (don't boil)	Check waterproof rating
Glass	Soap & water	Boil, dishwasher, bleach	Inspect for chips
Stainless steel	Soap & water	Boil, dishwasher, bleach	Any lube okay
ABS plastic	Soap & warm water	Toy cleaner (no heat)	Heat can warp
TPE/TPR	Soap & water, dry well	Cannot fully sanitize	Use with condom if sharing