How to Clean and Store Your Sex Toys Safely — a friendly, enthusiastic guide
- Candace Aloway
- Sep 30
- 5 min read
Let’s be real: your toys deserve the same love and attention you put into everything else that makes life fun. Cleaning and storing them properly keeps them working longer, protects your body from infections, and saves you money (and awkward apologies) down the line. Below is a practical, upbeat, evidence-backed guide to keeping your collection squeaky, safe, and ready when the mood strikes.
Why bother? (Short answer: health + longevity)
Sex toys can pick up bodily fluids, bacteria, yeast, and — if shared — sexually transmitted infections. Cleaning them before and after use and taking sensible storage precautions lowers the chance of urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and other nasties. Health organizations and sexual-health educators all recommend washing toys before/after use and being cautious when sharing. Planned Parenthood+1
Step 1 — Know your toy: material matters
The single best thing you can do before you clean is identify what your toy is made from. Materials behave differently:
Non-porous materials (safe to disinfect more easily): medical/food-grade silicone, glass (borosilicate), stainless steel. These don’t trap fluids in microscopic pores and are the easiest to sanitize.
Porous materials (harder to fully disinfect): jelly/rubber, elastomer, cyberskin, some soft plastics. These can trap microscopic grime and may be impossible to sterilize fully—extra caution is needed.
Motorized/electronic toys: have electronics/batteries — they need special handling; don’t soak unless the manufacturer explicitly says the toy is fully submersible/waterproof.
If in doubt, check the product box/manual or the seller’s website. If the material description is missing or smells chemical-y, it could be porous or low-quality — consider avoiding it.
Step 2 — Basic cleaning rules (the “before & after” rule)
When: clean toys before and after every use. Clean again between partners or when switching from anal to vaginal use.
What to use: warm water and a gentle, unscented soap is the everyday workhorse. Avoid harsh, perfumed, or oily soaps which can irritate skin or leave residues. Many people also use purpose-made toy cleaners.
Quick tip for sharing: if you plan to share a toy, either wash it between users or use a fresh condom over the toy and change it between partners. That’s a fast, reliable barrier. Planned Parenthood
Step 3 — Deep cleaning & disinfecting (by material)
Silicone, glass, stainless steel (non-motorized, nonporous):
Surface Cleaning: Before and after every use, give your toys a quick but thorough wash. Use warm water and a mild, unscented hand soap — harsh soaps like dish detergent can irritate sensitive areas. A soft cloth or even a toothbrush (reserved just for this!) can help get into any grooves or textures. Antibacterial soap is fine too, as long as it’s gentle.
You can also try a specialty sex toy cleaner if you have one on hand, or make your own at home: just mix warm water, mild hand soap, and a few drops of tea tree oil (which has natural antibacterial properties).
Deep Cleaning Options: When it’s time for a more thorough clean:
Dishwasher Method: For non-motorized, nonporous toys, place them on the top rack of your dishwasher and run the sanitize cycle using plain water only — no detergent. Make sure nothing else is in the dishwasher with them.
Boiling Method: Non-vibrating stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and medical-grade silicone toys can be boiled for a few minutes for full sterilization. Avoid boiling plastic toys or anything with motors or batteries — high heat can warp or damage them.
Anal Toys: Butt plugs and toys used anally deserve extra attention. Deep clean them regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and reduce infection risk.
Bleach Solution (Last Resort):You can disinfect some nonporous toys with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), but rinse them thoroughly afterward. Skip bleach on silicone — it can break down the material over time.
Porous materials (jelly, rubber, cyberskin): stick with warm water and unscented soap; they can’t be reliably sterilized. If you use them anally and then vaginally, either clean thoroughly or use a condom over the toy to prevent transfer of bacteria. Consider replacing porous toys more often. Middlesex-London Health Unit+1
Motorized / rechargeable / splashproof toys: do not submerge unless the toy is rated IPX waterproof and the manufacturer says so. Wipe with a damp, soapy cloth (avoid water intrusion into charging ports), then rinse the cloth and wipe again. Toy-safe wipes or alcohol-based toy cleaners (that evaporate) can be used on external surfaces — but follow maker guidance. Healthline+1
Can I use rubbing alcohol or bleach?
Rubbing alcohol: some experts and manufacturers recommend alcohol-based wipes or sprays for exterior sanitizing (they evaporate quickly). But alcohol can be drying/tacky on some materials and isn’t ideal as the only method if there’s visible organic matter — you should wash with soap first. Always check the maker’s care instructions. Dame Products+1
Bleach: a dilute 1:10 bleach solution (bleach:water) is used by some clinics to disinfect nonporous toys (short soak, then wash thoroughly and rinse) — but bleach can corrode metals and damage some finishes, so use very cautiously and only when appropriate. Middlesex-London Health Unit+1
Lube compatibility — protect your toys (and your body)
Water-based lubes are the safest all-round option: compatible with most toy materials and condoms, easy to wash off. Allure
Silicone-based lubes can degrade silicone toys over time (they may cause tackiness, surface changes, or breakdown of softer silicone). Avoid silicone lube on silicone toys unless the manufacturer explicitly says it’s safe; spot testing is an option. Trojan Brands+1
Oil-based lubes can break down latex condoms and can be messy — generally avoid them with condoms and exercise caution with some toy materials. Trojan Brands
Storage — keep them dry, separate, and comfy
Storage matters almost as much as cleaning:
Dry completely first. Moisture trapped in storage leads to mold and bacteria. Air-dry on a clean towel or pat dry with a lint-free cloth before tucking toys away. SVAKOM
Store by material. Keep nonporous toys (silicone, glass, metal) separate from porous ones to avoid chemical transfer or surface changes. Many people use individual cloth/satin bags or the original box. Healthline+1
Avoid airtight plastic bags and damp places. Breathable fabric pouches (cotton, satin) are preferred; plastic can trap humidity and cause mold. Also keep toys out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Woman & Home+1
Lock or hide if needed. If you need discretion or safety from curious children, use lockable cases or a secure location — but balance discretion with accessibility to clean and dry them properly. New York Magazine
Inspect, retire, replace
Look for cracks, tears, sticky spots, discoloration, or any change in texture — those are signals it’s time to replace a toy. Porous toys and very inexpensive materials tend to wear out faster and can harbor microbes even after cleaning. When in doubt, replace it. Healthline+1
Quick day-to-day checklist (printer-friendly)
Clean before and after use with warm water + unscented soap or toy cleaner. SH:24+1
Use condoms on porous toys or when sharing. Planned Parenthood
Don’t submerge non-waterproof electronics; wipe instead. Healthline
Boil non-motorized silicone/glass/metal toys for sterilization (if manufacturer allows). Middlesex-London Health Unit
Dry thoroughly; store in breathable bags, separately by material, away from heat and sunlight. Healthline+1
Closing pep talk
Keeping your toys clean and well stored isn’t complicated — it’s just a few smart habits that protect your health and make playtime worry-free. Think of it like giving your favorite gadget a spa day: a little rinse, a quick inspection, and a soft bag to sleep in. That way your toys stay safe, your body stays happy, and you can focus on what matters most: enjoying yourself. 😘
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