How to Clean and Care for Your Sex Toys (The Right Way)

Keeping your toys clean isn't just good hygiene — it protects your health and makes your toys last longer.

Cleaning your sex toys properly is one of the most important things you can do — yet it's also one of the most overlooked. Whether you've just bought your first toy or you've had a collection for years, knowing how to clean and store your toys correctly will keep them safe, hygienic, and working their best for years to come.

This guide covers everything: how to clean by material, the best toy cleaners to use, storage tips, and the common mistakes to avoid.

Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys 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 the surface — even on toys that look clean. This can lead to infections, irritation, and skin reactions.

Cleaning your toys also:

• Removes lubricant residue that can degrade toy materials over time
• Prevents the transfer of bacteria between partners
• Extends the lifespan of your toys
• Keeps silicone and other materials feeling soft and smooth

The good news is that cleaning most toys takes less than two minutes.

Step One: Know Your Toy's Material

The most important factor in cleaning is the material your toy is made from. Different materials require different care.

Medical-Grade Silicone

Silicone is the gold standard for sex toys — body-safe, non-porous, and easy to clean. Non-porous means bacteria can't hide in tiny holes in the surface.

How to clean: Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap — or use a dedicated toy cleaner. If the toy has no electronic components (no motor, no charging port), you can boil it in water for 3 minutes or run it through the top rack of your dishwasher (no detergent) to fully sanitise it.

Do not use: Silicone-based lubricants on silicone toys — they can degrade the surface over time. Stick to water-based lube.

ABS Plastic

Firm, smooth, and non-porous. ABS plastic is commonly used for the hard sections of vibrators and the body of bullet vibrators.

How to clean: Warm water and mild soap, or a toy cleaner spray. Wipe down gently with a soft cloth. Do not submerge unless the toy is specifically rated waterproof.

Borosilicate Glass

Non-porous, hypoallergenic, and incredibly easy to clean. Glass toys are some of the most hygienic options available.

How to clean: Warm soapy water, a toy cleaner, or boiling water (glass is heat-resistant). You can also run glass toys through the dishwasher. Always inspect for chips or cracks before use.

Stainless Steel

Like glass, stainless steel is non-porous and extremely easy to clean. It's also compatible with all lubricant types.

How to clean: Warm soapy water, boiling, or dishwasher-safe. Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.

TPE / TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer / Rubber)

These softer, more flexible materials are porous — meaning bacteria can penetrate the surface and are harder to fully remove. Many budget toys use TPE/TPR.

How to clean: Warm water and mild soap after every use. Because these materials are porous, they cannot be fully sanitised. Never share TPE/TPR toys between partners without using a condom over the toy.

Our recommendation: Where possible, choose silicone over TPE/TPR for better hygiene and longevity.

The Best Way to Clean Your Toys

Option 1: Mild Soap and Warm Water

The simplest and most accessible method. Use an unscented, mild hand soap or body wash — nothing with heavy fragrance, antibacterial agents, or harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin.

1. Rinse the toy under warm (not hot) water
2. Apply a small amount of mild soap
3. Gently wash the entire surface
4. Rinse thoroughly — make sure no soap residue remains
5. Pat dry with a clean cloth or let air dry

Option 2: Dedicated Toy Cleaner

Sex toy cleaners are specially formulated to clean and sanitise toys without damaging the material. They're particularly convenient — many are spray-on, wipe-off, making them perfect for a quick clean.

Browse our Toy Cleaner collection at Naughty Nook for quality options that work across all toy materials.

How to use: Spray directly onto the toy surface, leave for 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Rinse with water if recommended on the packaging.

Option 3: Boiling or Dishwasher (Non-Motorised Toys Only)

For solid silicone, glass, or stainless steel toys with no electronic components:

• Boiling: Place in boiling water for 3 minutes, remove and allow to cool
• Dishwasher: Top rack only, no detergent, air dry

Never boil or put in the dishwasher: Any toy with a motor, battery compartment, charging port, or electronic components.

When to Clean Your Toys

• Before first use — always clean a new toy before using it
• After every use — don't leave it until later; clean immediately or as soon as possible
• Before switching between partners — even in a committed relationship
• Before switching between body areas — never use an anal toy vaginally without cleaning it first

How to Store Your Sex Toys

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. Storing toys incorrectly can cause materials to degrade, attract dust and lint, and allow bacteria to grow.

Do:

• Store each toy in its own pouch or the bag it came in
• Use a clean, dry container or dedicated toy storage bag
• Keep toys in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Store silicone toys separately — some silicone toys can react with each other if stored touching

Don't:

• Throw toys loosely into a drawer together (they can scratch each other and pick up bacteria)
• Store toys in airtight plastic bags (moisture can build up)
• Leave toys in direct sunlight or extreme heat (can degrade materials)
• Store toys with batteries still inserted (can cause corrosion)

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Using harsh chemicals: Bleach, alcohol wipes, and strong household cleaners can damage toy materials and leave residue that irritates skin. Stick to mild soap or a dedicated toy cleaner.

Not rinsing thoroughly: Soap residue left on a toy can cause irritation. Always rinse until the water runs completely clear.

Submerging non-waterproof toys: If your toy isn't rated waterproof, keep the charging port and seams out of water. Wipe clean with a damp cloth instead.

Sharing toys without cleaning: Even between partners who are exclusive, always clean between uses to prevent the transfer of bacteria.

Skipping the drying step: Storing a damp toy can encourage mould or bacterial growth. Always allow toys to dry completely before storing.

Using silicone lube on silicone toys: Silicone-based lubricants can bond with silicone toy surfaces, causing them to become sticky, discoloured, or degraded. Always use water-based lube with silicone toys.

Cleaning by Toy Type: Quick Reference

Our Recommended Toy Cleaners

A quality toy cleaner makes the whole process faster and easier. Browse our full range of sex toy cleaners — safe for use on all body-safe materials, skin-friendly, and quick to use.

You'll also find everything you need in our Essentials collection — including toy cleaners, condoms, and douches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby wipes to clean my sex toys? In a pinch, yes — but they're not ideal. Many baby wipes contain fragrance or alcohol that can irritate sensitive skin or degrade toy materials. A proper toy cleaner or mild soap is always better.

How often should I deep clean my toys? Clean after every use. For a more thorough clean (especially for non-motorised silicone, glass, or steel toys), boil or dishwasher every few weeks or after any illness.

My toy has a strong smell — is it safe? New toys sometimes have a slight manufacturing smell that fades after cleaning. If your toy has a persistent chemical or unusual smell, it may be a low-quality material. Check what it's made from — if it contains PVC, jelly, or rubber, it may off-gas harmful chemicals.

Can I use the same toy for anal and vaginal use? Only if you clean thoroughly between uses. Ideally, designate toys for specific use and never switch between anal and vaginal use without a full clean in between.

Keeping your toys clean doesn't have to be complicated. A quick wash after every use, proper storage, and the right cleaner is all it takes.

Browse our Essentials and Toy Cleaner range at Naughty Nook — everything you need to keep your collection clean, safe, and lasting longer.