Sex toys can bring pleasure, confidence, curiosity, and excitement to intimate moments. However, like anything that comes into close contact with the body, they require regular and appropriate care.

Correct cleaning and storage help maintain hygiene, preserve the material, protect electronic components, and extend the useful life of the product. Fortunately, caring for most sex toys is straightforward once you know the material and water-resistance rating of the specific device.

If you are purchasing your first pleasure product and are still deciding which design may suit you, explore our selection of the top five sex toys for beginners.

Why Is It Important to Clean Sex Toys?

Sex toys may come into contact with bodily fluids, lubricant, natural skin oils, dust, bacteria, and residue from storage. If these substances remain on the surface or inside a textured product, they may contribute to unpleasant odours, skin irritation, material deterioration, or less hygienic use.

Cleaning is especially important for insertable toys, textured masturbator sleeves, products used during anal play, and toys shared between partners.

Clean a Sex Toy:

• Before using it for the first time
• After every use
• Before another person uses it
• Before moving it between different body openings
• After it has been dropped or placed on an unclean surface
• Before storing it if it has not already been cleaned after use

Changing a vibrator from one pattern or speed to another does not require cleaning. Cleaning becomes necessary when the toy has been used, shared, contaminated, or moved between body areas where bacteria could be transferred.

1. Check the Material Before Cleaning

There is no single cleaning method suitable for every sex toy. The correct approach depends on the material, construction, electronic components, and whether the product is waterproof, splash-resistant, or not intended for contact with running water.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before washing, disinfecting, boiling, submerging, or applying a cleaning product to a toy.

Silicone

Silicone is commonly used for vibrators, dildos, clitoral stimulators, rabbit vibrators, and couples’ toys. Quality silicone is typically smooth, durable, and easier to clean than many soft porous materials.

• Wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Use warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap when permitted
• Check whether the toy contains a motor or electronic components
• Do not boil or submerge it unless the manufacturer specifically confirms that this is safe

Products that look and feel similar may still have different coatings, seals, or internal electronics. Never assume that one silicone toy can be cleaned in exactly the same way as another.

ABS Plastic

ABS plastic is a hard, smooth material commonly used for bullet vibrators, external stimulators, control units, and the outer casings of electronic toys.

• It is generally straightforward to wipe or wash
• Textured seams and buttons may require additional attention
• The complete product should not be submerged unless it is explicitly waterproof
• Charging ports and battery compartments should be kept dry

Glass and Stainless Steel

Glass and stainless-steel toys have firm, nonporous surfaces that are generally easier to clean thoroughly. However, the precise cleaning method still depends on the product.

• Inspect glass carefully for chips, cracks, or sharp edges
• Check metal products for corrosion or surface damage
• Do not expose decorative coatings, glued components, or electronic parts to high temperatures
• Only boil or use a dishwasher when the manufacturer explicitly states that the product is suitable for it

TPE, TPR, Jelly, and Realistic-Feel Materials

TPE, TPR, and similar soft materials are frequently used for masturbator sleeves and products designed to provide a flexible or realistic feeling. Depending on the formulation, these materials may be more porous and may require additional care.

• Wash them carefully after every use
• Pay close attention to deep channels and internal textures
• Rinse away all lubricant and soap residue
• Allow them to dry completely before reassembly or storage
• Store them separately from other toys
• Use maintenance powder only when recommended for that material

For more detailed advice about sleeves, internal textures, removable components, and maintenance, read our guide to male masturbators, materials, sensations, and care.

2. Check the Water-Resistance Rating

The terms waterproof, water-resistant, and splash-resistant do not mean the same thing. Misunderstanding this distinction is one of the easiest ways to damage an electronic toy.

Waterproof Toys

A fully waterproof toy can generally tolerate more direct contact with water. Some waterproof models are designed for use in the shower or bath, but you should still check the manufacturer’s instructions before submerging them.

Confirm that any required port covers, seals, or battery compartments are closed correctly before cleaning.

Splash-Resistant or Water-Resistant Toys

A splash-resistant product may tolerate small amounts of water on its exterior but should not be submerged or held under running water for an extended period.

Clean it carefully with a damp cloth or according to the manufacturer’s recommended method, particularly around seams, buttons, charging points, and control panels.

Non-Waterproof Toys

A non-waterproof toy should not be placed under a running tap or immersed in water. Use a slightly damp cloth or another manufacturer-approved method while keeping moisture away from electronic components.

If the water-resistance rating is unclear, treat the toy as non-waterproof until you can confirm the correct care instructions.

3. A General Cleaning Routine

For many nonporous toys that can safely come into contact with water, warm water and a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap are sufficient for routine cleaning.

General Steps:

1. Switch off the toy and disconnect any charging cable.
2. Remove batteries or detachable sleeves when the design permits it.
3. Rinse or wipe away visible residue.
4. Apply a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap.
5. Clean the entire contact surface carefully.
6. Pay particular attention to grooves, seams, ridges, joints, and textured areas.
7. Rinse thoroughly if the product is safe to rinse.
8. Remove all traces of soap and lubricant.
9. Pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free towel.
10. Leave it to air-dry completely before storing or charging.

Avoid scented soaps, abrasive sponges, harsh household cleaners, solvents, and strong disinfectants unless the manufacturer specifically approves them for that product.

4. Do You Need a Sex Toy Cleaner?

A dedicated sex toy cleaner can be a practical addition to your care routine, especially for travel or products that cannot easily be rinsed under water.

However, not every cleaner is suitable for every material, and the word “cleaner” does not automatically mean that a product sterilizes or disinfects the toy. Check the label to see:

• Which materials it is suitable for
• Whether it needs to be rinsed away
• How long it should remain on the surface
• Whether it is intended for routine cleaning or disinfection
• Whether the manufacturer of the toy permits its use

If visible lubricant, bodily fluids, or other residue remains on the toy, remove it thoroughly rather than relying on a quick spray alone.

5. Caring for Rechargeable and Electronic Toys

Rechargeable vibrators, rabbit vibrators, couples’ toys, remote-controlled products, and automatic masturbators require additional care because they contain batteries, motors, seals, controls, and charging components.

• Switch the device off before cleaning
• Disconnect it from all charging cables
• Close any port cover when the design includes one
• Do not allow water to enter an exposed charging port
• Do not submerge the device unless the complete product is certified as waterproof
• Allow the charging area to dry completely before reconnecting the cable
• Never charge a damp or wet toy

Different vibrator designs may have very different shapes, seams, movable sections, and water-resistance ratings. Our guide to the most common types of vibrators can help you understand why cleaning requirements may differ between classic, rabbit, wand, wearable, and air-pulse products.

6. How to Clean Textured and Internal Sleeves

Masturbator sleeves and other products with deep internal textures require particular attention. Lubricant and moisture can remain in channels that are not immediately visible.

When the Sleeve Is Removable:

1. Remove it carefully from the outer casing.
2. Rinse or wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Gently clean the internal canal and all textured sections.
4. Rinse away every trace of soap and lubricant.
5. Allow the interior and exterior to dry completely.
6. Reinsert it only when every surface is dry.

When the Sleeve Is Not Removable:

Follow the precise cleaning method provided by the manufacturer. Do not pour water into a product containing motors or electrical components unless the design is specifically intended to be cleaned that way.

Never store a sleeve while it is still damp. Trapped moisture can contribute to unpleasant smells, material changes, and less hygienic conditions.

7. Sharing Sex Toys Safely

Extra care is required when a toy is shared between partners or moved between vaginal and anal use.

• Clean the toy before another person uses it
• Use a new condom or suitable barrier for each partner when appropriate
• Replace the barrier before moving between different body openings
• Never move a toy directly from anal to vaginal use without changing the barrier or cleaning it correctly
• Inspect porous or damaged materials carefully because they may be more difficult to clean thoroughly

For more information about communication, consent, comfort, and safe sharing, read our guide on how to use sex toys with a partner.

8. Drying Is Just as Important as Washing

A toy should be completely dry before it is placed in a bag, box, drawer, or outer casing. Moisture can remain inside textured channels, beneath movable parts, around charging ports, and inside closed-ended sleeves.

For Better Drying:

• Pat the surface with a clean, lint-free towel
• Leave the toy in a clean and well-ventilated area
• Position removable sleeves so air can reach the interior
• Keep charging ports open only when the manufacturer’s instructions recommend it
• Do not use intense heat, a hair dryer, or direct sunlight unless specifically permitted
• Do not reassemble the toy until every component is dry

Some soft materials may feel slightly tacky after washing and drying. Use only the maintenance powder recommended for that particular product rather than applying household powders or cosmetic products.

9. How to Store Sex Toys Safely

Once the toy has been cleaned and dried, store it in a clean pouch, box, or dedicated compartment. When the manufacturer provides a storage bag or case, it is usually the simplest option.

Good Storage Helps Protect Toys From:

• Dust and lint
• Pet hair
• Moisture and humidity
• Direct sunlight
• Excessive heat
• Scratches and physical damage
• Contact with incompatible materials

Avoid throwing all toys loosely into the same drawer. Soft materials, surface coatings, and realistic-feel sleeves may react, become sticky, transfer colour, or become damaged after prolonged contact with other products.

Store Toys Separately

Ideally, keep each toy in its own clean pouch or compartment. Separate storage also prevents charging cables, metal accessories, and rigid products from scratching softer surfaces.

Choose a Cool and Dry Location

Store products away from radiators, windows, bathrooms with high humidity, and other locations exposed to significant heat or moisture.

Protect Batteries

If a toy uses removable batteries and will not be used for a long period, check the manufacturer’s guidance on battery removal. This may help reduce the risk of battery leakage or corrosion.

10. Lubricant Compatibility Matters

Lubricant affects both comfort during use and the condition of the toy’s surface. Water-based lubricant is compatible with many sex toys and is often the simplest option, but the manufacturer’s instructions should always take priority.

Some silicone-based lubricants may affect certain silicone toys. Compatibility depends on the precise formulations of both products, so do not assume that every silicone lubricant can safely be used with every silicone toy.

Before Using a Lubricant:

• Check the toy manufacturer’s recommendation
• Read the lubricant’s compatibility information
• Use a small test area when the manufacturer suggests it
• Avoid oil-based products unless they are explicitly approved
• Clean away all lubricant residue after use

If the product description or manual does not explain compatibility clearly, a water-based lubricant is generally the more cautious starting choice.

11. When Should You Replace a Sex Toy?

Even a well-maintained toy will not last forever. Inspect the product regularly, particularly before using an insertable toy or a soft sleeve.

Consider Replacing It If You Notice:

• Cracks, splits, tears, or peeling
• A sticky, rough, or permanently altered surface
• A strong odour that remains after correct cleaning and drying
• Unexpected discolouration
• Rust or corrosion
• Sharp edges or chipped glass
• Battery leakage or swelling
• Overheating during normal use or charging
• Damaged buttons, charging ports, or seals
• Unreliable switching on or off

Cracks, tears, and damaged textures are more difficult to clean properly. Stop using an electronic toy if it overheats, smells burnt, has a swollen battery, or shows visible damage around its charging components.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and storing sex toys safely does not need to be complicated. The most important habits are to identify the material, check the water-resistance rating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, clean the toy after every use, and allow it to dry completely.

Use compatible lubricant, take additional precautions when sharing toys, keep electronic components away from water when required, and store each product in a clean, dry, protected place.

Regular care helps preserve the toy’s material and performance while making every use more comfortable, hygienic, and worry-free.