Your sex toys are an investment in your pleasure — and like any investment, they deserve proper care. Cleaning and storing your toys correctly keeps them safe, hygienic, and long-lasting. This guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning sex toys by material type, plus storage tips to extend their lifespan.

Why Cleaning Matters

Sex toys come into direct contact with some of the most sensitive areas of your body. Without proper cleaning, bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms can build up on surfaces — leading to irritation, infections, or degradation of the toy material itself. Cleaning before and after every use is the single most important habit you can develop.

Know Your Material: Cleaning by Toy Type

Medical-Grade Silicone

Silicone is non-porous and one of the easiest materials to clean. For motorized silicone toys:

• Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner
• Never fully submerge unless the toy is rated waterproof
• Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and let air-dry completely before storing

For non-motorized silicone toys (like solid silicone dildos), you can also boil them for 3–5 minutes or run them through the dishwasher on the top rack with no soap.

ABS Plastic

Hard plastic toys are non-porous and easy to sanitize. Wash with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner. For thorough disinfection, you can wipe with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), then rinse thoroughly. Always dry completely before storing.

Stainless Steel & Borosilicate Glass

These premium materials are fully non-porous and can be sterilized. Options include:

• Boiling for 3–5 minutes
• Dishwasher, top rack, no soap
• Wiping with a 10% bleach solution followed by a thorough rinse

For glass toys, always inspect for chips or cracks before and after cleaning — if you find any, discontinue use immediately.

TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber)

These materials are porous, which means they can harbor bacteria even after cleaning. Wash thoroughly with warm water and toy cleaner, dry completely, and always use with a condom for maximum safety. Replace these toys more frequently than non-porous alternatives.

What About Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Toys?

Always check your toy's IP rating or product specifications:

• Waterproof toys can be fully submerged — safe for washing in the sink or using in the bath/shower
• Water-resistant toys can handle splashing and rinsing but should never be submerged
• Non-waterproof toys should be cleaned with a damp cloth or toy wipes only — keep water away from charging ports and battery compartments

Choosing the Right Cleaner

While mild soap and warm water works for most toys, dedicated toy cleaners are formulated to be gentle on sensitive body areas while effectively sanitizing toy surfaces. Avoid:

• Harsh detergents or dish soaps with strong fragrances
• Alcohol-based cleaners on silicone (can degrade the surface over time)
• Boiling or bleach on any toy with electronic components

Browse our toys collection to find body-safe, easy-to-clean options.

Proper Storage: Extending the Life of Your Toys

Cleaning is only half the equation — how you store your toys matters just as much:

• Keep them dry — Always store toys completely dry to prevent mold and mildew
• Store separately — Avoid letting silicone toys touch each other in storage, as silicone-on-silicone contact can cause melting or deformation. Use individual pouches or the original packaging
• Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat — Prolonged sun exposure can fade colors and degrade materials
• Remove batteries — For battery-operated toys, remove batteries before long-term storage to prevent corrosion
• Use breathable storage — Fabric pouches are ideal. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture

When to Replace Your Toys

Even with excellent care, toys don't last forever. Signs it's time to replace:

• Visible cracks, tears, or discoloration on any material
• A sticky or tacky surface that doesn't wash clean
• Unusual odors that persist after cleaning
• Motor issues, charging problems, or battery degradation
• Any structural damage to glass or hard plastic toys

The Bottom Line

Cleaning your toys before and after every use, storing them properly, and knowing when to replace them keeps your experience safe and enjoyable. A few minutes of care goes a long way. Ready to upgrade your collection? Browse our full selection of body-safe, premium products.

New to sex toys? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Sex Toys for everything you need to know before you buy.