How to Clean Sex Toys: A Simple Guide to Proper Care
You've found a sex toy you love. Now, how exactly are you supposed to clean it?
Can you wash a vibrator with soap and water? Do silicone toys need a special cleaner? And what about those rechargeable toys with charging ports?
The answers depend on what your toy is made from and whether it contains electronic components. Fortunately, most sex toys are easy to care for once you know a few basic rules.
Whether you own a vibrator, dildo, bullet vibrator, or another type of toy, here's what you need to know about keeping it clean and in good condition.
How Often Should You Clean Sex Toys?
Clean your sex toys before their first use and after every use. It's also a good idea to clean them again before use if they've been sitting in storage for a while.
Even toys stored in a drawer or pouch can collect dust and lint. Lubricant and other residue can also build up on the surface if a toy isn't cleaned properly after use.
Regular cleaning helps prevent residue buildup and keeps your toys ready for their next use.
Fortunately, everyday cleaning usually doesn't require anything complicated.
How to Clean Sex Toys With Soap and Water
For many sex toys, mild, unscented soap and warm water are all you need. Just make sure the toy's material and waterproof rating allow it.
Basic Cleaning Steps
- Turn off the toy. If it has a removable battery, take it out when recommended by the manufacturer. Disconnect any charging cables.
- Check the waterproof rating. Only rinse or submerge the toy if the manufacturer says it's safe to do so.
- Wash the surface. Use warm water and mild, unscented soap. Gently clean grooves, textured areas, and other places where residue might collect.
- Rinse thoroughly. If the toy can be rinsed, remove all soap residue with clean water. For toys that can't be rinsed, follow the manufacturer's wiping instructions.
- Dry completely. Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and allow the toy to air-dry before putting it away.
That's generally enough for routine cleaning of compatible, nonporous sex toys.
Avoid harsh household cleaners and abrasive scrubbing tools. They can damage certain materials, finishes, or coatings.
How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys
Silicone is one of the most common materials used for vibrators and dildos. Quality, nonporous silicone is popular because it's flexible, durable, and relatively easy to clean.
For everyday cleaning, use mild, unscented soap and warm water, following the manufacturer's instructions.
However, there's an important difference between a silicone dildo and a silicone vibrator.
- Non-electronic silicone toys: Can generally be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Some solid silicone toys can also be sanitized by boiling, but only when the manufacturer explicitly allows it.
- Silicone vibrators: Have motors, batteries, or other electronic components. Follow their waterproof ratings and cleaning instructions. Never boil an electronic vibrator.
Don't assume every product labeled "silicone" has the same construction. Silicone blends, coatings, and mixed-material toys may need different care.
How to Clean Vibrators and Bullet Vibrators
With vibrators, the biggest concern is keeping water away from components that aren't designed to get wet.
Some rechargeable vibrators are fully waterproof. Others are splash-resistant, meaning they can handle limited moisture but shouldn't be submerged.
If your vibrator is waterproof, wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually with mild soap and warm water.
If it isn't waterproof, use a lightly dampened, soapy cloth to wipe down the exterior, then carefully remove the soap with another clean, damp cloth if the instructions permit.
Pay particular attention to buttons, seams, and textured surfaces. These areas can collect residue, but you don't want water getting into an unsealed charging port or battery compartment.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What's the Difference?
These terms aren't interchangeable, especially when cleaning electronic toys.
- Waterproof: May be designed to tolerate submersion, but only within the limits specified by the manufacturer.
- Water-Resistant: Can typically handle some exposure to moisture, but that doesn't necessarily mean it can be rinsed under running water.
- Splash-Resistant: Designed for limited splashes, not soaking or submersion.
If you can't find the waterproof information, avoid submerging the toy. Check the product manual or contact the manufacturer for cleaning instructions.
How to Clean Glass and Metal Sex Toys
Glass and stainless steel toys are generally straightforward to clean because their nonporous surfaces don't absorb moisture or residue the way porous materials can.
For routine cleaning, wash with mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean cloth.
Some non-electronic glass and stainless steel toys can tolerate additional sanitizing methods, but that doesn't apply to every product.
For example, glass can be damaged by sudden temperature changes, and decorative coatings or attached components may not tolerate high heat.
Only boil or heat-sanitize a toy when its manufacturer specifically recommends that method.
Always inspect glass toys before use. If you notice chips, cracks, or rough edges, it's time to replace the toy.
How to Clean Soft Rubber, Jelly, TPE, and TPR Toys
Not all sex toy materials have the same surface characteristics.
Products made from jelly rubber, TPE, TPR, and certain soft plastics may be porous. These materials can absorb moisture and residue, making them more difficult to clean thoroughly.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some materials should only be cleaned with mild soap and a damp cloth, while others have specific cleaning requirements.
For shoppers who prefer easier maintenance, nonporous materials such as 100% silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, and body-safe glass are generally more straightforward to clean.
If a soft toy develops a sticky surface, changes texture, or becomes difficult to clean, check the manufacturer's care recommendations and consider replacing it.
Do You Need a Special Sex Toy Cleaner?
Not necessarily.
For many sex toys, mild, unscented soap and water are suitable for routine cleaning. A dedicated sex toy cleaner can be convenient, but it isn't always required.
If you're shopping for a toy cleaner, look for a product intended for the material you own and follow its instructions carefully.
Some cleaners need to be rinsed off, while others have different directions. A product labeled as a toy cleaner isn't necessarily suitable for every material or finish.
Also, keep in mind that specialty cleaners don't automatically solve the cleaning challenges associated with porous materials.
Common Sex Toy Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
A few habits can shorten the usable life of your toys or cause unnecessary damage.
1. Submerging a Toy That Isn't Waterproof
Water can damage motors, batteries, and charging components. Check the waterproof rating rather than guessing.
2. Using Harsh Household Cleaning Products
Bleach, abrasive cleaners, and strongly scented products aren't recommended for routine sex toy cleaning unless the manufacturer specifically approves them.
3. Putting Every Silicone Toy in Boiling Water
Some solid, non-electronic silicone toys can handle boiling, but others can't. Never boil toys with electronic components, glued sections, or materials that aren't approved for high temperatures.
4. Putting Toys Away While They're Damp
Moisture trapped inside a storage pouch or container can affect storage conditions. Let toys dry completely before putting them away.
5. Forgetting to Clean Between Uses
Leaving lubricant and residue on a toy can make it harder to clean later. Cleaning after each use helps keep the surface in good condition and makes regular maintenance easier.
How to Store Sex Toys Properly
Once your toys are clean and dry, where you keep them matters.
Tossing everything into the same drawer might seem convenient, but toys can collect dust, lint, and pet hair. Some materials may also react when stored in direct contact with one another.
For better storage:
- Keep toys in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- Use individual storage pouches or containers when possible.
- Avoid storing incompatible toy materials directly against one another.
- Keep charging cables organized and away from moisture.
- Remove replaceable batteries for long-term storage when recommended by the manufacturer.
You don't need an elaborate storage system. A clean pouch or designated drawer with separate compartments can work well.
When Should You Replace a Sex Toy?
Even with regular cleaning, sex toys don't last forever.
Pay attention to changes in the material or the way the product works.
Some signs that it may be time for a replacement include:
- Cracks, tears, or damage to the surface.
- Persistent stickiness or unusual changes in texture.
- Discoloration or odors that remain after proper cleaning.
- Rust, corrosion, or damaged charging connections.
- Exposed wires, battery leakage, or damaged electrical housing.
- Chips or cracks in glass toys.
If a toy has visible damage or you can't clean it properly, replacing it is generally the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you clean sex toys with regular soap?
Yes, many sex toys can be cleaned with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoid harsh or heavily fragranced products, and always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
Should you clean a sex toy before using it for the first time?
Yes. Cleaning a new toy before its first use helps remove dust and residue from manufacturing, packaging, and handling.
Can you use alcohol wipes on sex toys?
Only if the manufacturer recommends them. Alcohol can damage some finishes and materials, and it isn't necessary for routine cleaning of most toys.
Can you put sex toys in the dishwasher?
Don't assume a toy is dishwasher-safe. Some solid, non-electronic toys may tolerate certain cleaning methods, but electronic toys, glued components, and many other materials should not go in a dishwasher. Follow the manufacturer's specific instructions.
Can you boil a silicone dildo?
Some solid, non-electronic 100% silicone dildos can be boiled, but not all. Check the manufacturer's instructions before using heat.
How do you clean a rechargeable vibrator?
Turn it off, disconnect the charging cable, and check its waterproof rating. Clean the surface using the manufacturer's approved method. Allow it to dry completely before charging or storing.
How should you store sex toys after cleaning?
Allow them to dry completely, then place them in a clean, dry storage pouch or container. Keep toys away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, and store different materials separately when recommended.
Keeping Your Sex Toys Clean Is Easier Than You Think
Cleaning your sex toys doesn't have to be complicated. For many products, mild soap, warm water, and proper drying are all that's needed for everyday care.
The most important thing is to know what your toy is made from and how it should be cleaned. A silicone dildo, a rechargeable bullet vibrator, and a glass toy may all require slightly different care.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions, clean your toys regularly, and store them somewhere clean and dry.
Taking a few minutes to care for your toys can help keep them in good condition and ready for their next use.