How to Clean and Store Sex Toys: The Complete Guide
Cleaning your sex toys properly is not optional — it is the difference between a toy that lasts years and one that becomes a hygiene risk after a few uses. The good news: it is simple once you know what your toy is made of and whether it has electronics inside. This guide covers every material and toy type with the exact method for each.
Why cleaning matters
Sex toys come into contact with bodily fluids and mucous membranes — among the most sensitive tissue in the body. Inadequately cleaned toys can harbour bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens between uses, which can cause infections or irritation even if you are the only person using the toy.
There is also a material consideration: porous toys (anything made of TPE, TPR, rubber, or "jelly") cannot be fully sterilised regardless of how thoroughly you clean them, because bacteria live inside the material itself. This is why body-safe materials — silicone, ABS plastic, glass, stainless steel — matter so much. See our vibrator guide for more on materials.
Step 1: Know your material
| Material | Porous? | Cleaning method | Can boil/dishwash? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone (body-safe) | No | Soap + water, toy cleaner, or boil/dishwash (if no motor) | ✅ Yes (non-motorised only) |
| ABS plastic | No | Soap + water or toy cleaner spray | ❌ No — heat warps plastic |
| Glass | No | Soap + water, dishwasher, or boil | ✅ Yes |
| Stainless steel | No | Soap + water, dishwasher, or boil | ✅ Yes |
| TPE / TPR / "jelly" | Yes | Soap + water — but cannot fully sterilise | ❌ No — heat degrades material |
| Cyberskin / UR3 | Yes | Warm water only (no soap — degrades material). Renewing powder after drying. | ❌ No |
| Leather / fabric | Yes | Wipe with damp cloth. Leather conditioner for straps. | ❌ No |
Step 2: Check the waterproof rating
Before cleaning, check whether your toy has a waterproof rating:
Fully submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes. Can be rinsed under a running tap or held under water without concern. Most modern rechargeable toys carry this rating.
Can handle splashes and brief water contact but should not be submerged. Clean by wiping with a damp cloth rather than holding under a tap.
Keep water away from any seams, buttons, and compartments. Use a damp cloth and toy cleaner spray only — never run under a tap.
Even on waterproof toys, ensure the charging port cover is fully closed before any water contact. Dry the port area before charging.
Step 3: Clean it — the right method for each type
Vibrators and motorised toys
- Turn the toy off before cleaning.
- If IPX7 rated: rinse under warm running water.
- Apply a small amount of mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Work it over the surface — including any ridges or textured areas.
- Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains. Soap left on the surface can cause irritation on next use.
- Pat dry with a clean lint-free cloth or leave to air dry completely. Do not use the toy or put it away damp.
Non-motorised silicone, glass, or steel toys
These can be fully sterilised — the most thorough options:
- Boiling: Submerge in boiling water for 3–5 minutes. Allow to cool completely before handling or storing.
- Dishwasher: Top rack, no detergent (the heat alone sterilises). No detergent prevents residue building up in textured surfaces.
- Soap and water: Perfectly effective for regular cleaning between uses of the same person.
Fleshlights and Cyberskin masturbators
These require a specific approach because soap degrades the material:
- Rinse through with warm water immediately after use — run water through the sleeve from both ends.
- Do not use soap. Warm water only.
- Pat the outside dry. Leave the sleeve open and standing upright to dry the inside completely — this can take several hours.
- Once bone dry, apply Fleshlight Renewing Powder to restore the natural soft texture and prevent the material from becoming sticky.
Antibacterial spray, no rinse needed. Quick and convenient between uses.
£8.99 — Shop
pH-balanced, fragrance-free, gentle on all body-safe materials.
£13.99 — Shop
Essential for Fleshlight and Cyberskin care. Restores soft texture after washing.
£10.49 — ShopToy cleaner spray vs soap and water
| Toy cleaner spray | Soap and water | |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse required | No — spray, wipe, done | Yes — soap residue must be rinsed off |
| Convenience | Very high — bedside table ready | Requires access to a sink |
| Cost | £8–14 per bottle | Negligible |
| Effectiveness | Antibacterial, pH-balanced | Equally effective with thorough rinse |
| Best for | Quick clean, travel, non-waterproof toys | Thorough clean, waterproof toys |
How to store sex toys
Storage matters as much as cleaning. Improper storage causes material degradation, cross-contamination between toys, and dust build-up.
The rules
- Always store dry. Moisture trapped in storage encourages bacterial and mould growth. If in doubt, leave the toy out for an extra hour before putting it away.
- Store toys separately. Different silicone formulations can react with each other if stored touching — especially over long periods. The surface can become tacky or degraded. Use separate pouches or compartments.
- Use a breathable bag or box. A sealed airtight container traps any residual moisture. Cotton pouches, the original box, or a dedicated toy bag with ventilation are all good options. Avoid plastic bags.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. UV and heat degrade silicone and plastics over time. A bedside drawer or a dedicated storage box is ideal.
- Remove batteries for long-term storage. Batteries left in toys can leak and corrode the contacts. If you are not using a toy for more than a few weeks, take the batteries out.
Storage options
Most quality toys come in a box or pouch specifically sized for the toy. Using it costs nothing and keeps the toy separate and protected.
Satin or cotton drawstring bags keep dust off and allow the toy to breathe. Keep one per toy to avoid contact between different materials.
If you share a living space, a lockable storage box keeps toys private and protected. Look for something lined with fabric rather than bare plastic.
A simple divided drawer keeps toys separated without extra cost. Works well for a collection of toys in individual pouches.
Cleaning toys used with partners
When sharing toys between partners, the cleaning standard needs to be higher:
- Between partners without a barrier: Non-porous toys (silicone, glass, steel) should be fully washed with soap and water — or sterilised by boiling if non-motorised — between uses by different people. Porous toys should not be shared without a condom over the toy.
- Using a condom: A condom over the toy provides a barrier and makes cleaning simpler. Change the condom before switching between partners or orifices.
- Between different body areas: Never transfer a toy from anal to vaginal use without cleaning in between, even on the same person. Bacteria from the rectum should not contact vaginal tissue.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular hand soap to clean sex toys?
Yes — mild, unscented hand soap and warm water is safe and effective for most body-safe toys. Avoid soaps with added fragrances, exfoliants, or antibacterial agents like triclosan, which can leave residues that irritate sensitive skin. Rinse very thoroughly.
How often should I clean my toys?
After every single use, without exception. Even solo use. Also do a quick clean before use if the toy has been sitting in storage for a while.
Can I use alcohol wipes or bleach?
Avoid both. Alcohol degrades silicone over time and can cause the surface to become sticky or cracked. Bleach is far too harsh and leaves residues that are not safe for mucous membrane contact. Stick to soap, water, and dedicated toy cleaners.
My toy has a texture or ridges — how do I clean inside them?
Use a soft cloth or your fingers to work soap into the textured areas under running water. A dedicated toy cleaner spray is particularly useful here — spray it on, work it in, then wipe clean without the need to rinse into every crevice. For insertable toys with deep ridges, a soft toothbrush (kept dedicated to this purpose) helps reach every groove.
How do I know if a toy is body-safe?
Body-safe toys are made from silicone, ABS plastic, glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. If a toy smells chemical or rubbery straight out of the packaging, it is almost certainly porous and not fully body-safe. See our guides on vibrators, dildos, and anal toys for material recommendations per category.
Can I put my Fleshlight in the dishwasher?
No. The heat and detergent will destroy the Cyberskin material. Warm water only, followed by thorough drying and Fleshlight Renewing Powder. The case (outer plastic) can be wiped down with a damp cloth.