A Guide to Cleaning & Maintaining Sex Toys

Using sex toys can be a fantastic way to explore pleasure, but with great pleasure comes great responsibility. Proper cleaning and maintenance are not just about keeping your toys looking good; they are crucial for your health and the longevity of your favorite items. Neglecting this step can lead to the buildup of bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens, which can cause infections and skin irritation.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your sex toys clean, safe, and ready for action. We’ll cover the best cleaning methods for different materials, what products to use (and which to avoid), and how to store your collection properly. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to care for your toys, ensuring they provide pleasure for years to come.

Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Is Non-Negotiable

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Your body is a finely tuned ecosystem, and introducing foreign objects can disrupt its balance. Sex toys come into contact with some of the most sensitive and intimate parts of your body, which are also home to delicate mucous membranes.

Here’s why a consistent cleaning routine is so important:

• Preventing Infections: Uncleaned toys can harbor harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. When you reuse a toy without cleaning it, you risk reintroducing these pathogens into your body, which can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• Avoiding STIs: If toys are shared between partners, they can become a vehicle for transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Thorough cleaning after every use is essential to prevent this.
• Maintaining Toy Integrity: Using the wrong cleaning products or methods can degrade the material of your toys. Harsh chemicals can cause silicone to become sticky, jelly toys to break down, and porous materials to become unsafe. Proper care ensures your investment lasts.
• Enhancing Pleasure: A clean toy is a happy toy. Knowing your items are hygienic allows you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience without worry.

Know Your Materials: The First Step to Proper Cleaning

Not all sex toys are created equal. The material your toy is made from will determine the best way to clean it. Using the wrong cleaner can damage the toy, so identifying the material is the most critical step.

Non-Porous Materials: The Easiest to Clean

Non-porous materials have a solid, smooth surface that doesn’t allow bacteria to seep in. This makes them the most hygienic and easiest to clean.

• Silicone: Medical-grade silicone is one of the most popular and body-safe materials. It’s non-porous, hypoallergenic, and feels soft and smooth.
• Glass: Borosilicate glass (like Pyrex) is completely non-porous and can be heated or cooled for temperature play. It’s also very easy to clean.
• Stainless Steel: Like glass, stainless steel is non-porous, durable, and can be used for temperature play. It’s heavy and has a sleek, firm feel.

Porous Materials: Require Extra Care

Porous materials have microscopic holes or pores where bacteria can hide and multiply. These toys are harder to clean thoroughly and are generally considered less body-safe.

• Jelly (PVC): These toys are often squishy and translucent. They can contain phthalates, which are plastic softeners that can be harmful. Jelly toys can degrade over time and become sticky, trapping bacteria.
• Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR): TPR is another common porous material that can feel similar to silicone but is less durable and can harbor bacteria.
• Cyberskin: This material is designed to feel like real skin but is highly porous and difficult to sanitize completely.

If you’re unsure about your toy’s material, check the manufacturer’s website. If you can’t find the information, a simple test is to try to boil it. Silicone, glass, and metal can be boiled; porous materials like jelly and TPR will melt or become damaged.

How to Clean Your Sex Toys: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now for the main event. Follow these steps to ensure your toys are sparkling clean and safe for your next session.

Method 1: Soap and Water (For Most Toys)

This is the go-to method for almost all sex toys, especially those made of silicone, glass, and stainless steel.

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need warm water and a mild, unscented, antibacterial soap. Avoid soaps with heavy fragrances, oils, or harsh chemicals, as they can irritate your skin and damage your toys. A simple liquid soap like a basic hand soap or even dish soap can work in a pinch, but a dedicated toy cleaner is often best.
2. Rinse Immediately: If possible, rinse your toy with warm water right after use. This prevents any bodily fluids or lubricants from drying on the surface.
3. Lather Up: Apply a generous amount of soap to the toy and use your hands to wash the entire surface thoroughly. Pay attention to any crevices, ridges, or openings. For intricate toys, a soft-bristled toothbrush dedicated solely to toy cleaning can be helpful.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Hold the toy under running warm water until all the soap is gone. Soap residue can cause irritation, so make sure it’s completely rinsed off.
5. Dry Completely: Pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Air drying on a clean surface is also a great option. Make sure the toy is 100% dry before storing it, as moisture can encourage bacteria growth.

Method 2: Boiling (For Silicone, Glass, and Metal)

Boiling is a fantastic way to sterilize non-porous toys, killing virtually all germs. This method is perfect for a deep clean every once in a while.

1. Check the Material: Only boil toys made of 100% medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, or stainless steel. Do NOT boil toys with electronic components or porous materials.
2. Prepare the Pot: Fill a pot with enough water to fully submerge the toy. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Boil for 3-5 Minutes: Carefully place the toy in the boiling water. Let it boil for about 3-5 minutes. Avoid letting the toy touch the bottom of the hot pot for too long, as this can cause damage even to silicone. You can place it in a metal strainer and lower it into the water.
4. Remove and Dry: Use tongs to carefully remove the toy from the pot. Place it on a clean towel or drying rack to cool down and air dry completely.

Method 3: Dedicated Toy Cleaners

For convenience and peace of mind, many people opt for a specially formulated sex toy cleaner.

1. Choose the Right Cleaner: Toy cleaners are designed to be effective against germs while being gentle on both your body and the toy’s material. Look for alcohol-free and glycerin-free formulas.
2. Spray and Wait: Spray the cleaner liberally over the entire surface of the toy. Let it sit for the amount of time specified on the bottle, usually 30-60 seconds.
3. Wipe or Rinse: Some cleaners are “no-rinse,” meaning you can just wipe them off with a clean cloth. Others recommend rinsing with water after use. Check the instructions on the bottle.
4. Dry Thoroughly: As always, ensure the toy is completely dry before storing it.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Toys

Some toys require a little extra attention during the cleaning process.

Toys with Electronic Components

Vibrators and other electronic toys cannot be submerged in water or boiled unless they are explicitly labeled as 100% waterproof.

• Waterproof Toys: If your toy is fully waterproof, you can wash it using the soap and water method. Just be sure to close any charging ports tightly.
• Water-Resistant Toys: For toys that are only water-resistant or splash-proof, you’ll need to be more careful. Use a damp cloth with soap or a toy cleaner to wipe down the surface. Avoid getting water near charging ports, buttons, or seams where water could seep in and damage the electronics.

Butt Plugs and Anal Toys

Anal toys require the most stringent cleaning because the anus contains a higher concentration of bacteria, including E. coli.

• Clean Immediately and Thoroughly: Wash anal toys with hot water and antibacterial soap immediately after every use.
• Consider Sterilizing: If the material allows, boiling is an excellent way to ensure anal toys are fully sanitized.
• Never Share or Switch: Never use an anal toy vaginally without first cleaning and sterilizing it. It’s best practice to have separate toys for anal and vaginal use to prevent the transfer of bacteria. Using a condom over the toy can also add a layer of safety.

How to Properly Store Your Sex Toys

Cleaning is only half the battle. Proper storage is just as important for maintaining your toys’ hygiene and longevity.

• Store Them Separately: Different materials can react with each other. For example, storing a jelly toy next to a silicone one can cause the silicone to “melt” or become permanently tacky. Keep toys in separate containers or bags.
• Use Breathable Bags: Fabric bags made of cotton, velvet, or silk are ideal for storage. They protect toys from dust and damage while allowing any residual moisture to evaporate. Many toys come with their own storage pouches.
• Avoid Plastic Bags and Containers: Airtight plastic containers can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. If you must use a plastic box, make sure the toys are completely dry and consider leaving the lid slightly ajar.
• Keep Them in a Cool, Dark Place: Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and materials to degrade over time. A drawer, closet, or dedicated storage box is the perfect home for your collection.

What to Avoid: The “Don’ts” of Sex Toy Care

• Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, or hydrogen peroxide. They can break down the material of your toys.
• Don’t put them in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents can damage most toys, especially those with motors.
• Don’t use oil-based lubricants with silicone toys, as they can cause the silicone to degrade. Stick to water-based or hybrid lubes.
• Don’t share porous toys. Because they can’t be fully sanitized, they should be for personal use only.

Your Toolkit for A-Plus Toy Maintenance

Building a small kit can make your cleaning routine seamless and effective.

• Gentle Antibacterial Soap: A dedicated toy cleaner or a mild, unscented liquid soap.
• Lint-Free Cloths: For drying your toys without leaving behind any fuzz.
• A Small, Soft Brush: An old toothbrush (used only for toys) can get into all the nooks and crannies.
• Storage Bags: Individual cloth bags for each toy.

Take Pride in Your Pleasure

Caring for your sex toys might seem like a chore, but it’s an essential act of self-care. It’s about respecting your body, protecting your health, and preserving the tools that bring you joy. By integrating these simple cleaning and storage habits into your routine, you ensure that every experience is safe, hygienic, and wonderfully pleasurable. A well-maintained collection is a happy collection, ready to serve you for many years of exploration and fun.