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Adults 18+ only. This article is general educational information, not medical advice.
Good manners extend to the things we own, especially the ones that touch the most sensitive parts of our bodies. Cleaning your intimate products properly protects your health, extends their life, and frankly, is just good form.
Health educators are consistent: clean products before and after every use (QUIN; Healthline). Unclean items can introduce bacteria and other microbes and collect lint and dust. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Start with the material
How you clean depends almost entirely on what the product is made of. Materials fall into two camps (QUIN):
Non-porous (easiest to clean)
- Body-safe silicone
- Borosilicate glass
- Stainless steel
- ABS hard plastic
Porous (harder to clean)
- Jelly rubber
- TPE / TPR (“elastomer”)
- PVC and vinyl
- Latex
Porous materials have tiny surface holes that can hold bacteria. QUIN advises keeping porous products for solo use, or using a condom over them if sharing. Not sure what yours is? Check the maker’s product page or packaging. If it says only “jelly” or “skin-like,” assume porous.
2. Everyday cleaning, step by step
- Check the manual first. Manufacturer instructions always win, particularly for electronics.
- Remove batteries or confirm the product is switched off and charging ports are covered.
- Wash with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, or a purpose-made toy cleaner (QUIN).
- Submerge only if waterproof. Otherwise, wipe with a damp, soapy cloth and avoid getting water near seams, buttons, or charging ports.
- Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains.
- Dry completely with a lint-free cloth or let it air dry. Moisture invites bacteria and mold (QUIN).
3. When you want to sanitize (not just clean)
QUIN notes that soap and water remove fluids and debris but won’t necessarily remove all STI-related bacteria or viruses. That matters most if products are shared.
Options QUIN lists for sanitizing:
– Boiling for 1–3 minutes, for non-motorized, fully non-porous items only (silicone without electronics, glass, steel).
– Isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated antibacterial toy cleaner, used per the label.
– Medical-grade sterilizing products.
Do not boil anything with a motor, battery, or charging port, or any porous material. Glass should be heated and cooled gradually to avoid thermal shock; check the maker’s guidance.
4. A material-by-material cheat sheet
| Material | Everyday clean | Can be boiled? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone (no motor) | Mild soap + water | Yes, if maker allows | Avoid silicone lube unless maker approves |
| Silicone (motorized) | Soap + water if waterproof; wipe otherwise | No | Keep ports dry |
| Glass | Soap + water | Some, per maker | Inspect for chips; discard if damaged |
| Stainless steel | Soap + water | Yes | Very durable |
| ABS hard plastic | Soap + water / wipe | No | Avoid harsh solvents |
| TPE / jelly / PVC | Soap + water | No | Porous; use condoms if sharing; replace sooner |
5. Storage etiquette
Per QUIN’s guidance:
– Dry completely before putting away.
– Store individually in a fabric pouch, case, or separate compartment to keep items lint-free.
– Keep porous items separate so materials don’t react with one another (some materials can degrade when touching others).
– Keep away from heat, such as radiators or hair dryers.
Many makers include a storage pouch. If not, a lined, lockable case adds discretion.
6. Battery and charging care
- Charge using the supplied cable and follow the maker’s instructions.
- Don’t leave products charging unattended for long periods, and stop using any device that gets unusually hot or swells.
- If a rechargeable product sits unused, charge it periodically, and follow your maker’s storage guidance (Healthline).
7. When to replace
Replace a product if you notice:
– Cracks, chips, tears, or a sticky or changed surface
– Discoloration or persistent odor after cleaning (more common with porous materials)
– Damaged charging ports or exposed electronics
Body-safe, non-porous items generally last longest, one more reason to choose them (see Body-Safe Materials, Explained).
8. When to see a clinician
If you develop irritation, unusual discharge, sores, or symptoms of infection, pause use and see a clinician or sexual-health clinic. STI testing is a normal part of sexual health, especially when sharing products.
Common cleaning mistakes (and the proper alternative)
- Using scented or antibacterial hand soap. Fragrances and harsh additives can irritate sensitive skin and may leave residue. A mild, unscented soap or a purpose-made toy cleaner is gentler.
- Boiling anything with a motor. Heat and water will ruin electronics and can create a safety hazard. Boil only non-motorized, fully non-porous items, and only if the maker permits it.
- Storing items damp. Moisture trapped in a pouch invites mold and bacteria. Air-dry completely first.
- Tossing everything into one drawer together. Some materials can react when they touch, and lint and dust collect quickly. Individual pouches are the tidy solution.
- Skipping the pre-use rinse. Even clean, stored items gather dust. A quick wash before use is part of the routine, not optional.
- Using bleach or household cleaners. Strong chemicals can damage materials and irritate tissue. Stick to products made for the purpose, used as labeled.
- Ignoring the charging port. Wipe around ports carefully and let them dry before charging.
A five-minute care routine
- Rinse under warm water right after use.
- Wash with mild, unscented soap or toy cleaner, avoiding ports if not waterproof.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, then air-dry fully.
- Return to its own pouch, away from heat and sunlight.
Keeping a small “care kit” in the same drawer (a toy cleaner, a lint-free cloth, and a few pouches) turns good hygiene into a thirty-second habit rather than a chore.
A note on sharing
If products are shared between partners, sanitizing between uses matters more, and porous products should be covered with a new condom each time (QUIN). Many people simply keep separate products for solo use and partnered use, which is the most straightforward approach of all.
FAQ
How often should I clean my toys?
Before and after every use, according to sexual-health educators.
Can I put sex toys in the dishwasher?
Only if the maker says so. Planned Parenthood notes some toys are dishwasher safe, and Healthline’s experts say non-motorized, non-porous toys (such as silicone, glass, or stainless steel) can be; never put anything with a motor or battery in the dishwasher (Planned Parenthood; Healthline).
Is toy cleaner better than soap?
Mild, unscented soap and water is fine for everyday cleaning. Toy cleaners are convenient, and some are formulated for sanitizing.
Can I boil silicone?
Only if it has no motor or battery and the maker permits it. Boil for 1–3 minutes.
How do I store toys discreetly?
A lined, lockable case or separate fabric pouches keep things clean, separate, and private.
Sources
- QUIN, Sex Toys: Care, Cleaning and Safer Play: https://www.quin.org.au/sex/sex-toys-care-cleaning-and-safer-play
- Planned Parenthood, Sex Toys: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sex-and-pleasure/sex-toys
- Planned Parenthood, Safe Sex Coloring Book (toy care tips): https://www.plannedparenthood.org/uploads/filer_public/ca/2c/ca2cc3d6-08d7-42d7-8f89-2efa631ed8f1/safe_sex_coloring_book.pdf
- Healthline, How to Clean Your Sex Toys and Accessories: https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/how-to-clean-sex-toys
- Bringing sex toys out of the dark: exploring unmitigated risks (PMC10034881): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10034881/