How to Clean Sex Toys: The Complete Hygiene Guide

I learned the importance of proper toy cleaning the hard way - a bacterial infection that could have been prevented with basic hygiene practices. It wasn't fun, it was embarrassing to explain to my doctor, and it was entirely avoidable. Since then, I've become almost obsessive about proper cleaning, and I want to share what I've learned so you don't have to learn it the way I did.

The thing is, cleaning sex toys isn't complicated. It just requires knowing what you're working with and developing consistent habits. This guide breaks it down by material so you can keep yourself safe and your toys in good condition.

Why Cleaning Matters (Beyond the Obvious)

Yes, toys get dirty during use. That's obvious. But there are less obvious reasons why cleaning is essential:

Bacteria thrive in residue. Bodily fluids left on toys create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Even if a toy looks clean, bacteria can be present in microscopic amounts that multiply over time.

Porous materials absorb. Some materials absorb fluids and can never be fully sterilized. This matters for which toys you share and how you use them.

Lubricants degrade materials. The wrong lube on the wrong material can cause deterioration. Oil-based lubes on silicone, for example, can break down the surface.

Proper care extends toy life. Good quality toys aren't cheap. Taking care of them means they last longer and stay safe to use.

Material Identification: Know Your Toys

The first step is knowing what material you're working with. If you still have the packaging, check it. If not, here are some identification clues:

Silicone

Smooth, slightly matte finish. Doesn't have a strong smell. Feels somewhat like skin but firmer. Body-safe medical grade silicone is non-porous and can be fully sterilized.

Glass

Obviously glass. Usually borosilicate (Pyrex-type). Completely non-porous and virtually indestructible in normal use.

Stainless Steel

Heavy, metallic, and cold. Non-porous and excellent for temperature play.

ABS Plastic

Hard plastic used in many vibrator shells. Non-porous but can't be boiled or exposed to high heat.

TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber/Elastomer)

Soft, stretchy, skin-like materials often used in realistic toys and strokers. Porous - can never be fully sterilized. Requires extra care.

PVC/Jelly

Very soft, often slightly sticky. Has a distinctive plastic smell. Highly porous and contains phthalates in many cases. Consider replacing with body-safe alternatives.

Cleaning Methods by Material

Silicone Toys

Silicone is the easiest material to clean because it's non-porous and can handle heat.

Basic cleaning: Warm water and mild soap after every use. Make sure to get into any textured areas or grooves.

Deep cleaning: For silicone without motors, you can boil for 3-5 minutes, run through the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent), or soak in 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes followed by thorough rinsing.

For motorized silicone: Stick to soap and water around the motor housing. Many waterproof toys can be fully submerged, but check the manufacturer's instructions.

Glass Toys

Glass is incredibly easy to clean and virtually impossible to damage through normal cleaning.

Basic cleaning: Warm water and soap. Glass doesn't absorb anything, so surface cleaning is fully effective.

Deep cleaning: Boil, dishwasher, or bleach solution. Just avoid extreme temperature changes that could cause thermal shock - don't take a hot toy and put it under cold water immediately.

Stainless Steel

Same as glass - completely non-porous and very durable.

Basic cleaning: Warm water and soap.

Deep cleaning: Boiling or bleach solution. Dishwasher is fine but may leave water spots.

ABS Plastic

Non-porous but less durable than other hard materials.

Basic cleaning: Warm water and mild soap.

Deep cleaning: Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol, let dry completely. Don't use boiling water or high heat.

TPE/TPR Materials

Here's where it gets trickier. These materials are porous, meaning they have microscopic holes where bacteria can hide and can never be fully sterilized.

Basic cleaning: Warm water and antibacterial soap immediately after use. Be thorough - bacteria multiply quickly in these materials.

Drying: Critical for porous materials. Let air dry completely before storage. A damp porous toy stored away is a bacteria party.

Powder: Some TPE toys become tacky over time. Renewal powder (cornstarch-based) can help maintain the surface. Avoid talc.

Important: Never share TPE/TPR toys between partners or between body openings. Consider using condoms with these toys for easier cleaning and added protection.

PVC/Jelly Materials

These materials are porous and often contain phthalates (chemicals linked to health concerns). Many sex educators recommend replacing them with body-safe alternatives.

If you continue using PVC/Jelly toys:

• Always use a condom over the toy
• Clean immediately after use with soap and water
• Never share between partners
• Replace at the first sign of deterioration

Special Considerations

Motorized and Battery-Powered Toys

Water and electronics don't mix unless the toy is specifically designed for it. Check the waterproof rating:

• Splashproof: Can handle some water but don't submerge
• Waterproof/Submersible: Can be fully underwater (check depth rating)
• Not rated: Avoid getting water near seams, buttons, or charging ports

For non-waterproof toys, use a damp cloth with soap rather than running under water. Pay extra attention to buttons and crevices where fluids might collect.

Rechargeable Toys

Make sure charging ports are completely dry before charging. Moisture in the charging port can damage the toy or create safety hazards.

Toys with Multiple Materials

Some toys combine materials - a silicone head with an ABS handle, for instance. Clean according to the most delicate material present. When in doubt, soap and water is safe for everything.

Lubricant Compatibility

The wrong lubricant can damage toys and create cleaning challenges:

Silicone toys: Water-based lube only. Silicone lube can bond with silicone toys and degrade the surface. If you want to use silicone lube, do a spot test first.

Glass and steel: Any lubricant is fine.

ABS plastic: Water or silicone-based lubes. Avoid oil-based.

TPE/TPR: Water-based lube only. Oil and silicone can break down the material faster.

Storage Matters Too

Proper storage is part of proper hygiene:

Store separately. Toys should not touch each other in storage, as some materials can react and degrade.

Use breathable containers. Cloth bags (many toys come with these) allow air circulation. Plastic bags can trap moisture.

Cool, dry place. Heat and humidity encourage bacterial growth and can damage materials.

Away from sunlight. UV light degrades many toy materials over time.

Remove batteries. For battery-operated toys, remove batteries during storage to prevent corrosion.

When to Replace Toys

Even with perfect care, toys don't last forever. Replace when you notice:

• Changes in texture - stickiness, hardness changes, or surface degradation
• Discoloration that wasn't there before
• Unusual smells that persist after cleaning
• Visible damage - tears, cracks, or deterioration
• Mechanism problems - weakening vibration, motor issues

Porous toys should be replaced more frequently than non-porous ones. If a TPE toy is more than a year old and heavily used, consider replacement even if it looks okay.

Creating a Cleaning Routine

The best cleaning happens when it's automatic. Here's what works:

Before use: Quick rinse or wipe, especially if the toy has been stored for a while.

After use: Immediate cleaning while you're still in "cleanup mode." Waiting until later makes it less likely to happen.

Weekly: For frequently used toys, a deeper clean once a week. This is when you'd boil non-motorized silicone or do a more thorough scrub.

Keep supplies handy. A small container with antibacterial soap and a clean cloth near where you store your toys makes cleaning easy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning too late. The longer bodily fluids sit on a toy, the harder they are to remove and the more bacteria grow. Clean immediately.

Using harsh cleaners. Bleach is fine for deep cleaning non-porous materials, but not for routine use. Harsh chemicals can damage materials and irritate sensitive areas if any residue remains.

Not drying completely. Putting a damp toy in storage is asking for mold and bacteria.

Ignoring texture. Those pleasure ridges and textures can trap residue. Use a soft brush for textured toys if needed.

Sharing porous toys. Even with cleaning, porous materials can harbor bacteria or transmit infections. Don't share them.

What This Comes Down To

This might all seem like a lot, but once you get in the habit, proper toy hygiene takes very little time. The consequences of not doing it - infections, ruined toys, potential health risks - are much worse than the small effort of maintaining a cleaning routine.

Investing in body-safe, non-porous materials from the start also makes everything easier. Quality silicone, glass, or steel toys are simpler to clean, safer to use, and last much longer than cheaper alternatives.

Take care of your toys and they'll take care of you. It's really that simple.