Table of Contents
The best time to clean sex toys is right after every use, with lukewarm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner. Which method fits depends on the material: silicone, glass and stainless steel can even be boiled, while porous materials like jelly or TPE need special care. This guide covers the basics, the right cleaning per material, sterilising and the proper care, so you enjoy your toys for a long time.
Why cleaning matters
Poorly cleaned toys are a breeding ground for bacteria, germs and viruses. In the worst case you pick up urinary tract infections or other infections. On top of that comes the practical reason: well-kept sex toys last longer, look better and feel more pleasant next time. A few simple rules secure both.
Cleaning sex toys: the basics
Always clean your toys right after use, not hours later. Dried body fluids quickly turn into a germ hotspot and turn a quick rinse into an annoying scrub. A toy should also be cleaned before the first use and after long storage.
Here is how:
- Lukewarm water and mild soap. That is enough for most dildos, plugs, masturbators and cock rings. Mind the grooves and textures where residue collects.
- A toy cleaner for the thorough option. Spray on, let it act briefly, rinse off with warm water.
- Air-dry. After patting dry with a clean cloth, let the toy dry completely before you put it away.
Keep away from aggressive disinfectants or all-purpose cleaners: they attack the material and can irritate your mucous membranes the next time you use the toy.
Cleaning by material
The material decides how far you can go with cleaning. This overview helps:
| Material | Cleaning | Boiling / sterilising |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone (100%) | lukewarm water + mild soap or toy cleaner | yes, as long as there is no motor |
| Glass (borosilicate) | water + soap, very easy to clean | yes |
| Stainless steel | water + soap | yes |
| ABS hard plastic | rinse, do not soak | no, it warps |
| TPE / TPR / Cyberskin | surface only, lukewarm water, then renewal powder | no, porous |
| Jelly / PVC | rinse, condom recommended | no, porous |
| Electronic toys / vibrators | wipe with a damp cloth, keep the battery compartment dry | no, only submerge if marked waterproof |
A note on lube: silicone-based lube can attack silicone toys over time. For silicone, use water-based lube instead, and the surface lasts longer. For the full picture, see the sex toy material guide.
Sterilising: boiling, done right
When it needs to be extra hygienic, for example with shared toys or after an infection, you can sterilise non-porous toys. Put silicone, glass or stainless-steel toys into boiling water for a few minutes. The condition: no motor, no electronics. Electronic toys, porous materials and ABS plastic must never go into the pot, they take damage. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s material information before boiling a toy.
Caring for high-tech materials
Toys made of Cyberskin, TPE or TPR need a little extra care after cleaning. A suitable care powder, often called renewal powder, stops dust, lint and hair from clinging to the surface and preserves the soft structure of the material. The powder stays on the toy until next use and does not need to be washed off.
Caution with porous toys
Porous materials like jelly or coarse-pored surfaces often feel especially soft but are permeable to bacteria that are hard to remove completely. Here a disinfecting toy cleaner and a condom over the toy, changed after every use, help. If a porous toy shows discolouration or cracks, it should be replaced. Which materials are problematic in general is covered in the overview of dangerous sex toys.
Storing toys properly
After cleaning, toys belong somewhere dry and dust-free, ideally each in its own pouch or box. That keeps different materials from reacting with each other or getting dirty again. More on this in the guide to sex toy storage. New toys in higher-quality materials are in the sex toys category.
FAQ
How often should I clean my sex toys?
After every use, and right away. On top of that before the first use and after long storage, because dust and germs settle even in the cupboard.
Is ordinary soap enough or do I need a toy cleaner?
For non-porous toys, lukewarm water with mild, fragrance-free soap is usually enough. A toy cleaner is more convenient for quick, thorough cleaning and recommended for porous materials.
Can I clean sex toys in the dishwasher?
Pure silicone, glass and stainless-steel toys without electronics tolerate the dishwasher, but without detergent and in the top rack. Electronic and porous toys do not belong in it.
How do I clean jelly toys safely?
Jelly is porous and can never be made fully germ-free. Clean it with a disinfecting cleaner and use a condom as well. Replace it if it shows cracks or discolouration.
Can I submerge electronic toys in water?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly marks them as waterproof. Otherwise wipe them with a damp cloth and keep the battery compartment and ports dry.