Sex Toy Cleaning and Care
Wash every toy with warm water and mild soap before and after each use. Silicone, glass or steel toys without a motor can be boiled for 3 minutes. Porous ones (TPE, PVC, jelly) can't be sterilised, so stick to soap and water, and use a condom if you can. Learn how to clean and store each type of material properly.
Featured in this guide and in stock now
Why does it matter so much?
Helps prevent infections
Bacteria and fungi can build up and cause infections if you don't clean your toys properly.
Makes toys last longer
Proper care protects the materials and the motor of your toys.
Keeps the texture
Some materials break down if you don't look after them and turn sticky or rough. If a toy changes in feel, colour or smell, or starts to crack, it can no longer be cleaned properly: replace it.
When should you clean?
- ✓ Before first use (always)
- ✓ After every use
- ✓ Before switching areas (anal → vaginal: always clean!)
- ✓ Before sharing with another person, and with a condom on: washing a toy doesn't remove the risk of passing on an infection
How to clean a sex toy by material
Silicone
Without a motor: warm water and mild soap. To disinfect, boil it for 3 minutes, put it in the dishwasher or wipe it with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe.
With a motor: wipe with a damp cloth, warm water and mild soap, keeping the charging port dry. Only toys the spec sheet lists as fully waterproof (submersible) (IPX7 or IPX8) can be submerged; IPX4 to IPX6 toys are splashproof, not for submersion. Never boil them or put them in the dishwasher.
⚠️ Don't use silicone-based lubricants with silicone toys.
Glass and Steel
The easiest to clean: soap and water, boiling for a few minutes, or the dishwasher. Glass can't take sudden temperature changes (don't put it in boiling water straight from the fridge), and you should check it for cracks and chips before every use. Compatible with any lubricant.
⚠️ Porous Materials (TPE, PVC, "Jelly")
Harder to clean. Wash with warm water and mild unscented soap, rinse well and dry completely. They can't be sterilised: use them with a condom, especially if you share them, and replace them when they turn sticky, smell odd or crack.
Storage
- ✓A cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- ✓A fabric pouch or individual box. Don't mix different materials.
- ✓Completely dry before storing.
- ✗Avoid: airtight plastic (it traps moisture), and contact between different silicones.
Care products
Disinfectants and cleaners made for toys, in the intimate cleaning category.
See Cleaners