How to Properly Clean Your Sex Toys (And Why It Matters)

When it comes to sexual wellness, pleasure gets all the attention—but hygiene is just as important. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned toy collector, knowing how to properly clean your sex toys is essential for your health, your safety, and the lifespan of your favorite products.

Dirty toys can harbor bacteria, lead to infections, and even damage the materials if they’re not cared for correctly. The good news? Cleaning your toys is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just the right techniques.

Here’s everything you need to know.

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🧠 Why Cleaning Sex Toys Is So Important

Your sex toys come into contact with sensitive areas of your body. If they’re not cleaned properly, they can transfer bacteria, yeast, or viruses the next time you use them. This can lead to issues like:

• Yeast infections

• UTIs (urinary tract infections)

• Skin irritation

• Cross-contamination (especially if sharing toys with a partner)

  
  

Even if a toy "looks clean," harmful microbes can still linger on the surface. Cleaning is non-negotiable—before and after every use.

🔍 Know Your Materials First

Different toys need different cleaning approaches depending on what they’re made of. Here's a quick guide to the most common materials:

• Silicone (medical-grade): Non-porous and body-safe. Can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water.

• Glass and Stainless Steel: Also non-porous and easy to clean. These can be sterilized more thoroughly.

• ABS Plastic: Generally safe and simple to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.

• Jelly, Rubber, or TPE: Porous materials. These are harder to fully clean and should be used with condoms if internal use is involved.

  
  

Always check if your toy is waterproof or only water-resistant before submerging it.

🧽 Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Sex Toys

Here’s a simple routine you can follow:

1. Wash Immediately After Use

Use warm water and unscented, mild soap to gently wash the toy. Avoid harsh cleaners, antibacterial soaps, or anything scented—they can damage the material or irritate your skin.

2. Focus on Every Surface

Pay attention to textured areas, ridges, or seams where bacteria might hide. If the toy has buttons or charging ports, avoid getting water inside them unless it's fully waterproof.

3. Rinse Thoroughly

Make sure all soap is rinsed off completely to avoid any residue that could irritate your skin later.

4. Dry Carefully

Use a clean towel or let the toy air dry on a paper towel. Don’t store it while it’s still damp.

5. Store Safely

Once fully dry, keep your toy in a clean pouch, case, or a drawer where it won’t collect dust or lint. Store each toy separately to prevent reactions between different materials.

🛁 Extra Cleaning Tips

• Boiling: Non-electronic silicone, glass, or stainless steel toys can usually be boiled for 3–5 minutes to sterilize them. Double-check the material first.

• Toy Cleaner Sprays: These are useful for quick cleanups, especially if you can’t access a sink right away. Still, soap and water should remain your go-to method.

• Use Condoms for Easier Cleanup: For porous or shared toys, using a condom over the toy makes cleanup faster and safer.

• Clean Before AND After Use: Always wash toys before first use, and every time before and after play.
  

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using bleach or alcohol on silicone or soft materials

• Submerging toys that are not fully waterproof

• Storing toys while they’re still damp

• Ignoring cleaning if you used a condom over the toy

• Sharing toys without cleaning in between uses
  

Clean Toys = Better Pleasure

Taking a few minutes to clean your sex toys properly protects your body, keeps your products in great condition, and ensures every experience is safe and enjoyable. Think of it as a vital part of your pleasure routine—not a chore, but an act of self-respect.

Clean toys are happy toys—and happy toys mean better orgasms.