The Complete Guide to Cleaning and Storing Your Sex Toys
Your sex toys deserve the same care you give any other personal item — because they're going somewhere intimate, and keeping them clean protects your health. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning, drying, and storing your toys properly.
Why Cleaning Matters
Sex toys carry bacteria, fungi, and viruses on their surfaces — even from your own body. If you use a toy in multiple areas (vaginal then anal play, for example), improper cleaning can transfer bacteria between zones. And if toys are shared between partners, proper cleaning prevents STI transmission. Beyond health concerns, clean toys simply feel better and last longer.
Material Matters: What to Clean With
Silicone (non-porous, body-safe): Wash with warm water and fragrance-free soap, or use a dedicated toy cleaner. Silicone can also be boiled for 3–5 minutes or placed on the top rack of a dishwasher for full sanitization between users.
ABS plastic / hard plastic: Same as silicone — warm water, soap, or toy cleaner. Can be wiped down with isopropyl alcohol for extra sanitization.
Glass: The easiest material to clean. Dishwasher-safe (top rack), boilable, or simply wash with soap and water. Glass is non-porous and fully sanitizable.
Metal: Boilable, dishwasher-safe, or wash with soap and water. Metal toys can also be used with any lubricant without material compatibility concerns.
TPR / TPE (jelly-like rubber): Porous material — wash with warm water and soap but know it cannot be fully sanitized. Best used with a condom. Never boil these toys.
CyberSkin / realistic materials: Porous — use only water-based lubricant, wash with soap and water, and use a condom for shared use. Powder with the includedRenewable powder to maintain texture.
The Cleaning Steps
- Rinse immediately: As soon as you're done, rinse the toy under warm running water to remove the majority of lubricant and bodily fluids.
- Apply cleaner: Use a dedicated toy cleaner or mild fragrance-free soap. Avoid harsh soaps with strong fragrances or antibacterial properties — these can degrade toy materials.
- Scrub gently: Use your fingers or a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage surfaces.
- Rinse thoroughly: Ensure all soap residue is removed — soap buildup can cause irritation.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with a clean lint-free cloth or allow to air dry fully. Never store a damp toy.
Charging and Maintenance
If your toy is rechargeable, make sure the charging port is dry before charging. Never submerge the charging end of a USB rechargeable toy. Wipe the charging connectors with a dry cloth periodically to remove any residue buildup.
Storage Best Practices
- Store each toy in its own pouch or compartment — silicone toys can react with each other if stored in direct contact
- Keep toys away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Remove batteries from battery-operated toys if storing for extended periods
- Keep toys out of reach of children and pets
- Check toys regularly for signs of wear, cracking, or deterioration — replace if material integrity is compromised
When to Replace Your Toy
Replace your toy when: the material shows signs of cracking or flaking, the motor or battery is noticeably degraded, there's a persistent odor despite cleaning, or the toy has been used with multiple partners without proper sanitization between uses.
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