The Ultimate Sex Toy Cleaning Guide: Keep It Clean, Safe & Sexy

🧼 The Ultimate Sex Toy Cleaning Guide: Keep It Clean, Safe & Sexy

Sex toys are all about pleasure — but to truly enjoy them, keeping them clean and safe is non-negotiable. Whether you're exploring solo play or shared experiences, proper cleaning isn't just about hygiene; it's about respecting your body, your partner, and your investment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to clean different types of adult toys, what to use (and what to avoid), how to store your toys, and tips for long-term care. No shame, no confusion — just real talk about keeping your favorite toys in top shape.

💡 Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters

Let’s get one thing straight: cleaning your sex toys is a must. Here’s why:

• Bacteria & infections: Even a quick play session can leave behind bodily fluids, lube, or bacteria. If left uncleaned, these can lead to infections or irritation.

• Material safety: Some materials (especially porous ones) can harbor bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly.

• Toy longevity: A little care goes a long way in keeping your toys working like new.

Bottom line? A clean toy is a safe toy.

🔍 Know Your Toy’s Material

Before we dive into cleaning steps, let’s talk about what your toy is made of — because not all materials are created equal. The way you clean your toy will depend on whether it's:

Pro Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning advice — especially for anything motorized, app-controlled, or battery-operated.

🧴 Cleaning Basics: What You’ll Need

You don’t need a lab to clean your sex toys — just a few essentials:

• Mild, unscented soap or a toy-safe cleanser

• Warm water

• A soft cloth or microfiber towel

• Antibacterial toy cleaner (optional but recommended)

• Storage bag or container (preferably lint-free and breathable)

Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, or bleach — they can damage your toy or irritate sensitive skin.

🧽 How to Clean Different Sex Toys

Let’s break it down by toy type and use:

💦 Silicone, Glass, or Stainless Steel (Non-Motorized)

These are the easiest to clean — and the most durable.

Step-by-step:

1. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

2. Apply mild soap or toy cleaner, lather well.

3. Rinse again until no residue remains.

4. Dry with a clean towel or air dry completely.

Deep clean option: You can boil pure silicone, stainless steel, or glass toys (without batteries or motors) for 3–5 minutes to sanitize them. Just make sure they’re 100% motor-free and placed in the pot gently to avoid damage.

🔋 Vibrators & App-Controlled Toys (Motorized)

Water and electronics don’t mix — so here’s the safe way to do it:

Step-by-step:

1. Unplug or remove batteries.

2. Dampen a cloth with warm water and mild soap.

3. Wipe the external surface thoroughly.

4. Use a cotton swab for crevices or buttons.

5. Wipe again with a damp cloth to remove any soap.

6. Let air dry before recharging or storing.

Pro Tip: Look for labels like “waterproof” vs. “splash-proof” — they’re not the same. When in doubt, clean with a damp cloth, not direct water.

🍑 Anal Toys

Clean anal toys with extra care — even if you used a condom over them. They need a thorough clean every time.

Steps:

• Wash with warm water and antibacterial soap.

• Consider using a disinfectant toy cleaner.

• Allow to fully dry before storing.

• Don’t share unless it’s made of non-porous material and thoroughly sterilized.

🧴 Toys Used with Lube or Condoms

• Wash after every single use, especially if switching between lubes or partners.

• Silicone lube can degrade silicone toys — clean right after use.

• Oil-based lubes may leave a residue — use mild soap to fully remove.

🧼 Quick Reference: Toy Cleaning Chart

📦 Storage Tips for Clean Toys

You’ve cleaned it — now keep it clean!

🛍️ Do:

• Store in lint-free pouches or toy bags

• Use individual compartments to avoid material damage

• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Consider toy cases with ventilation if you're storing silicone or moist items

🚫 Don’t:

• Toss them all in one drawer (can cause material breakdown)

• Store toys while damp (can grow mold or bacteria)

• Keep silicone toys touching each other — they may degrade over time

♻️ How Often Should You Clean Your Toys?

• After every use — always.

• If it’s been in storage a while, rinse before next use.

• For shared toys, deep clean or use condoms over them for extra protection.

🌿 Natural & Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options

If you want a more natural approach:

• Use unscented castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)

• Diluted vinegar and water mix for non-motorized glass or steel

• Look for organic toy cleaners — just be sure they’re pH balanced

Avoid DIY cleaners with essential oils or harsh citrus — they can be skin irritants.

😬 What NOT to Do When Cleaning Sex Toys

Here’s the quick no-no list:

• ❌ Don’t use regular dish soap with fragrances or additives

• ❌ Don’t boil anything motorized (seriously)

• ❌ Don’t soak porous toys for hours — they won’t fully dry

• ❌ Don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on silicone

• ❌ Don’t share porous toys (unless protected by a condom)

❤️ Bonus: Cleaning Tools to Keep Handy

Consider investing in:

• A toy cleaning spray for quick cleanups

• pH-balanced feminine wipes for external cleaning in a pinch

• UV sanitizers (only for non-motorized, compatible materials)

• Dedicated storage bags (no more linty drawer friends)

🔄 Replacing Old Toys

Even the best sex toys have a shelf life. Replace your toy if:

• The surface feels sticky even after cleaning

• There are cracks, tears, or discoloration

• The motor weakens or stops working

• It’s made of jelly or porous material and has been in rotation a while

Pro tip: When you’re ready to upgrade, check out our Best Sellers Collection or explore our First Timers Collection for fresh, exciting options.

✨ Final Thoughts: Clean Is Sexy

Cleaning your sex toys isn’t just a chore — it’s part of the ritual. It shows care for your body, respect for your playtime, and helps you create a safe, confident space for intimacy and exploration.

Whether you're discovering toys for the first time or expanding your collection, let cleanliness be part of your empowerment journey.

Because at the end of the day? Pleasure thrives where care lives.

🔗 Helpful Links:

• Explore Our Sex Toy Cleaning Collection

• Best Sex Toys for Beginners

• Guide to Choosing the Right Lube

• Solo Play Collection – Just for You