A Guide on Cleaning & Caring for your Sex Toys

Alright, let’s talk about what comes after that mind-blowing orgasm because the fun isn’t completely over yet. We need to chat about cleaning your sex toys. I know, it's not the sexiest topic, but trust me, it’s essential. Giving your toys a proper scrub after every session is non-negotiable (seriously, I can’t stress this enough). Take care of your toys, and they’ll take care of you in return, if you catch my drift. 😉

Cleaning your toys is quick, easy, and honestly it’s just as important as freshening yourself up post-romp. And don’t worry, this little cleanup routine won’t take you away from those post-O snuggles that are just as crucial to the experience.

If your sex toys are getting plenty of action (as they should), then keeping them clean after every use is an absolute must, no exceptions! It doesn’t matter how you’re using them; even a solo date with just you and your vibe calls for a proper wash afterward.

Skipping this step is not an option because a neglected toy is basically an open invitation for bacteria to move in and start a whole little family. Not the best scenario, especially since it's something that comes into contact with your most sensitive areas. If bacteria get a chance to thrive, they can bring along some very unwelcome guests, think UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), yeast infections, or BV (bacterial vaginosis). Not exactly the kind of party you were planning, right?

While every toy needs a good cleaning, remember that butt plugs require extra attention, since they contact more bacteria than, say, your regular rabbit vibrator, you’ll want to be extra diligent. A little effort now means a lot more worry free fun later.

Ideally, you’ll want to clean your toys both before and after each use, that’s the gold standard. But if you’re storing them properly in the right bags or cases, you can usually get away with giving them a thorough wash after each session. That said, it’s still a good idea to set aside time now and then for a deep clean, just to keep everything in top shape.

One non-negotiable is cleaning your toy before its very first use. Sure, it may come fresh from the factory, but let’s be real, you never know what it’s been through before landing in your hands. A quick wash ensures you’re starting off on the right (and clean) foot.

Sex toys are made from all kinds of materials, and each one has its own cleaning routine. To make things easier, I’ve put together a handy list of the most common toy materials, plus simple tips on how to keep each one fresh and ready for action.

Silicone

Porosity: Non-porous

Where to store: Any clean container or lint free fabric bag

Silicone is by far one of the most popular materials use to make sex toys as it is durable, flexible, and has a smooth feel to it that makes it feel similar to human skin. The smooth surface also makes silicone toys easy to clean.

Motorized silicone sex toys should be cleaned with warm water and soap, or a sex toy cleaner (you can also get sex toy wipes that are extremely popular). Take note though as some motorized toys cannot be submerged in water so read the toys documentation and specs. If they are not waterproof, you will just need to rinse them with warm water, soap and wipe with a soft cloth. Non-motorized toys can be boiled to get them clean. This is perfect as it allows you to get your butt-plugs properly sanitized and ready for use.

Once you are done cleaning your silicone toy, pat it dry with a paper towel or clean lint free cloth. You can leave it out overnight to dry completely before putting it into its storage bag or container.

Glass

Porosity: Non-porous

Where to store: Any clean container or lint free fabric bag

Glass sex toys offer a firm, ultra-smooth feel that creates a one-of-a-kind sensation many people love. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to clean, which is one of their biggest perks! You’ve got options: a quick wash with soap and water, a spritz of sex toy cleaner, or even a trip through the dishwasher (no judgment). If you want a deep clean, boiling works too. Just make sure to let them air dry overnight before tucking them back into their padded case or storage bag to keep them safe from chips and cracks.

Stainless Steel

Porosity: Non-porous

Where to store: Any clean container or lint free fabric bag

Stainless steel sex toys might not be the first thing that comes to mind but trust me - they’re more popular than you’d think. Sleek, satisfyingly weighty, and perfect for temperature play (just keep it warm, not scorching), they bring a whole new dimension to pleasure.

One of the best things about stainless steel is it’s an absolute breeze to clean. A simple rinse with warm, soapy water will do the trick, but if you’re after a deeper clean, you can boil it, toss it in the dishwasher, use a disinfectant sex toy cleaner, or give it a quick wipe-down with rubbing alcohol. Just make sure it’s completely dry by using a cloth or air drying before tucking it back into its storage container. Safe, sleek, and oh-so-satisfying!

ABS Plastic

Porosity: Non-Porus

Where to store: Lint free fabric bag

ABS plastic toys might not have the same velvety feel as silicone ones, but they’re budget-friendly and just as effective. Plus, when it comes to cleaning, they’re just as easy to maintain. A quick rinse with warm water and mild soap, or a spritz of toy cleaner does the trick. Just keep in mind that not all ABS toys are fully waterproof, so check before giving yours a deep soak. When you're done, simply pat it dry with a cloth or paper towel, or let it air dry overnight before tucking it away in its storage bag.

Cotton & Leather

Porosity: Porus

Where to store: Any cool dry place in a clean container or drawer. Avoid storing leather in plastic.

You might be thinking, “Cotton sex toys? Wait… what?" Don’t worry, I’m not talking about vibrators made of T-shirts. I mean things like restraints, cuffs, and other BDSM gear. While these don’t need to be scrubbed within an inch of their lives after every use, they do frequently get smothered in lube and bodily fluids, so regular cleaning is still a good idea.

Cotton: Hand wash or toss it in the washing machine, but stick to cold water and a mild soap to keep things in good shape. And with these delicate items, I recommend that you skip the dryer and let them air dry instead.

Leather: Leather is a bit more low-maintenance, just wipe it down with a damp, soapy cloth or a wet wipe. The key here is making sure it’s completely dry before putting it away. Leather and moisture aren’t friends, and if you store it damp (especially in plastic), you might end up with a moldy riding crop. Not what we want!

UV cleaner

UV sex toy cleaners are a total game changer for effortless toy sterilization. These modern devices use UV light to zap away bacteria, viruses, and any other unwelcome guests lingering on your toys. They’re highly effective and require little to no effort - just place your toy inside, let the magic happen, and you’re good to go. Just one thing: always wipe off any fluids before popping your toy in, because while UV light is powerful and will kill the bacteria, it is not going to wipe the lube and fluids off the toy.

Soap & Sex Toy Cleaner

Good old-fashioned soap and warm water is the OG cleaning method, and for a reason - it works. Stick with a mild, fragrance-free soap, give your toy a good wash, and you’re all set. If you want something specifically designed for the job, sex toy cleaner and wipes are great options, especially for travel. Toss a sachet of wipes in your bag, and you’ll always have an easy way to freshen up your toys on the go.

Dishwasher & Boiling

Listen, if your toy is plastic or silicone, do not put it in the dishwasher or boiling water unless you want to say goodbye forever. This method is strictly for stainless steel or glass toys - materials that can handle the heat. If you’re going the boiling route, just pop your toy into a pot of boiling water for a few minutes (carefully, please). The dishwasher is another option - just maybe don’t forget to remove it before hosting a dinner party. 😉

Pro Tip: Want an easy way to keep toys clean between uses? Slip a condom over dildos or insertable toys before play. It makes cleanup a breeze!