How to Keep Your Sex Toys Clean and Ready to Go

Taking care of your sex toys is not complicated. But it does matter. A toy that is cleaned and stored the right way will last longer, perform better, and keep you safe every single time you use it. Skip the care routine and you are looking at bacteria buildup, damaged materials, and toys that just stop working. None of that is fun. This guide covers everything you need to know, kept simple and straight to the point.

Why does cleaning your sex toys actually matter?

Dirty toys can cause infections. That is the short answer.

Even if a toy looks clean, bacteria and other germs can linger on the surface. Using it again without washing it is a fast way to cause irritation or worse. If you share toys with a partner, the risk goes up even more.

Clean toys also just last longer. Residue from lube and body fluids can break down certain materials over time, especially softer ones like silicone. A quick wash after every use protects both you and the toy.

What are sex toys made of and why does it matter for cleaning?

The material your toy is made from tells you exactly how to clean it. Get this wrong and you could damage the toy or create a surface that traps bacteria.

Here is a quick breakdown of the most common materials:

• Silicone: Soft, flexible, and body-safe. Easy to clean. One of the best materials out there.
• ABS plastic: Hard, smooth, and non-porous. Very easy to wipe clean.
• Glass: Non-porous and super easy to sanitize. Can be boiled if there are no electronic parts.
• Stainless steel: Firm, durable, and very hygienic. Boilable and dishwasher safe.
• Jelly, rubber, or PVC: Porous materials that trap bacteria. Much harder to truly clean. These are worth avoiding if you can.

The key word to look for when buying is non-porous. Non-porous materials do not absorb bacteria. Porous ones do, and no amount of washing will fully fix that.

Non-porous materials like silicone, glass, and stainless steel can be fully sanitized. Porous materials like jelly and rubber cannot.

How do you clean a sex toy the right way?

The method depends on the material and whether the toy has a motor or battery pack.

For most toys, here is the standard process:

1. Remove batteries or unplug: Never submerge a toy that is not waterproof. Check the product description if you are not sure.
2. Rinse with warm water: Get rid of any surface residue before applying soap.
3. Apply toy-safe soap: Use a mild, unscented soap or a dedicated sex toy cleaner. Avoid anything antibacterial or scented.
4. Wash gently: Use your hands. No rough scrubbing pads. Pay attention to seams, ridges, and textured areas where residue hides.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Soap residue left on a toy can cause irritation, so rinse well.
6. Pat dry with a clean cloth: Or let it air dry completely before storing.

Pro tip: If your toy is made from silicone, glass, or stainless steel and has no motor, you can boil it for three minutes to fully sanitize it. This is the deepest clean you can give a non-electric toy.

Can you put sex toys in the dishwasher?

Some toys can go in the dishwasher. Most cannot.

If a toy is made from silicone, glass, or stainless steel and has no electronic components, the top rack of the dishwasher works fine. Skip the heated dry cycle. High heat can warp silicone over time.

Never put a vibrator or any battery-powered toy in the dishwasher. Water will get into the motor. The toy is done after that.

What cleaning products are safe to use on sex toys?

Keep it simple. The best options are mild unscented soap and warm water, or a proper sex toy cleaner made for this purpose.

Here is what to avoid:

• Antibacterial soaps: Too harsh. They can degrade silicone and other materials over time.
• Bleach or hydrogen peroxide: Way too strong. These can damage surfaces and cause skin irritation.
• Scented soaps or body washes: Fragrances and additives can cause irritation when the toy is used again.
• Alcohol wipes: Fine for a quick surface wipe on non-porous hard toys. Not great for silicone. Do not use regularly.

A purpose-made toy cleaner is the easiest and safest option. They work on all materials and are designed not to cause irritation.

How should you store sex toys to keep them clean?

Storage matters just as much as cleaning. A freshly washed toy stored badly can pick up dust, bacteria, and lint before you use it again.

A few rules that make a real difference:

• Store each toy in its own pouch or bag. Many toys come with one. If not, a clean cotton bag or a zip-lock bag works fine.
• Keep silicone toys away from other silicone toys when stored. Two silicone surfaces pressed together for a long time can fuse or degrade.
• Store toys somewhere cool and dry. Avoid bathrooms if you can. The heat and moisture are not good for materials or battery life.
• Remove batteries from toys that are not used often. Batteries can leak and ruin the toy.
• Keep toys out of direct sunlight. UV exposure can cause certain materials to break down faster.

Pro tip: A small, dedicated box or drawer just for your toys is the easiest storage solution. Private, organized, and keeps everything clean between uses. Check out some ideas on how to store toys safely and discreetly.

How do you clean sex toys when you share them with a partner?

Sharing toys is totally normal. Just add one extra step: clean between each person.

If you are switching a toy between partners during a session, use a condom on the toy. When one person is done, swap the condom for a fresh one before the other person uses it. This is the simplest and most effective approach.

After the session, give the toy a full wash using the steps above. Even if a condom was used.

How do you know when a sex toy needs to be replaced?

Toys do not last forever. Knowing when to replace one matters for your safety.

Look out for these signs:

• Sticky or tacky texture: This means the material is breaking down. Stop using it immediately.
• Cracks or chips: Any break in the surface can trap bacteria. Glass or hard plastic toys with chips should be thrown away.
• Strange smell: A toy that smells off even after cleaning is telling you something. Trust it.
• Discoloration: Some fading is normal. But if the surface is visibly degrading, it is time for a new one.
• Motor issues: A vibrator that is losing power or buzzing inconsistently is probably at the end of its life.

A good quality toy from a trusted store, cared for properly, can last years. But when it starts showing any of those signs, replace it. Your health is worth more than the cost of a new toy.

Does lube affect how you clean your toys?

Yes, and the type of lube you use matters.

Water-based lube is the easiest to clean off. It rinses away quickly and is safe with all toy materials. It is the safest all-around choice for most toys, especially silicone ones.

Silicone-based lube is longer-lasting but can bond with silicone toys and degrade the surface over time. If you use a silicone toy, stick to water-based lube. Silicone lube is fine with glass, metal, or hard plastic toys.

Oil-based lube is the hardest to clean off completely. It can also degrade latex and some toy materials. Avoid it with most sex toys unless you are certain it is compatible.

Not sure which lube works with which toy? Check out the lube collection for options sorted by type.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you clean sex toys?

Clean every toy before the first use and after every use. Even if you only used it briefly. Even if it looks clean. This keeps bacteria from building up and protects your body every time.

Can you use hand sanitizer to clean sex toys?

No. Hand sanitizer is too harsh for most toy materials. It can damage the surface of silicone and cause irritation the next time you use the toy. Stick to mild soap, warm water, or a dedicated toy cleaner from a brand like ToyHubUSA's toy cleaner collection.

Is it safe to clean vibrators with water?

It depends on whether the vibrator is waterproof. If it is labeled waterproof, you can rinse it under running water. If it is not, wipe it down with a damp cloth instead. Never submerge a non-waterproof toy.

How do you clean toys with lots of texture or ridges?

Use a soft brush, like an old clean toothbrush, to get into grooves and ridges. Apply your soap or toy cleaner, scrub gently, then rinse thoroughly. Textured toys need a little more attention because residue likes to hide in the details.

What is the best way to dry a sex toy after washing?

Pat it dry with a clean lint-free cloth, then let it air dry completely before storing. Storing a toy while it is still even slightly damp can encourage mold or mildew, especially inside storage pouches.

Can sex toys go in the washing machine?

No. Even non-electronic toys should not go in the washing machine. The agitation and heat can damage materials. For non-electronic silicone, glass, or metal toys, boiling or the top rack of the dishwasher is the more effective deep-clean method.