The Clean-Up Crew: How to Properly Wash Your Sex Toys

The Simple Start to Toy Cleaning 

For most toys, a simple wash with warm water and mild soap is enough to do the trick. This soap can be hand soap, a bar of soap, body soap, or even a toy cleaner. This combo can effectively break down most of the residue and bacteria left behind, leaving your toy fresh and clean for next time. Sometimes toys have grooves or crevasses, so it’s important to pay attention to those to ensure there is not an unwanted buildup. To assist with these crevasses, a soft bristle brush or old toothbrush can come in handy.

With that being said, not all toys are created equal—some require a little extra love and care to ensure they’re not only clean, but also last to their fullest extent, bringing you pleasure over and over to their fullest capacity. From motors to porous materials, some of your faves need more than just a simple splash of water and a scrub. 

Cleaning Different Types of Sex Toys 

Below are some sex toy care tips as well as how to disinfect certain sex toys depending on the material they are made of or their motorized components. Every toy will have its own special unique qualities, so you may need to refer to more than one section depending on the toy. 

1. Porous Materials (e.g., Jelly, Rubber, TPE, or PVC)

These materials are porous, meaning they can trap bacteria in tiny holes or crevices, making them harder to fully sanitize. Soap and water work for a quick clean, but you may want to periodically give it some designated time using a specialized toy cleaner designed for porous toys. Since these toys are primarily made of plastics, do not boil them as they can melt or degrade over time. 

2. Battery-Operated or Non-Waterproof Toys 

Anything with a battery compartment, electronic components, or isn’t waterproof for any other reason, can’t be submerged. This can make it tricky to get the whole thing clean and requires some extra attention. Clean the non-motorized parts with a damp cloth and mild soap. For the motorized or electronic part, use a toy cleaner spray or disinfecting wipes that are safe for intimate products. Be mindful of any crevices around the battery compartment and dry them thoroughly after cleaning. 

3. Silicone Toys 

Silicone is non-porous and easy to clean as long as they do not have a motor and are waterproof. The basic soap and water mentioned above will work for your everyday cleaning. If using a toy cleaner, stay away from anything alcohol-based or oil-based since it will cause the silicone material to break down. For a deeper clean that you can do every now and then, silicone toys can be boiled for 3-5 minutes to sanitize them. Once removed from the boiling water, let the toy cool and wash with soap and water. Something to watch out for with silicone is if it is colored, discoloration could happen from heat exposure depending on the manufacturer. 

4. Glass, Steel, or Metal Toys 

These materials are non-porous and can handle more intensive cleaning, but you need to ensure that you’re handling them safely. You can boil glass or steel toys (as long as they don’t have motors!) or run them through the top rack of your dishwasher with no soap or dishes. Just the clean water and heat will disinfect your toys – but be mindful of the temperature when handling! These toys retain heat for longer time periods so ensure they have cooled down before handling to avoid burns! If boiling or dishwashing isn’t an option, use soap and water and then wipe down with an alcohol solution to sanitize. 

5. Realistic (Cyberskin, FantaFlesh, or Ultra-Realistic Materials) 

These lifelike materials are super soft and delicate, making them prone to damage from harsh chemicals or rough handling. Wash only with warm water and mild soaps with only a gentle amount of scrubbing. When drying, air drying is ideal, but if you are looking for a quick turnaround time, pat dry with a clean and soft cloth. Once dry, apply a renewal powder to keep them from feeling sticky and maintain their lifelike texture. This renewal powder is often cornstarch based and is a product you can either purchase or use cornstarch at home! There are also alternative powders available for those with corn allergies.  

6. Leather or Fabric Toys (e.g., Harnesses, Bondage Gear, Restraints) 

Leather and fabric materials can absorb moisture, bacteria, and even body oils, making them more challenging to clean without damaging the material. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to gently wipe the leather or fabric. For leather items, follow up with a leather conditioner to prevent it from drying out or cracking. Fabric items, if possible, can be hand-washed or put in a laundry bag on a gentle cycle. Air-dry leather and fabric toys thoroughly and avoid storing them in damp or humid environments to prevent mold or mildew. 

Love, Clean, Repeat

Taking the time to properly clean your toys isn’t just a nice-to-do—it’s a must-do for anyone who wants to keep things safe, fresh, and fun for every round. Whether your toy needs a quick rinse with soap and water or a more thorough cleaning, showing your toys a little post-play care ensures they’re always ready for action when you are. And trust us, they’ll thank you for it by lasting longer and staying in top shape! 

But when soap and water just won’t cut it, we’ve got you covered. Our range of specially formulated toy cleaners is designed to give your favorite playthings the deep clean they deserve—without any harsh chemicals that could damage the materials. Ready to keep things fresh and fun for the long haul? Check out our toy cleaner collection here and give your toys the care they need!