How to Clean Sex Toys

Feeling a bit lazy about cleaning your toys, especially if you are a beginner with sex toys? You’re not alone! But clean toys are about comfort, confidence, and keeping your favorites in great shape.

If you want the best way to clean sex toys, do a quick routine that protects your body and your gear: rinse, wash with warm water and mild fragrance-free soap, rinse again, then air-dry. If you’re sharing or switching between body areas, add disinfection or use a condom on the toy. Need a bit more details? Then this guide is for you!

Why Is Cleaning Your Sex Toys a Non-Negotiable Step?

Cleaning for both beginners and experienced users. You can pass STDs to and from a partner with sex toys. Cleaning them prevents microbes and body fluids from moving between uses or partners, which cuts the risk of irritation and infections. It also protects materials and keeps motors, seals, and coatings working longer.

UTIs are caused by bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is bacteria often found in the digestive system.

A toy touches skin, mucosa, lube, and sometimes fecal matter. That mix can sit in seams, textures, and tiny surface pores. On non-porous materials a simple wash removes it. On porous materials residue can hang around, which is why gentle cleaning after every session matters even more. There’s a bonus too. Clean toys last longer and feel better.

What Bacteria or STIs Can Linger on Uncleaned Toys?

The usual suspects include skin bacteria, fecal bacteria, yeast, and viruses that can persist on surfaces for a while. Shared toys or toys moved from anal to vaginal use are the highest-risk scenarios, which is why knowing how to properly clean sex toys matters.

Porous materials like TPE and “jelly” hold moisture and residue, so microbes have more places to hide. Non-porous silicone, stainless steel, glass, and hard ABS are easier to clean thoroughly. Barriers like condoms and a quick wash between people or body areas help break the chain of transfer.

How Often Should You Wash Your Toys?

Every time you use them. If a toy is about to touch another person or a different body area, clean it first or put on a fresh condom, then clean again after.

Use this simple rule of thumb:

• Solo session — wash after you’re done.
• Partnered play — wash before a toy touches your partner, then wash again after.
• Switching zones — clean between anal and vaginal or oral use to avoid cross-contamination.
• Mid-session quick turnarounds — wipe as a stopgap, then do a proper soap-and-water wash as soon as you can.

Do I Need to Clean a New, Store-Bought Toy Before the First Use?

Yes. A quick wash removes factory residue, dust, and packaging films, which lowers the chance of irritation on first contact.

Unbox the toy, check the manual for any material-specific notes, then wash with warm water and mild fragrance-free soap. Rinse well and let it air-dry completely before play.

What Can You Use to Wash Sex Toys Safely?

Warm water and a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap are the safest default. Sex toy cleaners are helpful for travel or sensitive skin, but they’re optional for everyday care.

What Kind of Soap Is Safe for Sex Toys?

A mild, fragrance-free liquid soap with warm water is the reliable base for cleaning sex toys.

Can I use dish soap (like Dawn)?
Yes for non-porous materials, in small amounts, well diluted, and rinsed until the slip is gone. Use this especially for cleaning silicone sex toys when you want a simple sink routine.

Can I use antibacterial hand soap?
Better not. Many formulas add actives and perfumes that can dry skin and dull elastomers. If it’s the only option, dilute heavily and rinse longer, then switch back to a gentle soap at your next wash.

Can I use bar soap?
Not ideal. Bars leave a film that traps lint and can cloud glossy finishes. Liquid soap rinses cleaner and keeps textures clear without residue.

Are “Sex Toy Cleaners” Worth It, Or Is Soap Enough?

Mild soap works well on silicone, glass, stainless steel, and hard ABS, while sex toy cleaners add convenience for quick turnarounds. If you prefer a bottle, the best sex toy cleaner option is unscented, alcohol-free, and pH-balanced, and a toy cleaner spray is handy when a sink isn’t nearby.

Use a cleaner when you want speed or your skin is reactive. Use soap when you want the lowest cost and maximum rinse-off.

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Can I Just Use Alcohol or Bleach?

Usually no for silicone and elastomers. Alcohol and bleach are only appropriate for specific non-porous cases like stainless steel or glass with careful control.

Alcohol or bleach feel fast and decisive. On glass or stainless steel that are non-electronic, they can disinfect quickly. The downside is material damage elsewhere. Alcohol can swell silicone and make it tacky. Bleach can roughen elastomers and weaken coatings. Choose speed and you might shorten toy life.

When rubbing alcohol can be acceptable: very brief spot use on truly non-porous, uncoated glass or stainless steel, then rinse and air-dry. Keep it away from silicone and TPE.

When a diluted bleach solution can be acceptable: only on non-porous glass or stainless steel, mixed to a light household dilution, short contact, then rinse until there’s no odor. Never on electronics or elastomers.

For silicone, pick boiling or soap-and-water rather than alcohol or bleach to disinfect silicone safely and keep your routine consistent.

How To Clean Toys by Material

Most toys follow one rhythm — rinse, wash with warm water and mild fragrance-free soap, rinse again, then air-dry. The exact steps depend on what the toy is made of and whether there’s a motor inside. 

Materials behave differently, so below you’ll find what’s safest for each type.

How Do You Clean Non-Porous Toys (Silicone, Glass, Metal, ABS)?

So, how to clean non-porous toys (made from silicone, glass, metal, or ABS) like dildos, vibrators, butt plugs, glass or steel wands, and rose-style suction toys? It’s easy to follow even for sex toy beginners!

1. Rinse with warm water.
2. Lather with a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap.
3. Work seams and textures with your fingers or a soft brush.
4. Rinse until the surface feels squeaky clean.
5. Air-dry on a clean rack.

Some extra details you need to consider:

• ABS: do not boil.
• This is the same approach for cleaning silicone sex toys without electronics.
• For silicone tips on suction toys, remove the tip and wash it as non-porous, then gently flush air channels while keeping the motor dry.

What Is the Correct Way to Clean Porous Toys (TPE, Jelly, Cyberskin, Latex)?

Now it’s time to figure out how to clean porous toys (TPE, jelly, Cyberskin, latex) like pocket pussies, Fleshlights, strokers, sleeves, and sex dolls? 

1. Rinse to flush away lube and residue.
2. Wash gently with mild soap inside and out.
3. Rinse longer than you think you need.
4. Shake off water and air-dry fully.

No boiling, bleach, alcohol, dishwasher cycles, or high heat. If tackiness or odor keeps returning, use a barrier for shared play or consider replacement.

Some tips for specific toys that you can’t really define how to clean:

• Sleeves and strokers: if the sleeve can be inverted, turn it inside out with care, rinse the channels well, and dry vertically so water can drip out.
• Sex dolls: treat the surface as porous unless the maker confirms non-porous silicone. Use a soft sponge with mild soap, then rinse and pat dry. Let folds and canals air-dry completely. For convenience, a pH-balanced sex doll cleaner or a compact sex doll cleaning kit can help, but still rinse and dry well.

This is also a safe route for cleaning a fleshlight and cleaning pocket pussy inserts made from soft elastomers.

What About Niche Materials Like Wood or Leather?

Spot clean only. Use a damp cloth with mild soap, then blot and air-dry. Avoid soaking, abrasives, and heat on coated wood, stone, crystal, ceramic, and painted finishes. Treat aluminum or anodized pieces like non-porous items but avoid boiling if you are unsure about the finish.

How Do You Clean Vibrators And Electronic Toys Without Breaking Them?

Cleaning vibrators isn’t that hard. Power off, unplug, and check the water rating first. If it isn’t submersible, wipe with a damp, soapy cloth and keep water away from seams and ports. If it is submersible, you can rinse the shell, then wash and air-dry, but never flood the charging area.

Is My Toy Waterproof, Splash-Proof, Or Submersible?

Look at the box, manual, or product page for words like “waterproof,” “submersible,” or an IP rating such as IPX7 or IPX8. If you only see “water-resistant” or “splash-proof,” treat it as non-submersible and stick to wipe-downs.

• No rating shown? Assume non-submersible.
• Magnetic charging with a sealed back often signals better water protection, but still follow the stated rating.
• Open charging ports or silicone flap covers mean extra care. Keep them closed and dry.
• Suction toys with air channels need special attention. Do not let water run into the intake, especially on rose-style designs. If you want to clean a rose toy, clean the silicone tip separately and keep the motor housing dry.

How To Safely Wipe Motors, Seams, Buttons, And Charging Ports

Turn the toy off. Close any port covers. Use a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a drop of mild, fragrance-free soap or a special sex toy cleaner. Wipe the surface, then use a second cloth dampened with clean water to remove residue. Finish with air-drying.

• Seams and buttons. Use a lightly damp cotton swab around edges. Do not spray cleaner directly onto controls.
• Charging ports. Keep liquid out. Hold the toy so the port faces down while wiping, then dry the area with a lint-free cloth.
• Cables and docks. Clean these separately with a barely damp cloth. Never submerge.
• Trade-off to know. Strong chemicals clean fast, but they can haze silicone covers or weaken adhesives. Gentle wipe-downs protect finishes and seals over time.
• Suction motors. Remove the silicone tip and wash it as a non-porous part. For the body, wipe only. Avoid flooding the air path.
• Need a refresher on cleaning sex toys generally? Use the same rinse-wash-rinse-dry rhythm, adapted to electronics with wipe-downs instead of soaking.

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How to Disinfect or Sterilize Sex Toys

Disinfection is for moments when a basic wash is not enough. Only non-porous, non-electronic items can be truly sterilized with methods like boiling, diluted bleach, UV-C, or a brand-approved dishwasher cycle. This keeps cleaning sex toys both safe and effective.

When Is Simple Washing Not Enough?

You need disinfection after anal use, when sharing with a partner, and after a recent illness. Use it as an extra step on non-porous toys when you want added assurance before storage or a new session.

• Anal to vaginal or oral switching requires a barrier change or a full clean plus disinfection.
• Partner sharing is safer with condoms on toys and a disinfecting step between users.
• Illness in the household is a good reason to add disinfection to your routine.
• Porous toys cannot be sterilized. Keep their care gentle and consider barriers for shared use.

What Materials Are Safe to Boil for Sterilization?

Boiling is safe for borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and 100% silicone without electronics or glued parts. Do not boil ABS, elastomers like TPE or “jelly,” wood, coated surfaces, or anything with a motor.

• Check the manual if a finish or decorative layer is present.
• When in doubt about a coating, skip boiling and choose another method.
• Boiling is the most reliable path to disinfect silicone without chemical stress.

Step-by-Step Guide How to Disinfect and Sterilize Sex Toys

Choose the method that matches the material. Each has a trade-off between speed, coverage, and material wear.

Boiling (Sterilization)

Boiling offers deep sterilization for non-porous, non-electronic toys. It is slow but gentle on compatible materials.

1. Prep a clean pot. Line the bottom with a folded kitchen towel to prevent direct contact with hot metal.
2. Start in cool water. Place the toy in the pot and cover it with water by about 2–5 cm.
3. Heat gently. Bring the water up to a gentle simmer, not a violent rolling boil.
4. Hold the simmer. Keep it simmering for 3–5 minutes, or follow the brand’s stated time if given.
5. Cool slowly. Turn off the heat and let the toy cool in the water to avoid thermal shock, especially for glass.
6. Remove safely. Lift out with clean tongs and set on a clean rack or towel.
7. Air-dry fully. Let every surface dry before handling or storage.

Diluted Bleach (Disinfection)

Diluted household bleach works on non-porous glass and stainless steel. It is fast yet harsher than heat, so avoid silicone and elastomers.

1. Wash first. Clean with mild soap and warm water, then rinse.
2. Mix solution. About 1 part bleach to 10 parts water in a clean basin. Wear gloves and ventilate the area.
3. Apply briefly. Submerge or wipe so all surfaces are wet for a short contact per brand guidance.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse under running water until no odor remains.
5. Air-dry fully. Set on a clean rack before storage.

UV-C Sanitizing Boxes

UV-C is a handy add-on after washing. It is convenient but can miss shadowed areas and interior creases.

1. Wash and dry first. UV-C supplements cleaning, it does not replace it.
2. Load the device. Place the clean, dry item as the manufacturer shows.
3. Run a full cycle. Close the lid and complete the program. Do not stare into UV-C light.
4. Reposition if needed. If the shape casts shadows, flip and run a second cycle.
5. Finish. Let the item cool and air out briefly before use or storage.

Dishwasher

Use only if the brand explicitly allows it. The method is easy but less controlled than a pot of water.

1. Load carefully. Top rack only, in a mesh basket if needed so it does not rattle.
2. Skip detergent. No dish soap or pods.
3. Disable heat. No heated dry or sanitize cycle.
4. Run a gentle cycle. Let cool, then remove and inspect.
5. Air-dry. Finish on a clean rack before storage.

Spray patterns and heat vary by machine. When unsure, choose hand methods for cleaning sex toys safely.

What Is the Correct Way to Dry Your Sex Toys?

This final step after cleaning sex toys prevents lint, odor, and moisture trapped in seams.

1. Shake off excess water.
2. Blot with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.
3. Air-dry on a rack or clean towel, away from direct heat and sun.
4. Flip mid-dry to release water from textures and seams.
5. Only store when the surface feels bone-dry.

Some extra tips:

• Non-porous shells (silicone, glass, stainless, ABS) dry fast on an open rack.
• Sleeves and strokers dry slower. Stand them vertically so channels drip clear.
• Electronics dry face-down so any moisture drains away from ports.

Should I Use a Towel or Let Them Air-Dry?

Use both. Blot first with a lint-free cloth, then let the toy finish in open air so no moisture lingers in seams or textures. Towels remove surface water fast, which cuts lint pickup and water spots. Air-drying finishes the job without rubbing delicate coatings.

• Pick microfiber or tightly woven cotton. Avoid paper towels that shed.
• For sleeves, set on a drying rack or the edge of a clean cup so air flows through the canal.
• For suction tips, dry the silicone tip separately before reattaching.

How Can I Dry Toys Discreetly or Quickly?

Dry on a clean dish rack inside a cupboard, use a small desktop fan on low, or place items on a folded microfiber in a drawer left slightly open for airflow.

• Night routine: wash, blot, set to dry before bed, and everything is ready by morning.
• Travel: blot well, set on a fresh towel in the bathroom, then move to a breathable pouch once fully dry.
• Speed up safely with room-temperature airflow from a small fan.
• Keep a dedicated “toy towel” in a zipper bag to avoid lint and stray fibers.

Can I Use a Hairdryer or Heater to Speed It Up?

You can but you must avoid any heat! Use only cool or room-temperature airflow and keep distance so you do not force moisture into seams or ports.

How you can speed it up:

• Hairdryer on cool setting from at least 12 inches, always moving.
• Small fan or dehumidifier in the room works better than heat.

No radiators, no heated drying cycles, and no direct sun. Heat can warp elastomers, haze coatings, and stress adhesives, especially on vibrators and suction motors.

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Troubleshooting: How To Fix Common Sex Toy Cleaning Problems

Mistakes happen. Even with a solid routine, cleaning sex toys can leave you with stickiness, odor, film, or lint.

Why Is My Toy Sticky?

Stickiness usually means residue or material wear.

• Rinse longer than usual. Soap film is a common culprit in cleaning sex toys.
• Check your lube. Some silicone lubes can leave a film on silicone shells when cleaning silicone sex toys. Rewash and dry.
• Porous TPE and “jelly” can get tacky as they age. The comfort trade-off of soft elastomers is shorter lifespan. If stickiness returns fast, limit use to barriers or replace.
• Skip alcohol and bleach on elastomers. They clean fast but make tackiness worse over time.

How Do I Get Rid of Odor?

Persistent smell means something stayed behind. Do a fresh wash, a longer rinse, and a full air-dry in moving air.

• Rewash the exterior, then open textures and channels so water can flush through sleeves and strokers. This helps during cleaning a fleshlight or other soft inserts.
• Rinse until there is zero slickness. Residue traps scent.
• If a bleach odor lingers, rewash with mild soap and rinse until no smell remains.
• On porous materials, some scents embed. The practical compromise is a barrier during use or retiring the item if odor persists.

How Do I Remove White Film?

White film is usually hard-water minerals or soap scum. Switch to a minimal-soap wash and finish with a thorough rinse.

• Use less soap and warmer water. Bar soaps are film-prone.
• For non-porous glass or stainless, wipe once with a cloth dampened in clean water, then rewash and rinse.
• Consider a final rinse with distilled water on non-porous shells to prevent new deposits.
• If film returns only on sleeves or TPE, it’s often residue held in pores. Gentle rewash helps, but aging elastomers may never look “new.”

How Do I Stop Lint from Sticking?

Remove water fast, then let air finish the job.

• Blot with a lint-free microfiber, then air-dry on a rack.
• Avoid bar soap. Film catches fuzz and fights you during cleaning pocket pussy sleeves and textured toys.
• Dry fully before handling or storing. Even a little dampness magnets lint.
• If lint is already on the toy, re-rinse briefly and blot again with a clean microfiber.

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Final Thoughts

Clean toys feel better and last longer. Pick the method that fits the material and situation, and you’ll be good to go. After you know what to do, cleaning sex toys becomes a quick habit.

Once you’ve got the rhythm, it takes minutes. If you need a fresh sex toy cleaner or you’re eyeing a new toy, our adult store has everything! We’ve got safe, easy-care options ready for you.