Sometimes you have to get dirty if you want to be clean. If you’ve ever played around with sex toys—especially anal toys—you know that keeping them clean isn’t just good practice, it’s the only way forward. Because without a power bath, those toys shouldn’t be going near anyone anytime soon.

Cleaning sex toys isn’t just cute, it defends against infections, bad odors, and awkward moments. So let’s refresh our memories on how to clean anal toys and other intimate accessories.

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about why hygiene is so important. Your sex toys, especially butt plugs, anal beads, anal dildos, strap-ons, and prostate massagers, can collect bacteria faster than you can say “more lube.” 

Left untreated, that bacteria could lead to infection, irritation, or other health issues. And while a little risk is exciting, bacterial vaginosis and E. coli exposure isn’t very sexy.

Think of cleaning your toys like flossing your teeth—annoying, easy to forget, but ultimately essential.

Alright, now that you know the “why”, it’s time to make the “how” as painless as possible. Here’s your go-to cleaning toolkit:

1. Mild, unscented, anti-bacterial soap (think gentle, all-natural)
2. Warm water (we’re not trying to boil your dildo)
3. A clean, soft cloth or towel
4. Storage bag or box
5. Optional: Toy cleaner spray or pump (aim for antibacterial, body-safe formulas)

Heads up: Silicone, glass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic toys are non-porous and way easier to clean. Toys made of jelly or rubber, and toys with seams or ribbing where bacteria can hide, require more love and attention unless you want to retire them early.

Let’s get into it, babes:

We’re all for the afterglow, those moments post-play where all you want to do is stare at the ceiling. Cleaning your toys doesn’t have to ruin your fun. Eventually you will get out of bed, and the first place you should go is to rinse your anal toy with warm water.

This prevents anything from drying on the surface and speeds up the rest of the cleaning process. The sooner you rinse, the easier cleaning is.

Grab that gentle soap and lather ‘er up. Remember, if you wouldn’t put it on your body, don’t put it on your toy. Non-scented, gentle, anti-bacterial soap is your best friend in this situation.

Scrub thoroughly, massaging soap over the entire toy, paying attention to grooves, curves, and seams.

If you want to elevate your toy cleaning game, opt for a sex toy cleaner spray. These offer extra antibacterial protection and are formulated specifically for sex toys. Double check that the cleaner you’re using is compatible with the toy’s material (silicone is especially picky when it comes to cleaners).

Lovehoney's Fresh Toy Cleaner is a fantastic vegan-friendly toy cleaner spray that is safe for all materials.

Rinse your anal plug, butt beads, vibrating prostate massager, or which ever toy you decided to take for a spin today. Make sure there’s no soap or cleaner residue left behind.

Use a clean towel to pat the toy dry. Don’t leave it to air dry while damp, this increases the likelihood of collecting dust and bacteria.

If the toy has charging ports or hollow sections, make sure they’re dry as well.

Once it’s clean and completely dry, store your toy in a designated bag or box. Then pop it into your bedside drawer, under your bed, or wherever you keep that special collection.

Frankly, my dear, boiling and bleaching aren’t necessary if you’re taking proper care of your toys.

However, if your anal toy is 100% silicone, stainless steal, or borosilicate glass and has absolutely no electrical parts—no batteries, not rechargeable—you can boil it for 3-5 minutes to sterilize. Please do not let the toy touch the sides of the pot, nobody wants a melted butt plug.

As for bleach, again, this is an extreme, and while we don’t recommend it, it is doable. Bleach is only okay to use if the toy is non-electrical and non-porous. If you can check both of those boxes: mix 1 part bleach with 9 parts water, soak the toy for 10 minutes, then rinse it like you’ve never rinsed something before and air dry. When mixing the solution, use a tiny bit of bleach and 90-95% water.

If you've shared your toys with a partner and are worried about contracting STD's, read our guide on How to Avoid Getting STD's from Sex Toys.

Jelly, rubber, and “real-feel” toys are porous, meaning they absorb liquids and have a higher chance of causing infection and irritation. Unfortunately, because they tend to harbor bacteria even after washing, they often get retired early.

A way to avoid this is by using a condom over them during anal play and taking extra care in washing them. At the end of the day, though, we’re here for pleasure, not bacterial funk.

Cleaning vibrating anal toys, remote-controlled prostate massagers, or anything electrical? Do not submerge these in water!* Instead:

1. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to gently wipe down the toy
2. Use a Q-tip or cotton swab for hard-to-reach areas, ribs, or grooves
3. Avoid getting the charging port or battery area wet
4. Gently wipe it down and allow the toy to air dry

*If the toy is completely waterproof and submersible, clean it just like any other toy. Except, these still cannot be boiled or bleached.

Cleaning your sex toys doesn’t have to be a chore. Sure, it isn’t the sexiest part of the whole adventure, but it keeps the fun going. Whether you’re into anal beads, butt plugs, anal dildos, pegging, or prostate massagers, show your toys a little love post play.