Knowing how to clean sex toys is one of the simplest, most important habits for anyone who enjoys them, because proper care protects your body and makes your favorite pieces last for years. A few minutes of upkeep after each session keeps bacteria, yeast, and residue from building up where you least want them. This guide walks you through cleaning by material, drying, storage, and the questions people ask most.
Why cleaning your toys actually matters
Sex toys touch some of the most sensitive, absorbent tissue on your body, so anything left on the surface can throw off your natural balance or pass infections between partners. Lube residue, natural fluids, and dust all cling to a toy between uses, and porous materials can trap them below the surface where a quick rinse will not reach. Good hygiene is not about being squeamish, it is about respecting your body and the craftsmanship of the handmade pieces you have invested in.
The payoff is real. A well cared for silicone vibrator or glass dildo can stay in rotation for a decade, while a neglected one can degrade, smell, or harbor irritants. Whether you are browsing artisan vibrators or weightier handmade dildos, the cleaning routine starts the moment you bring a new piece home.
Know your material first
Material is everything here, because what is safe for one toy can ruin another. Toys fall into two broad camps: non-porous and porous.
- Non-porous (medical grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic): these do not absorb fluids and are the easiest to sanitize thoroughly.
- Porous (TPE, TPR, jelly, some blended rubbers, leather): these have microscopic openings that hold onto bacteria, so they can be cleaned but never fully sterilized.
Most quality pieces from independent makers are body safe silicone, glass, or steel precisely because they clean up so well. If you are not sure what you own, check the maker’s listing or treat it as porous to be safe.
How to clean sex toys by type
Here is the practical routine. Always start by checking whether your toy is motorized, since that changes how much water it can take.
- Non-motorized silicone, glass, and steel: wash with warm water and a mild, fragrance free soap, scrubbing gently with your hands. These can often be boiled for three minutes or run through the top rack of the dishwasher (no detergent) for a deeper sanitize, as long as there are no electronics.
- Motorized or battery toys: never submerge unless the maker confirms it is fully waterproof. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, keep the charging port and battery compartment dry, and use a dedicated specialty toy cleaner spray for a fast, no rinse refresh.
- Porous materials: wash gently with mild soap and warm water, dry completely, and always pair them with a condom during use to add a barrier and simplify cleanup.
- Leather and bondage gear: wipe down with a damp cloth, use a leather conditioner where appropriate, and never soak. For floggers and impact toys, spot clean the strands and let them air dry flat.
Lube, anal toys, and shared play
A few situations deserve extra attention. Silicone lube can break down silicone toys over time, so favor water based lube with silicone pieces or do a small patch test first. Anything used anally needs a thorough clean before it touches other areas of the body or a partner, since gut bacteria do not belong elsewhere.
For anal toys and plugs, choose non-porous materials with a flared base so they are both safe and easy to sanitize completely. When you share toys between partners, either sterilize non-porous pieces fully between people or use a fresh condom on each toy. The same care applies to larger setups like sex machines, where the attachment that makes contact should be cleaned just like any standalone toy.
Drying and storage that keeps toys fresh
Cleaning is only half the job. Moisture left behind invites mildew and can corrode electronics, so dry every toy completely with a lint free towel and let it finish air drying before it goes away.
- Store toys separately, since some materials react with each other and can leave sticky marks or discoloration.
- Use the pouch your maker provided, or a breathable cotton or satin bag rather than a sealed plastic bag.
- Keep pieces in a cool, dry, dark spot away from heat and direct sun.
- Remove batteries from anything you will not use for a while to prevent leaks.
A thoughtful storage setup also keeps larger gear, like pieces from the sex furniture collection, wiped down and ready between sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean sex toys after each use?
The best way to clean sex toys for everyday use is warm water and a mild, unscented soap, followed by a complete dry. For non-motorized silicone, glass, or steel you can go further and boil or sanitize them when you want a deeper clean, while motorized toys should only be wiped down so the electronics stay dry.
Can I use regular soap or do I need a special sex toy cleaner?
Mild, fragrance free soap and water work well for most toys and is gentle on sensitive skin. A dedicated sex toy cleaner is handy for quick, no rinse cleanups and for motorized pieces you cannot submerge, so many people keep both on hand and reach for whichever fits the moment.
How often should I clean my sex toys?
Clean your sex toys before and after every single use, even if a toy has been sitting unused in storage, since dust and airborne bacteria settle on the surface over time. A quick wipe before play and a proper wash afterward is the rhythm that keeps everything safe and ready.
How do I clean sex toys made of porous materials safely?
Porous toys cannot be fully sterilized, so wash them with mild soap and warm water, dry them thoroughly, and always use a condom during play to add a protective barrier. When in doubt, replace porous toys more often and consider upgrading to body safe silicone, glass, or steel for easier care.
Ready to build a collection that is as easy to care for as it is fun to use? Explore body safe, handmade pieces across the full sex toys selection from independent makers on Spicerack.
