How To Clean Sex Toys: Keep It Fresh for You (And Your Partner)

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How To Clean Sex Toys: Keep It Fresh for You (And Your Partner)

Washing a sex toy under warm water to keep it fresh and hygienic for you and your partner.
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Be honest—do you actually clean your sex toys after using them? Or do they end up in the drawer with a vague promise of “I’ll deal with it later”? According to a Forbes survey, 14% of people never clean their vibrators, and over 1 in 5 only clean them after use.

This is not great, considering these things go into some pretty intimate places. Cleaning sex toys isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about dodging infections, keeping your partner safe, and making sure your toys last. So, what exactly do you need to know?

In this article, we'll cover:

  • How to clean your toys properly – No lazy rinsing, we’re doing it right
  • What to do for different materials – Silicone, glass, jelly; each needs its own love
  • Common screw-ups to avoid – And what your partner secretly wishes you’d sort out

Guide On How To Properly Clean Your Sex Toys

Assorted sex toys in a basket, highlighting the importance of proper care, cleaning, and maintenance.

Look, if your toys are getting up close and personal with your bits (or someone else’s), they deserve more than a lazy rinse with hot water. Properly cleaning sex toys, keeps the fun safe and the gross stuff far away. It’s not rocket science, but there is a right way. Let’s get into it.

Preparation – What You'll Need For Cleaning

Before we dive into the scrubbing and suds, let’s double-check you’ve actually got the right gear to clean your adult toys.

  • Mild soap (not your kitchen dish soap—go gentle on those sensitive materials)
  • Warm water (too hot or cold water can mess with certain materials—go Goldilocks warm)
  • Clean towel or paper towels (drying matters more than you think—moisture = bacteria)
  • Spray bottle (great for diluted cleaner or water, and makes you look like a pro)
  • Antibacterial wipes (solid for quick wipe-downs, especially on non-porous surfaces)
  • Fabric bag (don't just toss toys in a drawer—store sex toys somewhere clean and dry)

Cleaning Non-Vibrating (Manual) Toys

Alright, manual toys—dildos, plugs, sleeves, and yes, your go-to anal toy—are the simplest to clean, but that doesn’t mean you can half-ass it. Whether it’s silicone, hard plastic, or some wild porous material like jelly rubber, cleaning right is the difference between safe fun and a trip to the doctor.

Step-By-Step

  • Rinse with warm water first to get rid of any obvious gunk (aka leftover bodily fluids—yeah, we’re not sugarcoating it).
  • Wash with mild soap and warm water. If the toy’s non-porous (like borosilicate glass or silicone), you’re golden. For porous toys, take extra care—they tend to harbor bacteria.
  • Scrub all the nooks, especially any seams or textured spots. That’s where stuff hides.
  • Rinse thoroughly so there’s no soapy residue left behind.
  • Let it air dry or pat it down with a clean towel.
Pro tip: Some manual toys are dishwasher safe (top rack, no detergent), but you guessed it—double check the manufacturer’s instructions before you turn on the rinse cycle.

Cleaning Vibrating & Motorized Toys

Now we’re talking tech—vibrators, wands, motorized sleeves, the works. These toys bring the buzz, but you can’t just dunk 'em in the sink and hope for the best. Most have internal parts that don’t love direct contact with water.

Step-By-Step

  • Grab a damp cloth with a bit of mild soap—wipe the outside, especially the bits that saw... action.
  • Use a spray bottle if you want to apply cleaner without over-soaking things.
  • Avoid water near battery compartments or charging ports—unless it’s fully waterproof, assume it’s not.
  • Check the manufacturer’s instructions—every brand’s got its quirks, and ignoring them is how you break your favorite toy.
  • Rinse off any soapy residue with another damp cloth, not a flood of water.
Once it’s clean, make sure you fully disinfect regularly, especially if you’re using it with a partner or switching between areas (you know the ones). That’s called sanitizing sex toys the smart way, my dude.

Drying & Storage Tips

You’ve cleaned your toy—now you need to dry it properly and store it somewhere clean, or you’ll undo all that effort faster than you can say “moldy dildo.”

Step-By-Step

  • Air dry your toys on a clean surface—don’t rush it. Let them get completely dry before stashing them.
  • Avoid direct sunlight while drying—unless you want your silicone toy to age like a forgotten garden chair.
  • Use a clean towel or paper towel to speed things up if needed, but no rubbing like you're drying dishes.
  • Store your toys in a fabric bag or their original case—something breathable. Chucking them in a drawer raw-dog style invites dust, bacteria, and soapy residue to join the party.
  • Keep toys separated by material (especially porous toys) to avoid chemical reactions or weird melting situations—yes, that’s a thing.
And if you’re sharing or using them for anal play, give ‘em a deep clean or slap a condom on next time. Better safe than itchy, mate.

Clean toy? Check. Dry toy? Check. Stored safely? Check. Good. But not all toys are created equal—how you clean them depends on what they’re made of. Let’s break it down by material so you don’t accidentally ruin your favorite silicone toy or melt a jelly rubber plug.

How To Clean Sex Toys By Material (Silicone, Glass, Metal & More)

Various sex toys, including a wand, G-spot vibrator, anal plug, and clit sucker, highlighting cleaning methods for different materials.

Not all sex toys are created equal, and neither are their cleaning needs. Some materials are like a fine wine—need a little more attention. Others? Well, they’re pretty straightforward. We’re breaking it down into two broad categories: nonporous toys (the easy ones) and porous toys (the ones that need extra care).

Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys Properly

Silicone toys are the luxury cars of the sex toy world—smooth, durable, and ready for pleasure if you treat them right. Cleaning these bad boys is pretty straightforward, but you’ve got to use the right stuff.

  • Go with mild soap and warm water, and skip the oily or abrasive cleaners—they’ll ruin the surface.
  • After washing, either air dry or pat them gently with a clean towel.

Best practice? Keep ‘em away from your leather couch (or, really, any surface that could scuff them up) and store them properly to keep that luxury vibe intact.

Cleaning Glass & Metal Sex Toys Safely

Glass and metal toys are durable, sleek, and pretty low-maintenance.

  • Just rinse under warm water, scrub with mild soap, and you’re done.
  • If you want to sanitize sex toys (and you should), you can even boil ‘em or toss them in the dishwasher (top rack only). Just be sure they’re not battery-powered.

Bonus points if you store them away from other materials that might scratch them, like rough fabric or the bed sheets. They’re easy to care for, but they deserve a little attention to detail.

Cleaning Porous Sex Toys (Rubber, Jelly, Latex & More)

Porous toys (like rubber, jelly, or latex) are a bit trickier because they can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly.

  • First, use a gentle antibacterial soap with warm water to clean them.
  • Don’t forget to rinse thoroughly, because any soap residue can cause irritation.

The big downside to porous materials is that they can’t be fully sanitized, so it’s a good idea to use a condom on these toys if you're sharing. And when in doubt, throw it out after a while.

The material matters. Whether you’ve got silicone, glass, or something more adventurous: treat them right, and they’ll treat you right. Still, even with the basics down, a lot of guys miss the mark. So let’s get into some expert-backed advice on the most common cleaning mistakes—and how to avoid them.

Andrew’s Expert Tips To Avoid Common Sex Toy Cleaning Mistakes

Marco and Ivy in bed, with Ivy using an anal plug, both looking concerned, highlighting common cleaning mistakes

Even though most sex toys are built to last, many guys still manage to mess up the cleaning part. And let’s be real—many sex toys end up in the trash way too soon because of basic mistakes.

These are the most common cleaning blunders guys make; avoid them, and you’ll be good to go.

Mistake #1 – Using The Wrong Cleaning Products

Using harsh cleaning products or anything with strong fragrances is a major no-no. Stick to mild soap and warm water to clean your toys. Anything else can degrade the material or cause irritation.

How To Avoid This Mistake

Always read the label on your cleaning products. Stick to products designed for intimate items—your body will thank you.

Mistake #2 – Not Cleaning Toys Frequently Enough

Don’t be that guy who waits until the toy smells like a gym sock. Clean them after every use, and if you’re sharing, definitely deep clean before and after.

How To Avoid This Mistake

Make cleaning part of the routine—right after use, not “whenever you remember.” A quick rinse with warm water and mild soap goes a long way, but for shared toys or anything that’s been used for anal play, go the extra mile with a proper deep clean.

Mistake #3 – Ignoring The Manufacturer’s Cleaning Instructions

Look, we get it—you’re in the mood to skip steps, but don’t skip the manufacturer’s instructions. Those little details are there for a reason, and ignoring them could be a one-way ticket to ruining your favorite toys.

How To Avoid This Mistake

Just like you’d read a manual for assembling furniture (or pretend to), take a quick glance at the cleaning instructions. If you can’t find them, a quick online search will do the trick.

Mistake #4 – Improper Drying & Storage (Risks of Mold & Bacteria)

Tossing your toy in a drawer while it’s still damp might seem harmless—but moisture is a playground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Not only does this ruin your toy, it also puts your health at risk. You don’t want a bedtime accessory turning into a biohazard.

How To Avoid This Mistake

After cleaning, let your toy air dry completely—rushing it invites bacteria and mold. In a pinch, pat it with a clean, dry towel, but still leave it out until fully dry. Use a cool, dry spot and a breathable fabric bag to store them and keep things fresh and safe.

Avoiding these common mistakes will not only prolong the life of your toys but also keep things safe and hygienic. And if you’re wondering what your partner really thinks about your toy hygiene, don’t worry, we asked.

A Woman's Perspective.. 

On Common Hygiene Concerns Women Secretly Have About Sex Toys

from Isabel
SEXUALITY COACH
Isabel, certified sexologist at SQL & SOS, shares a woman's perspective on common hygiene concerns about sex toys

Look, we love bringing toys into the bedroom, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have quiet concerns running in the background. Even if we don’t say it out loud, here’s what might be on our minds:

  • "Is this toy actually clean?”
    We notice when a toy feels like it was pulled from the bottom of a drawer five minutes ago. If it smells off, looks cloudy, or has any sticky residue, huge red flag.
  • "Has this toy been used with someone else?”
    Even if it’s clean, the idea of sharing toys—especially without full transparency—can feel super personal (and, a little gross). If there’s a history, we want to know. Otherwise, it’s hard not to feel uncomfortable or even a bit disrespected.
  • “Could this give me an infection?”
    Women’s bodies are more prone to irritation and infections, especially when toys aren’t cleaned or dried properly. And yes, we can feel the aftermath.
  • “Does he even care about keeping these clean?”
    If you're not washing your toys, storing them properly, or seem clueless about how to sanitize them, we start questioning more than just your hygiene game.

How To Reassure Her (Without Killing The Mood)

  • Be open about a toy’s history.
    If a toy’s been used with someone else, say so—and more importantly, let her know it’s been fully sanitized. If she’s not comfortable with it, no questions asked—get a new one. Transparency builds trust.
  • Show, don’t just say.
    Let her see you clean your toys before and after use. That quick rinse with soap and warm water? It’s not just practical—it’s respectful.
  • Store your toys like you care—because she’ll notice.
    Nothing kills the mood faster than a toy that’s sticky, musty, or questionably damp. Store them in a toy box, ideally one that looks appealing and doesn't live under your bed. It’s a small act that says, "I respect your body and our time together."

Caring about cleanliness isn’t just sexy—it’s a sign of respect. By properly caring for your sex toys, you ensure hygiene, longevity, and show your partner you value their comfort and trust. Still have questions or lingering doubts? Don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers coming up next!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s get into some of those burning questions you’ve been too shy to ask (or Googled a hundred times).

How can I tell if my sex toy is damaged or unsafe to use?

Look for signs like cracks, leaks, or any malfunctioning parts (like a motor that’s not working right). If it feels brittle, if there’s visible damage, or if fluids start leaking, it's time to part ways. A damaged toy is a safety hazard—don’t risk it.

What's the best way to clean sex toys discreetly while traveling?

When traveling, antibacterial wipes are your best friend for a quick, on-the-go clean. If you’ve got a bit more time and privacy, wash it with mild soap and warm water. Wrap it in a towel or stash it in a discreet bag to keep things under wraps.

Should I clean brand-new sex toys before first use?

Absolutely. Even brand-new toys can carry dust, chemicals, or residues from manufacturing, packaging, or handling. Cleaning them with soap and water not only makes them fresh and ready but also ensures they’re safe for your health. A quick wash helps avoid any potential irritation or exposure to harmful substances.

Ready to take your skills to the next level? Join our exclusive online course “Squirting Triggers” and gain in-depth knowledge with expert guidance, easy-to-follow step-by-step explanations, live demonstrations, and two female perspectives. Don’t just read about it – master it! Enroll today and start transforming your life. Get started Now!

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Andrew Mioch

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Andrew Mioch is a certified sexologist and one of the world’s leading sex coaches and best-selling author after spending 10 years learning from experts all over the world.

Andrew has personally coached over 5,000 men. His expertise is regularly sought in publications such as Men's Health, Medium, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.

These days, Andrew spends most of his time coaching clients privately and also through SQL’s online Mastery Academy.

Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported. This means if you click on some of our links, then we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that we believe will add value to our readers.

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