Here's something almost no one talks about: how to clean your sex toys properly. Product descriptions mention "body-safe silicone" and "easy to clean," but what does that actually mean in practice? And does it really matter?

Short answer: yes, it matters a lot. Improper cleaning can lead to bacterial infections, yeast infections, UTIs, and in severe cases, bacterial vaginosis. But the good news — proper cleaning takes less than 2 minutes and uses stuff you already have.

This is a no-nonsense guide from our product team based on what we've learned from manufacturer guidelines, medical sources, and customer questions.

Why Cleaning Matters

Every time you use a sex toy, it picks up:

• Bacteria from your body (and your partner's, if shared)
• Lubricant residue
• Natural body fluids
• Dead skin cells
• Potentially harmful microorganisms if stored improperly

If you don't clean the toy between uses, that bacteria multiplies. Using a contaminated toy can cause:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) — the most common issue, causing odor and discharge
• Yeast infections — fungal overgrowth from dirty toys
• UTIs — bacteria can travel to the urethra
• STIs — if shared without proper cleaning, some STIs can transfer
• Skin irritation — soap residue, old lube, or material breakdown

All of this is preventable with 2 minutes of cleaning. Let's get into how.

Know Your Material First

Different materials need different cleaning methods. Most modern toys are one of these:

Medical-Grade Silicone (most common, easiest to clean)

Used in 90% of quality toys (including all of ours). Non-porous, which means bacteria can't penetrate the surface. Just surface cleaning is enough.

How to identify: Feels smooth, slightly tacky when dry, has some flex. Doesn't have a strong smell.

ABS Plastic

Hard plastic, used in handles and external components (motors, buttons). Non-porous, easy to clean.

TPE / TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

Cheap rubber-like material. Porous — bacteria can penetrate. Needs much more careful cleaning.

How to identify: Often has a strong chemical smell, feels very soft or squishy. Common in $10-15 cheap toys.

Jelly Rubber / PVC

Old-school material, still found in very cheap toys. Porous and often contains phthalates (potentially harmful chemicals).

Recommendation: If your toy is TPE, TPR, jelly rubber, or PVC — replace it with silicone when you can. These materials can't be fully cleaned, even with bleach.

Metal / Glass / Ceramic

Non-porous, extremely easy to clean, can even be boiled.

The Standard Cleaning Method (Works for 95% of Toys)

This is what you should do after every use:

Step 1: Rinse

Run warm water over the toy for 30 seconds. This removes surface lube, fluids, and loose debris. Don't use hot water — it can damage the silicone or motor over time.

Step 2: Mild Soap + Warm Water

Use a gentle, unscented, non-antibacterial soap. Avoid:

• Dish soap (too harsh, can leave residue)
• Antibacterial soap (can cause irritation)
• Scented body wash (chemicals can damage silicone)

Best options: a dedicated toy cleaner spray, unscented baby wash, or a gentle fragrance-free hand soap.

Massage the soap gently into all surfaces, including grooves and details. 20-30 seconds.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse 30-60 seconds with warm water. Make sure no soap residue remains — leftover soap can cause irritation next time.

Step 4: Dry Completely

Pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Then leave out for 5-10 minutes to air dry. Don't store a wet toy — moisture promotes bacterial growth.

Step 5: Store Properly

Keep toys in:

• Their original packaging (if it has a pouch)
• A clean cotton bag
• A dedicated storage box

Don't store multiple silicone toys touching each other — silicone can react with silicone over time.

Special Cases

Waterproof Toys (IPX6, IPX7)

You can fully submerge these for cleaning. Check the rating on your toy's packaging:

• IPX4: Splash-resistant only (don't submerge)
• IPX6: Can handle water jets, safe for quick rinse
• IPX7: Fully waterproof, can be submerged

Most of our toys are IPX6 or IPX7.

Toys with Motors / Batteries (but not fully waterproof)

Don't submerge. Clean the silicone body carefully with a damp soapy cloth, avoiding the charging port and battery compartment.

Critical: Make sure no water gets into the charging port — it will kill the motor.

Textured or Detailed Toys

Pay extra attention to grooves, ridges, and bumps. Bacteria hide in textured areas. Use a soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works) to gently scrub detailed sections.

Insertable Toys

Pay attention to the base where your hand grips — this area gets less attention but still picks up bacteria.

Quick Clean Between Quick Uses (Same Session)

If you're using the same toy multiple times in one session (solo or with a partner), you don't need full soap-and-rinse between each use. A toy cleaner spray or a quick wipe with a damp cloth is fine.

Full clean after the session is done.

Deep Cleaning (Periodically)

Every 2-3 weeks, do a deeper clean:

Method 1: Boiling (Silicone, Metal, Glass only)

For 100% silicone toys without motors, you can boil for 5 minutes in water to deep-sanitize. Only do this if:

• The toy is 100% silicone (no motor, no battery)
• The manufacturer explicitly says it's boil-safe

This kills almost all bacteria.

Method 2: Dishwasher (Top Rack, No Soap)

100% silicone, non-motorized toys can go in the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent, heated dry off). Many people don't know this — it's a valid sanitization method for compatible toys.

Method 3: 10% Bleach Solution

For toys shared between partners with unknown STI status: soak in a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water) for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Only do this if the toy is bleach-safe (silicone, metal, glass).

Cleaning Shared Toys

If you share toys with a partner, safer practices:

• Clean thoroughly between each person (full soap + rinse)
• Use a condom over the toy (especially for shared insertion) and switch condoms between partners
• For BDSM play: don't share between partners if one has any active STIs or infections
• Get tested regularly if you share toys with multiple partners

The Lubricant Factor

Lube choice directly affects how easy cleaning is:

Water-Based Lubricant (Recommended)

Washes off easily with water alone. Safe for all toy materials. Our Sage Aloe Hyaluronic Lubricant is water-based and rinses clean in seconds.

Silicone-Based Lubricant

Lasts longer, but degrades silicone toys over time. Avoid with silicone toys. Fine with glass or metal.

Oil-Based Lubricant

Not recommended for any sex toy use. Breaks down latex, damages silicone, and is harder to clean.

Our recommendation: Stick with water-based lubricant for any silicone toy. It's easier to clean and doesn't degrade your toy.

Common Cleaning Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer

Alcohol dries out silicone, causing microscopic cracks over time. These cracks can harbor bacteria. Never use alcohol on silicone toys.

Mistake 2: Using Dish Soap

Too harsh, leaves residue. Dish soap is designed for greasy dishes, not body-contact surfaces.

Mistake 3: Not Rinsing Enough

Soap residue is almost worse than no cleaning — it causes irritation next time. Rinse for 30+ seconds.

Mistake 4: Storing Wet

Moisture in a closed container = bacterial growth. Always fully dry before storing.

Mistake 5: Using Wet Wipes Only

Wet wipes contain fragrance, preservatives, and chemicals that aren't ideal for intimate areas. Fine for emergency quick clean, but follow up with soap and water later.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the Charging Port

Water in the charging port kills the motor permanently. Always keep it covered or facing down during cleaning.

How Often to Replace Your Toys

Even with perfect cleaning, toys have a lifespan:

• Medical-grade silicone: 5-10 years with proper care
• TPE / TPR: 6-12 months (we recommend replacing sooner)
• Glass / Metal: Essentially forever (unless cracked or damaged)
• Motorized toys: Motor usually dies at 2-5 years, the silicone outlasts the motor

Replace immediately if:

• Any visible cracks or tears
• Discoloration that doesn't clean off
• Persistent smell even after cleaning
• Sticky or tacky surface (silicone breaking down)
• Motor making unusual noises

Tools That Make Cleaning Easier

1. Dedicated toy cleaner spray — unscented, pH-balanced, designed for sex toys
2. Soft-bristle brush — for textured toys (old soft toothbrush works)
3. Clean lint-free towels — dedicated to toy use, washed regularly
4. Storage pouches — cotton or silicone-safe pouches for each toy

You don't need all of these — warm water and mild unscented soap covers most situations.

FAQ

Can I clean my sex toys with soap and water only?
Yes. Warm water + mild unscented soap is the gold standard for 95% of toys.

Do I really need a special toy cleaner?
Not strictly necessary, but they're formulated specifically for this purpose — pH-balanced, non-irritating, and leave no residue. For frequent use, they're worth the small cost.

Can I boil my silicone vibrator?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly says so AND if it's 100% silicone (no motor or battery). Boiling any toy with electronics destroys them.

What if my toy has a charging port?
Keep the port covered or facing down during cleaning. Water in the port kills the motor. Most waterproof toys have sealed ports, but check before submerging.

How often should I clean toys I don't use often?
Even unused toys should be cleaned before each use (after being stored) and again after. Storage can pick up dust or bacteria from the environment.

Can I share toys if I clean them thoroughly?
Cleaning reduces risk but doesn't eliminate it — especially with STIs. Safest practice: use condoms on shared toys and switch between partners, or use separate toys.

What if my toy smells funny?
Deep clean it (hot soapy water, scrub with soft brush, rinse thoroughly). If the smell persists after 2-3 deep cleans, the material is breaking down — replace the toy.

Is it okay to clean multiple toys at once?
Yes, as long as you rinse them separately to avoid cross-contamination.

What about cleaning the remote / controls?
Wipe remotes and controllers with a slightly damp cloth (or disinfectant wipe). Don't submerge or spray.

The Short Version (For People Who Won't Read the Whole Thing)

1. Rinse under warm water
2. Wash with mild unscented soap — 20 seconds
3. Rinse thoroughly — 30 seconds
4. Pat dry with clean towel, air dry 5-10 minutes
5. Store in a pouch or dedicated container

That's it. Takes less than 2 minutes and prevents most problems.

For specific product care, check the manufacturer's guidelines. All our toys come with a quick-start cleaning guide in the box.

For more intimate wellness guides, check our First Time Using a Vibrator Guide and How to Use a Rose Toy Guide.

Shop Sage Aloe Water-Based Lubricant — $19.90 →