How to Clean Sex Toys
(The *Right* Way!)
It’s time to step up your toy care game!
Unless you’re the Monica Geller type, cleaning probably isn’t at the top of your list of fun activities to do in your free time. But if you’ve made it to this guide, then playing with sex toys likely is on that list! And if you want to enjoy the pleasures of your toys (without the risk of infection), keeping them clean is a must! (By “them,” we, of course, mean your beloved sex toys.)
Properly washing your toys before and after every use not only prevents infections but also helps extend the life of your cherished pleasure providers. On the flip side, failing to clean your toys—or using the wrong cleaning method—can lead to the exact opposite of the “good stuff” we all aim for.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cleaning sex toys. The proper care method depends on the toy’s material and design. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. So grab your yellow rubber gloves and get ready to learn how to keep your toys fresh and fabulous!
How Toy Materials and Styles Affect Proper Cleaning Protocols
Sex toys are a bit like people—each one is unique and requires specific care to thrive. While that analogy isn’t perfect, it’s true that the materials and styles of sex toys play a significant role in determining how they should be cleaned and maintained.
Broadly speaking, sex toy materials can be divided into two categories: porous and nonporous . In the context of sex toys, whether a material is porous or not primarily determines if it can be fully sterilized. Porous materials have tiny microscopic holes that can trap bacteria, no matter how thoroughly you clean them. Common porous materials include TPE, jelly rubber, TPR, latex, PVC, vinyl, and leather. These materials are harder to keep hygienic over time and may degrade faster with frequent use.
On the other hand, nonporous materials can be fully sterilized, making them a far more hygienic and durable option. Nonporous sex toy materials include medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, glass, aluminum, and Pyrex. Toys made from these materials are easier to clean and maintain, which makes them ideal for long-term use.
Beyond materials, the style or category of your sex toy also plays a key role in determining the proper cleaning protocol. For example, stroker-style toys like Fleshlights require a different cleaning process compared to solid dildos or vibrators made from the same materials. Similarly, ejaculating dildos have unique cleaning needs depending on their design and functionality—our comprehensive Ejaculating Dildos Guide provides detailed instructions for each type.
Leather toys, often found in items like strap-on harnesses or impact play tools, present their own set of challenges when it comes to cleaning. Leather is porous and cannot be fully sterilized, so it’s crucial to follow specific care instructions to prevent damage or bacterial buildup.
When in doubt about how to clean your toys, always refer to the manufacturer’s care guidelines. If you’re unsure or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the manufacturer’s customer service team for clarification. Proper cleaning ensures both your safety and the longevity of your toys!
Sex Toy Clean Methods
Sanitization refers to the process of surface-level cleaning that removes most—but not all—bacteria from your toys. While this may not sound completely hygienic, it’s important to note that sanitization is actually sufficient for most sex toy cleaning needs.
Toy Cleaners
As the name suggests, sex toy cleaners are an excellent choice for keeping your pleasure products clean and hygienic. These cleaners are specially formulated to disinfect toys without damaging their materials. However, not all toy cleaners are created equal, so opt for ones that are free from parabens and alcohol. Sex toy cleaners are particularly ideal for non-waterproof toys, as they reduce or eliminate the need for prolonged exposure to water during cleaning.
There are various types of toy cleaners available on the market, including foaming cleaners, sprays, and wipes. The proper way to use them will vary depending on the product, but most are straightforward and easy to use—just follow the instructions provided!
Note: While sex toy wipes are convenient for quick cleanups, they should be followed up with a more thorough cleaning method as soon as possible.
Toys you can clean with sex toy cleaner:
- All toys!
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Prefer to keep things simple? Soap and water are generally a safe and effective option for cleaning sex toys. But before we dive into how to clean with soap and water, let’s clarify what type of soap to use. Avoid harsh chemicals like dishwasher detergent and instead choose a gentle, fragrance-free liquid soap. Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s go over the proper way to clean your toys using soap and water!
One universal rule applies: if your toy has any nooks, crannies, or textured surfaces, make sure to clean those areas thoroughly. A small, soft toothbrush (dedicated solely to this purpose) can help you reach tricky spots.
How to Clean Waterproof Toys with Soap and Water:
- Wet your toy, then apply soap and lather it thoroughly for at least 30 seconds.
- Rinse with warm water, dry it completely, and store it properly.
How to Clean Non-Waterproof Toys with Soap and Water:
- If your toy is battery-operated, remove the batteries before cleaning and ensure the battery compartment is securely closed. For rechargeable toys, take care to avoid getting soap or water in or around the charging port.
- Wet a clean washcloth with warm water, apply soap, and work it into a lather.
- Rub the washcloth over your toy (avoiding the charging port, if applicable) for at least 30 seconds.
- Grab another clean washcloth, saturate it with warm water, and wipe away all soap residue from your toy.
- As always, dry it thoroughly and store it safely.
Toys you can clean with soap and water:
- Almost any toy. The main exception is toys that explicitly state in their manuals to avoid all contact with water (which is rare but does happen).
Sex Toy Sterilization Methods
While standard surface-level cleaning removes most bacteria from sex toys, sterilization goes a step further by eliminating all bacteria! While sanitization is sufficient for most purposes, sterilization provides extra peace of mind for those who are particularly hygiene-conscious or uncomfortable with the idea of even trace amounts of bacteria remaining. Additionally, individuals planning to share their sex toys may also want to consider sterilization to ensure maximum safety.
It’s important to note that effective sterilization can only be achieved after thoroughly sanitizing your toys and is only possible with nonporous materials.
UV Light
UV pouches are an excellent post-cleaning tool for those seeking additional peace of mind without much effort. However, it’s worth mentioning that UV pouches do not provide full sterilization due to the following limitations:
- They claim to destroy 99.9% of germs , leaving a small percentage (0.1%) of bacteria unaccounted for.
- They only clean areas directly exposed to UV light, meaning any portions of the toy in shadowed areas will not be sterilized.
That said, UV pouches still offer a high-impact, low-effort way to achieve a much deeper clean than using soap and water or toy cleaners alone. They can even help clean (but not sterilize) clear porous toys, which is a bonus!
How to Use a Sex Toy UV Pouch:
- Place your clean, dry toy inside the UV sterilization pouch. Ensure the pouch is fully closed and no part of the toy is sticking out.
- Activate the UV sterilization function and leave the toy inside for the duration specified in the pouch’s instructions (typically around 3 minutes).
- Remove the toy and store it safely.
Toys Suitable for UV Pouch Sterilization:
- Nonporous toys small enough to fit entirely within the pouch.
- Clear porous toys small enough to fit entirely within the pouch (for cleaning only – not sterilization ).
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Boiling
If you’re aiming for the ultimate level of cleanliness, boiling your toys in water is an effective sterilization method.
How to Sterilize Your Sex Toys Using Boiling Water:
- Fill a large, clean pot with water, ensuring there’s enough to fully submerge your toy. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil (or slightly above boiling temperature, around 212°F/100°C).
- Carefully place your toy in the pot, ensuring the entire toy is submerged. Avoid splashing hot water to prevent burns.
- Leave the toy in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then use tongs to remove it (again, prioritize safety to avoid burns).
- Place the toy on a clean, lint-free towel or washcloth and let it air dry until it’s safe to handle. Once cooled, use the same towel or washcloth to fully dry the toy before storing it.
Toys Safe to Boil:
- Non-motorized sex toys made of stainless steel , borosilicate glass (commonly known as Pyrex), or 100% silicone .
Smart Storage
It’s not just how you clean your toys that matters—how you store them is equally important! Improper storage can render all your sanitization and sterilization efforts useless and significantly reduce the lifespan of your sex toys.
First and foremost, your toys should be completely dry before storing them, as moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
The best place to store sex toys is in a cool, dry area , away from direct sunlight. Additionally, ensure that none of your porous toys are touching while in storage. Using designated storage bags or cases for your toys can be incredibly helpful in preventing this. Porous toys, especially those made from soft materials, can stick together or transfer residues if stored improperly.
And while it may seem obvious, we’ll say it anyway: the area where you store your toys should be spotlessly clean ! Placing freshly cleaned toys in a dirty storage space will only cause them to pick up dirt and grime, undoing all your hard work in no time.
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