Sex Toy Cleaner: How to Clean Sex Toys Safely
Keeping your sex toys clean might not sound glamorous, but it’s the secret to clean sex that feels safe, comfortable, and worry-free. Every toy touches your skin, and your skin deserves care. Whether you use fancy toy cleaners or just soap and water, learning how to properly clean your favorites keeps them smooth, fresh, and ready for next time.
Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Is So Important
When you’ve just finished a fun session, cleaning your sex toys might feel like a chore—but it’s the one step that keeps your body safe from irritation or infection.
Every time you use a toy, bacteria, natural oils, and lube residue build up. If you haven’t cleaned your toys yet, those germs can multiply fast. Over time, that can lead to yeast infections or even a sexually transmitted infection if the toy is shared.
According to Healthline (2024), improper toy cleaning is one of the top causes of preventable irritation and infection.
(Source: Healthline – How to Clean Sex Toys)
Clean toys = safe toys. And safe toys mean peace of mind.
Step One: Know Your Material Before You Clean
Not every type of sex toy can be washed the same way. The cleaning method depends on the surface:
Nonporous toys (like silicone, glass, or stainless steel) are the easiest to sanitize.
You can wash them with soap and water, rinse well, and let them air dry.
Porous toys (like jelly rubber or TPE) absorb moisture and bacteria. Use a condom if you can’t replace them often, and always make sure they’re air dried completely before storage.
If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to check the brand’s instructions before cleaning.
How to Properly Clean Sex Toys
Here’s a simple cleaning method that works for most non-electric toys:
1. Rinse Immediately
Right after play, rinse your toy under warm water. Don’t let residue dry—it’s harder to remove later.
2. Use Mild Soap or a Toy Cleaner
Unscented soap and water are perfect for most nonporous toys. Avoid antibacterial soaps; they’re too harsh. If you prefer, use purpose-made toy cleaners that are gentle and body-safe.
3. Lather and Clean Gently
Use your hands or a clean wipe instead of rough sponges. For textured toys or ridged designs (like a butt plug), take extra care around curves and seams.
4. Rinse and Air Dry
Rinse thoroughly, then pat with paper towels or a lint free cloth. Let the toy sit out until completely air dried before putting it away. Moisture trapped inside can lead to mold or odor.
5. Store Separately
Once your toys after cleaning are dry, store them in fabric pouches or boxes—no plastic bags, no sunlight, and definitely no tossing them all together.
Cleaning Different Types of Toys
Vibrators and Electronic Toys
Use a damp clean wipe or soft cloth. Never soak them. Keep water away from charging ports.
Silicone, Glass, and Metal Toys
These are non-porous and easy to sanitize. You can wash with soap and water, boil them briefly, or place them on the top rack of a dishwasher (no detergent).
Porous or TPE Toys
Wash gently, but know they can’t be fully sterilized. Condoms are your safest backup.
Anal Toys and Butt Plugs
Always clean these thoroughly—especially after anal play. Bacteria from the rectal area can spread easily if you skip cleaning. If it’s safe for boiling, do it; otherwise, use warm water and a toy cleaner.
DIY Toy Cleaning Made Simple
When you’re out of commercial cleaners, household basics work fine:
- Soap and water: The classic go-to for almost every type of sex toy.
- Vinegar mix: Half vinegar, half distilled water—wipe, rinse, and dry.
- Alcohol wipes: For glass or stainless steel only. Never on silicone—it can crack.
You don’t need anything fancy. The best cleaning method is the one you’ll actually use every time.
Drying and Storing Your Toys
How you dry your toys matters as much as washing them.
- Always use paper towels or a lint free cloth to pat them dry.
- Never wrap them up damp—make sure each toy is air dried completely.
- Once dry, store separately to avoid color bleeding or chemical reactions.
If you share toys with a partner, using condoms or cleaning between uses is a good idea to prevent cross-contamination or a possible sexually transmitted infection.
Common Mistakes in Toy Cleaning
- Skipping the wash because “it looks fine.”
- Using bleach, perfume, or baby wipes.
- Forgetting to dry before storage.
- Mixing clean toys with used ones.
Even if your toy seems clean, bacteria can hide in crevices—especially in flexible silicone or textured shapes.
Why Clean Toys = Better Pleasure
A clean toy feels smoother, lasts longer, and is always ready when you are. More importantly, cleaning shows respect for your body. After all, these are things that touch your most sensitive parts—why not treat them with the same care you give your skin?
Clean toys mean clean sex, less worry, and more pleasure. So take those extra two minutes. Wash, rinse, let it air dried, and store with care. Your future self (and your toys) will thank you.
Explore: Our curated selection of gentle, body-safe toy cleaners and accessories designed for effortless, safe, and consistent toy cleaning.
