You’ve found a toy you love. Now comes the less glamorous (but super important) part: knowing how to clean sex toys properly. Skipping it isn’t just gross. It can lead to irritation, infections, and toys that wear out long before they should.
The good news? Cleaning your toys takes about two minutes once you know what they’re made of. This guide walks you through the right method for every material, what to avoid, and how to store your collection so it stays fresh and ready for next time.
Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters
Every time you use a toy, it picks up body fluids, lube, and bacteria. Leave that on, and you’re giving germs a cozy place to grow. Next time you play, they go right back into your body.
- Prevents infections like UTIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis.
- Stops cross-contamination between anal and vaginal play, or between partners.
- Makes your toys last longer, because leftover lube and residue break down materials over time.
- Keeps things fresh: no weird smells, stickiness, or discoloration.
The golden rule: clean your toy before and after every use. Yes, before too, especially if it’s been sitting in a drawer.
Step 1: Know Your Toy’s Material
How you clean a toy depends almost entirely on what it’s made of. Toy materials fall into two groups:
Non-porous materials (easiest to clean, can be fully sanitized):
- 100% body-safe silicone
- Glass, like our glass dildos
- Stainless steel and other metal toys
- Hard ABS plastic
Porous materials (have tiny holes that can trap bacteria):
- TPE and TPR (common in masturbators and realistic toys)
- Jelly rubber and PVC
- Cyberskin and other “realistic feel” materials
Not sure what your toy is? Check the product page or the packaging. If it feels soft, squishy, and slightly sticky, it’s probably porous.
How to Clean Sex Toys by Material
Silicone Toys (Non-Motorized)
Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Solid silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys without motors can also be boiled for 3–5 minutes to fully sanitize them. Let them cool completely before touching.
Vibrators and Other Motorized Toys
Never boil or submerge a toy with electronics unless it’s fully waterproof. Instead:
- Make sure it’s turned off and the charging port is closed.
- Wipe the surface with warm, soapy water or spray it with toy cleaner.
- Rinse carefully, keeping water away from buttons and ports if it’s only splash-proof.
- Pat dry with a lint-free towel.
This applies to rabbit vibrators, wand massagers, and suction toys. For suction toys, remove the silicone head if possible and rinse it separately, since fluids can collect inside.
Glass and Metal Toys
These are the easiest to care for. Wash with soap and warm water, or boil if there’s no motor. Avoid sudden temperature changes with glass (like cold water on a hot toy), which can cause cracks.
TPE, Jelly, and Realistic Materials
Porous toys need extra care because they can never be 100% sanitized:
- Wash with warm water and a gentle toy cleaner. Skip harsh soap, which can dry out the material.
- For masturbator sleeves, turn them inside out if possible and rinse thoroughly.
- Air-dry completely before storing, since trapped moisture leads to mold.
- A light dusting of renewal powder or cornstarch after drying helps TPE toys stay soft and less sticky.
- Use a condom on porous toys if you share them or switch between anal and vaginal play.
Anal Toys
Anal toys need a thorough clean every time. Never move a toy from anal to vaginal use without washing it first, because this can spread bacteria and cause infections. For bead-style toys, see our detailed guide on how to clean anal beads.
What NOT to Use on Your Toys
- Bleach or harsh chemicals. They damage materials and irritate sensitive skin.
- Alcohol on silicone or TPE. It dries out and degrades the surface.
- Scented soaps and antibacterial hand soap. Residue can cause irritation inside the body.
- The dishwasher. Detergents are harsh, and heat can warp toys.
- Boiling anything with a motor. That’s a quick way to kill your favorite vibrator.
Do You Need a Toy Cleaner?
Mild soap and water works for most toys, but a dedicated toy cleaner makes life easier. It’s formulated to be gentle on materials and skin, rinses clean, and is handy for motorized toys you can’t fully submerge.
Our favorites: the gentle Intimate Earth Lavandula Toy Cleaner Spray, the foaming Wicked Foam ’n Fresh, and Sliquid Shine Organic Toy Cleaner. Shop all sex toy cleaners.
How to Dry and Store Sex Toys
Cleaning is only half the job. How you store your toys matters just as much.
- Dry completely with a lint-free cloth or let the toy air-dry on a clean towel.
- Store toys separately. Some materials react with each other and can melt or discolor when they touch.
- Use a pouch or box. Satin pouches keep out dust and lint.
- Keep them cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Charge rechargeable toys every few months, even if you’re not using them, to protect the battery.
When to Replace a Sex Toy
Even with great care, toys don’t last forever. Replace a toy if you notice:
- Cracks, tears, or a rough, sticky surface
- Discoloration or cloudy spots that won’t wash off
- A smell that remains after cleaning
- Weak or inconsistent vibrations that don’t improve after charging
Good hygiene is a simple part of looking after your sexual health. Pair it with the right lube (read water-based vs silicone lube) and your toys will stay safe and feel great for years.
Quick Cleaning Routine You Can Actually Stick To
Let’s be honest: after a great session, deep-cleaning is the last thing on your mind. Here’s a two-minute routine that covers you every time:
- Rinse right away with warm water so lube and fluids don’t dry on the surface.
- Spray or lather with toy cleaner or mild soap, paying attention to seams, buttons, and textured areas.
- Rinse again until the surface no longer feels slippery.
- Dry and pouch it, then pop it back in its spot.
Traveling? Pack toy-cleaner wipes or a small spray bottle and a pouch for each toy. And if you’re staying somewhere without a private bathroom, a quick wipe-down now and a full wash when you get home is far better than nothing.
Ready to give your collection the care it deserves? Stock up on toy cleaners and keep every toy fresh, safe, and ready to play.
