Look, buying an intimate toy is basically an act of self-love. However, taking care of that toy is an act of self-respect. If you want to stay safe, learning how to clean sex toys is essential.
And nothing kills a good vibe faster than realizing your favorite pleasure product is… a little grimy. Ew.
If you want your adult toys to stay as gorgeous (and safe) as the day they slid into your life, you need to show them some TLC — Tender Loving Cleaning.
Don’t panic — it’s way easier than you think.
Here’s the no-stress, no-gross-out guide to keeping your pleasure products sparkling clean, body-safe, and ready for action.
Why Cleaning Your Toys is Non-Negotiable
Sex toys spend a lot of quality time with your most sensitive parts.
Which means cleaning them isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Skipping a wash can lead to:
- Bacterial buildup (hello, infections 👎)
- Foul odors (no thanks)
- Shorter toy lifespan (your wallet will cry)
Think of it like brushing your teeth. It’s basic hygiene, except way more fun when you’re done.
If you’re new to pleasure products, starting with the right toy matters just as much as learning how to care for it. Our beginner guide So You Wanna Know Your First Sex Toy? can help you choose confidently.
Protect your health by learning more about how to prevent bacterial buildup and infections. Stay safe and informed to keep your play sessions worry-free.
When to Clean Your Adult Toys
Short answer? Always.
Long answer?
- Before first use: You don’t know where it’s been (warehouse shelves aren’t exactly sterile).
- After every play session: Even if you’re using it solo. Even if it “doesn’t look dirty.” Just do it.
- After sharing with a partner: Always, always, always clean before and after swapping hands… or anything else.
If you’re feeling extra, you can even give your toys a monthly “deep clean spa day.”
Trust me — they deserve it.
If you’re new to toys, especially vibrators, learning proper care goes hand in hand with learning how to use them our guide on How to Use a Vibrator for the First Time breaks it down simply.
How to Clean Sex Toys Properly (Without Stressing)
So you’ve had your fun — now it’s cleanup time. Don’t worry, this isn’t rocket science.
Just follow these simple steps and your toy will be fresh, fabulous, and ready for round two.
Check the Materials First
Different toys = different cleaning rules
Your method depends on what your love toy is made of. Medical-grade silicone, glass, and stainless steel are the easiest to clean. Conversely, jelly rubber and PVC are porous. You can clean them, but they’ll never be 100% bacteria-proof.
Our sex toy safety guide helps you distinguish between high-quality body-safe materials and cheaper, risky alternatives.
When researching how to clean sex toys, always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Check out this expert guide to identify non-porous,body-safe materials for your collection. Choosing the right surface is the first step toward better hygiene.
Basic Cleaning Method
- Rinse your toy with warm water (not boiling — you’re not cooking pasta).
- Gently wash with unscented, mild soap or a dedicated toy cleaner.
- Pay attention to seams, curves, and textured spots where bacteria could throw a party.
- Rinse thoroughly. Like, really thoroughly.
- Pat dry with a clean towel or let air dry completely.
Important: If your toy has a motor, don’t fully submerge it unless it’s waterproof!
For Non-Waterproof or Battery-Operated Toys
- Be gentle. Wipe down the shaft or surface with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Keep water away from battery compartments, charging ports, and seams.
- Use cotton swabs for tight spots if you’re feeling thorough.
Basically, treat them like your slightly temperamental cat: with love, patience, and a little fear.
Can You Boil a Toy? (Sometimes, Yes!)
If your toy is pure silicone, stainless steel, or borosilicate glass and has no motors inside, you can sterilize it by boiling it:
- Boil in water for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove (tongs help!).
- Let it cool fully before using or storing.
This is great if you want next-level cleanliness, especially between partners.
Follow our beginner’s guide to using butt plugs safely to ensure your hygiene routine is foolproof. Let it cool fully before using or storing.
Toy Storage: Keeping It Fresh Between Adventures
Congratulations — your intimate toy is squeaky clean!
Now, let’s keep it that way.
- Store in a clean, dry, lint-free bag or its original box.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and curious pets (true story: dogs love chewing silicone).
- Never let different materials touch each other (especially silicone-on-silicone) — they can melt or warp over time.
Bonus points if you add little desiccant packets (those “do not eat” things from shoe boxes) to fight moisture.
Clean Toys, Happy You
A clean toy is a happy toy.
And a happy toy = more fun, more confidence, more mind-blowing “me time” (or “we time”).
Taking five minutes to clean your love toys isn’t a chore — it’s part of the pleasure ritual.
It’s like polishing a magic lamp… except when you rub these treasures, you’re the one who gets the wish. So next time you’re basking in that post-O glow, take a little extra time to give your toy some love back.
We hope this guide on how to clean sex toys keeps your future orgasms safe and healthy.
Keep it clean, keep it sexy.
At Lust Gates, we believe pleasure should always be safe, informed, and shame-free — values you can learn more about on our About Us page.
