How to Clean and Store Your Toys
To clean and store your sex toys properly, wash after every use with warm water and a mild unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Match the method to the material and the motor: fully waterproof, non-motorised silicone can go under hot water; most vibrators can't. Dry completely, then store each toy on its own in a pouch.
TL;DR
Clean gentle, dry thorough, store separate. Warm water and mild unscented soap after every use; wipe rather than dunk unless a toy's clearly waterproof. Skip the alcohol and harsh cleaners. Give each toy its own pouch so silicone never touches silicone.
How to Clean Sex Toys (By Material)
Cleaning isn't one-size-fits-all. What's safe for a solid glass piece can ruin a rechargeable vibrator, so the material and whether there's a motor inside decide everything.
For 100% silicone, glass and stainless steel, warm water and a fragrance-free soap are best.
These are non-porous, so a proper wash actually cleans them rather than just moving grime around. ABS plastic (the hard shiny stuff on bullets and handles) can be wiped the same way. Just keep water away from the batteries, obviously.
The bigger fork in the road is motorised vs non-motorised. A solid, non-motorised silicone dildo with no electronics can handle a hot wash.
Anything with a motor, a charging port or a battery compartment is different. Water past its rated seams can be their demise, so wash only the part it's built to get wet.
A gentle wash after every session matters more than a deep clean once in a while. Bacteria don't wait for the weekend.
Waterproof vs Splashproof: Know Before You Rinse
This trips up a lot of people, and some packaging isn't always clear.
Waterproof (often marked with an IPX7 rating) means the toy can be submerged for a short time - think rinsing it fully under the tap or using it in the bath.
Splashproof or "water-resistant" means it tolerates a wipe or a quick splash near the buttons, nothing more. If a product page doesn't clearly say waterproof, treat it as splashproof and don't dunk it like a churro.
When you're unsure, wipe, don't submerge. Use a damp, soapy cloth on the body, rinse the cloth, wipe again to clear the soap, then dry. Your toy lasts longer for the caution. Check your product page or the manual that came in the box before that first clean. If it doesn't clearly say waterproof or give an IP rating, treat it as splashproof. Rather be safe than sorry.
What NOT to Use on Your Toys
Silicone is tougher than it looks in some ways and fussier in others. A few things to keep well away:
- Alcohol, including hand sanitiser and surgical spirits. It dries out and degrades silicone over time and can leave micro-cracks.
- Harsh household cleaners, bleach and antibacterial sprays. Too aggressive for a surface that goes in or on your body, and residue is hard to rinse fully.
- Scented or heavily fragranced soaps. The perfumes and additives can irritate sensitive skin. Unscented and mild is the rule.
- Boiling water on anything with a motor. Heat and electronics don't mix.
If you want something purpose-made, a proper toy cleaner takes the guesswork out - spray, wait a few seconds, wipe. The EasyToys EasyGlide toy cleaner is good. If your skin is sensitive, the sensitive fragrance-free formula (150ml) is a more gentle option. There's more in my wellness range with toy cleaners.
One more silicone rule while we're here: skip silicone-based lube on silicone toys because they can react and leave the surface tacky. A water-based lube (150ml) plays safe with every material, and there's a fuller lubricants and essentials range if you want options.
Drying Properly (The Step Everyone Rushes)
Damp storage is where the real problems start. A toy that's clean but tucked away wet can grow mildew in its pouch or in the crevices around buttons and seams. Ew.
Pat it dry with a clean, lint-free towel, then let it air-dry fully on a clean surface before it goes anywhere. Pay attention to the base of buttons, the charging port cover and any ridges, water hides there. Give it a good half hour or so of air time. Don't use a hairdryer on silicone. Again, heat and toys don't mix.
Storing Sex Toys So They Last
Here's the one most people get wrong: don't let silicone toys touch each other in a drawer. Different silicone formulations can react on contact. You end up with a sticky, gummy patch that never fully cleans off. It's not dangerous, but it's a ruined toy. And icky.
Store each one separately. Many quality toys ship with a cotton or satin pouch. If yours didn't, a clean cotton bag or the original box works fine. Keep them somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight, not a steamy bathroom shelf. A simple lidded box or a dedicated drawer with each toy in its own bag keeps everything discreet and protected.
Keep a pack of toy cleaning wipes (25-pack) in the same drawer, too. Handy for a fast wipe-down.
Charging and Battery Care
Batteries need a little thought too.
For rechargeable toys, don't leave them plugged in on the charger for days once they're full, it wears the battery down faster. Charge fully before first use, and top up every few months even if you're not using a toy, since batteries drain and can degrade if left flat for long stretches.
For anything that takes removable batteries, take them out before long storage. Batteries left inside for months can corrode and leak, which wrecks the contacts and the toy. Store the toy and its batteries separately, and it'll be ready when you are.
Cleaning Method by Material and Type
| Material / type | How to clean | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 100% silicone (non-motorised) | Warm water + mild unscented soap; many can be boiled or washed hot | Alcohol, harsh cleaners, scented soaps |
| Silicone (motorised / rechargeable) | Wipe body with warm soapy cloth; rinse only the rated part | Submerging unless waterproof-rated; boiling |
| ABS plastic (hard) | Wipe down with warm water + mild soap | Water past battery seams; abrasive scrubbing |
| Glass (borosilicate) | Warm soapy water; non-motorised pieces can be boiled | Sudden temperature shocks; using if chipped |
| Stainless steel | Warm soapy water; boilable if solid and non-motorised | Abrasive pads that scratch the finish |
| Any motorised toy | Wash only the waterproof-rated section; dry seams well | Full submersion unless rated; alcohol; heat |
FAQ
Can I boil a silicone toy? Only if it's 100% silicone with no motor, battery or electronics. A solid silicone or glass piece can go into boiling water for a few minutes to sanitise. A vibrator or anything rechargeable must never be boiled. Stick to a soapy wipe.
Is dish soap okay to use? A plain, mild, unscented soap is fine in a pinch. The thing to avoid is heavily scented or antibacterial formulas, which can irritate sensitive skin and leave residue. A dedicated toy cleaner is gentler and easier if you use toys often.
How often should I clean my toys? After every single use, without exception, and again before use if a toy's been sitting in storage for a while. A quick warm-soapy wash is enough each time.
Can toys touch each other in a drawer? Best not to. Different silicones can react and go sticky where they touch. Store each toy separately in its own pouch or bag.
Do I need a special toy cleaner? Not strictly - warm water and mild unscented soap covers most situations. A dedicated cleaner is handy for a fast wipe-down and for spots you can't submerge, but it's a convenience, not a requirement.
A light note, not medical advice: if a toy ever leaves you itchy, sore or with unusual irritation, stop using it and check in with a doctor or clinic. This is general care guidance, not a substitute for one.