How to Clean and Take Care of Your Sex Toys: A Simple Guide
Sex toys are made to be enjoyed, not to become a complicated cleaning project.
A little basic care goes a long way. Clean them properly, let them dry, store them well and they will usually stay nicer for much longer.
Here is the simple version.
Should you clean sex toys before or after use?
After use is the most important time to clean your toys. This removes lubricant, body fluids and anything else left on the surface.
If a toy has been sitting in a drawer for a while, giving it a quick clean before use is also a good idea. Dust has an impressive ability to find absolutely everything.
What should you use to clean sex toys?
For many toys, warm water and a mild, unscented soap are enough.
A dedicated toy cleaner can also be useful, especially if you want something quick and convenient.
- Warm water
- Mild, unscented soap
- A clean soft cloth
- Toy cleaner if you prefer
Avoid aggressive household cleaners, bleach, strong perfumes and anything very abrasive. Your toy does not need the same treatment as the kitchen floor.
First check: waterproof or splashproof?
Before putting an electronic toy under running water, check whether it is actually waterproof.
Waterproof usually means the toy can safely be washed under water and may be suitable for use in the bath or shower.
Splashproof or water-resistant is different. These toys should normally be wiped clean rather than submerged.
If there is a charging port, battery compartment or other opening, keep water away from it unless the toy is specifically designed to be submerged.
How to clean silicone toys
Silicone is usually one of the easiest materials to look after.
- Wash with warm water and mild soap
- Rinse well
- Dry completely before storing
- Use a soft cloth if the toy is not fully waterproof
Silicone does not usually absorb moisture, which makes routine cleaning straightforward.
How to clean TPE and TPR toys
TPE and TPR are softer materials and often feel more realistic, but they need a little more care.
- Wash gently with warm water and mild soap
- Do not scrub aggressively
- Rinse carefully
- Let the toy dry completely before storage
These materials can be more porous than silicone, glass or steel, so keeping them clean and dry is especially important.
How to clean ABS plastic toys
ABS plastic is smooth, hard and easy to maintain.
If the toy is waterproof, wash it with warm water and mild soap. If it contains electronics and is not waterproof, wipe the surface with a damp cloth instead.
How to clean glass toys
Glass is smooth and non-porous, which makes it very easy to clean.
- Wash with warm water and soap
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry with a clean towel or leave to air dry
Before every use, quickly check glass toys for chips, cracks or other damage. A damaged glass toy should be replaced.
How to clean stainless steel toys
Stainless steel is another very easy material to care for.
Warm water and mild soap are usually enough. Rinse and dry it properly to keep the polished surface looking good.
Do sex toys need to be completely dry?
Yes. This is one of the easiest things to forget.
After cleaning, shake off excess water and leave the toy somewhere clean to air dry, or gently dry it with a clean towel.
Do not put a damp toy straight into a closed pouch or drawer. Moisture trapped in storage is never particularly helpful.
How should you store sex toys?
A clean, dry drawer or cupboard is usually perfect.
- Keep toys clean and dry
- Store them away from direct sunlight and heat
- Use a storage pouch or separate container when possible
- Keep charging cables nearby so they do not mysteriously disappear forever
Some soft materials can react when stored directly against other toys for long periods. Keeping toys separated in individual pouches is an easy way to avoid that.
Take care of rechargeable toys too
Rechargeable toys need a little care beyond cleaning.
- Make sure the charging area is dry before charging
- Do not pull the cable out roughly
- Do not leave the toy somewhere extremely hot or cold
- Recharge it occasionally if it has not been used for a long time
If your toy uses replaceable batteries, remove them if you are storing it for a long period.
When should you replace a sex toy?
Sex toys do not last forever. Check them occasionally for signs of wear.
- Cracks or splits
- Sticky or damaged surfaces
- Strong smells that do not disappear after cleaning
- Rust or corrosion on metal parts
- Damaged charging ports or cables
- Glass that is chipped or cracked
If a toy has clearly changed texture, become damaged or can no longer be cleaned properly, replacing it is usually the sensible choice.
Quick cleaning guide
| Material | Basic cleaning | Extra care |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Warm water + mild soap | Dry fully before storage |
| TPE / TPR | Gentle wash with warm water + mild soap | Dry especially well and store separately |
| ABS plastic | Wash or wipe clean | Keep electronics dry if not waterproof |
| Glass | Warm water + mild soap | Check for chips or cracks |
| Stainless steel | Warm water + mild soap | Dry well to keep the finish clean |
The simple routine
You really only need to remember four things:
- Clean it.
- Rinse it.
- Dry it completely.
- Store it somewhere clean and dry.
That little routine is enough to keep most toys cleaner, nicer and ready for next time.
Not sure what your toy is made from? Read our guide to sex toy materials, or browse our hygiene products for toy cleaners and care essentials.