How Do You Clean Sex Toys Properly to Stay Safe?
Sex toys can elevate pleasure, deepen intimacy, and unlock new realms of self-discovery, but they come with a responsibility: keeping them clean. Proper cleaning isn’t just about maintaining your investment—it’s about staying safe. In 2025, as the variety of toys expands from silicone vibrators to glass dildos to high-tech app-controlled gadgets, understanding how to care for them is more crucial than ever. Bacteria, yeast, and even STIs can hitch a ride if hygiene slips, turning a fun experience into a health hazard. This guide dives deep into the why, how, and what of cleaning sex toys, ensuring you enjoy them worry-free.
Why Cleaning Matters
Sex toys come into contact with your body’s most sensitive areas—vaginas, anuses, mouths—where moisture and warmth create a playground for microbes. Porous toys (like jelly rubber) can trap bacteria in tiny crevices, while even non-porous ones (silicone, glass, steel) can harbor germs if not cleaned after use. A 2012 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that improperly cleaned toys could harbor E. coli, yeast, and other pathogens. For shared toys, the stakes are higher: hepatitis and HPV can theoretically spread without sterilization. Beyond health, cleaning preserves your toy’s lifespan—residue from lube or bodily fluids can degrade materials over time.
In short: clean toys = safe play. Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Know Your Toy’s Material
Cleaning methods vary by material. Check the packaging or manual (or the manufacturer’s website) to confirm what your toy’s made of. Here’s a breakdown:
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Silicone: Non-porous, body-safe. Most common in vibrators and dildos (e.g., We-Vibe Tango X, $80).
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Glass: Non-porous, often borosilicate (e.g., Icicles No. 5, $40).
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Stainless Steel: Non-porous, durable (e.g., Njoy Pure Wand, $120).
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ABS Plastic: Non-porous, hard, used in bullet vibes (e.g., Lovehoney Bullet, $20).
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TPE/TPR: Porous, softer, found in cheaper toys. Harder to fully sanitize.
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Jelly Rubber/PVC: Porous, outdated, and risky—avoid if possible.
Non-porous materials are safest and easiest to clean. Porous ones require extra diligence and may never be 100% germ-free.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
You don’t need fancy gear—just a few basics:
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Warm water
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Mild, unscented soap (fragrance-free dish soap or hand soap works)
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Soft cloth or sponge
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Toy cleaner (optional, e.g., Wicked Cleene, $10)
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Towel or air-dry rack
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For sterilization: pot for boiling or 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water)
Avoid harsh chemicals (alcohol, acetone) that can damage surfaces.
Step 3: Clean After Every Use
Cleaning should be a post-play ritual. Here’s the general process:
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Unplug and Remove Batteries: For motorized toys, ensure no power source is connected. Water and electronics don’t mix unless the toy’s fully waterproof.
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Rinse: Run warm water over the toy to remove lube, fluids, or debris. Avoid submerging non-waterproof toys—use a damp cloth instead.
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Wash: Apply a small amount of mild soap to your hands or a cloth. Lather the toy, focusing on crevices, ridges, or textured areas where bacteria hide.
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Rinse Again: Thoroughly rinse off all soap—residue can irritate skin or degrade materials.
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Dry: Pat with a clean towel or air-dry on a rack. Ensure it’s fully dry before storing—moisture breeds mold.
Time: 2-5 minutes. Simple, right?
Step 4: Material-Specific Tips
Some toys need extra care:
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Silicone: Soap and water work for most. If it’s 100% silicone (no motors), boil it for 5-10 minutes to sterilize—perfect for shared use. Check the manual; some vibrators (e.g., Lelo Mona 2, $150) aren’t boilable.
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Glass: Soap and water, or pop it in the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent for borosilicate). Boil for sterilization if desired.
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Stainless Steel: Soap and water, boiling, or dishwasher-safe. Steel’s tough—treat it like cookware.
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ABS Plastic: Soap and water. Avoid boiling unless specified—heat can warp it.
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Porous Toys (TPE, Jelly): Soap and water, but they’re harder to sanitize. Use a condom during play for extra safety, especially if sharing.
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Motorized Toys: If not waterproof (e.g., some wands), wipe with a soapy cloth and avoid submerging. Waterproof vibes (e.g., Lovense Lush 3, $120) can handle a full rinse.
Step 5: Sterilize When Needed
Basic cleaning kills most germs, but sterilization goes deeper—crucial if you’re sharing toys, switching between vaginal and anal use, or after a yeast infection. Options:
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Boiling: Submerge non-porous, non-motorized toys (silicone, glass, steel) in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Let cool before handling.
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Bleach Solution: Soak non-porous toys in a 10% bleach mix for 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Avoid porous materials—bleach can linger.
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UV Sanitizers: High-tech option (e.g., b-Vibe UV Sterilizer Pouch, $50). Pop the toy in for 10 minutes—germ-free without water.
Not all toys can handle sterilization, so double-check compatibility.
Step 6: Store Smart
Post-cleaning storage matters. Damp or dirty toys in a drawer invite trouble. Tips:
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Use a dedicated pouch (many toys come with one) or a clean, dry box.
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Keep toys separate to avoid material reactions (e.g., silicone can bond with silicone if touching).
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Store in a cool, dry place—avoid humid bathrooms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping Cleaning: Even “just a quick use” leaves residue.
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Using Wrong Cleaners: Alcohol or scented soaps can irritate skin or damage toys.
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Ignoring Crevices: Bacteria love hiding in seams or buttons.
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Storing Wet: Mold grows fast—dry completely first.
Extra Safety Tips
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Lube Compatibility: Water-based lube with silicone toys; any lube with glass or steel. Silicone lube can degrade silicone toys.
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Condoms: Use them on porous toys or when sharing to minimize risk.
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Inspect Regularly: Cracks, discoloration, or stickiness signal it’s time to replace the toy.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Take the We-Vibe Chorus ($200), a couples’ vibe. Clean it after each use, and it’ll last years—pristine and safe. Neglect it, and you’re rolling the dice with your health. Or the Njoy Pure Wand ($120)—boil it, and it’s sterile for your next adventure. Cleaning takes minutes but pays off in peace of mind and pleasure.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning sex toys properly isn’t rocket science—it’s a quick, essential habit. Know your material, scrub with care, sterilize when needed, and store smart. In 2025, with toys more advanced and accessible than ever, staying safe lets you focus on the fun. So, after your next play session, give your toy some TLC. Your body—and your partner—will thank you.