How to clean your sex toys, a complete guide

Cleaning your sex toys is a must for a few reasons. You want to make sure that every experience is safe, without the worry of infections or irritation. 

There's also another reason—keeping toys in good condition. Without proper cleaning, sex toys can degrade over time.

So, let’s talk about how to clean your sex toys and keep them just like new. We'll cover everything from basic sex toy hygiene to how to disinfect a sex toy or a vibrator and safe cleaning methods for sex toys. 

If you're wondering whether you can use soap on sex toys or how you should go about cleaning and storing different types, we’ve got the answers.

Why cleaning sex toys is essential 

Put simply, cleaning your toys isn't just about freshness: it’s about your health and safety. 

Unwanted bacteria on a toy that hasn't been cleaned can lead to UTIs, yeast infections, or even allergic reactions. By cleaning your toys regularly, you're safeguarding your health, preventing infections, and ensuring that every moment of pleasure remains just that — pleasurable. 

What material is your sex toy made of? 

The right way to clean your favourite vibrator and sex toys can differ depending on what they’re made of, so finding out is a good first step. 

Typically, you can spot the kind of material on the packaging or the online product listing—look for indicators like silicone, glass, stainless steel, or ABS plastic. 

If you can’t find the details on the packaging (or the packaging is long gone), a quick web search of the product's name should give you the right info. 

As Mumsnet user, PrimeDirective, explains: “I think silicone or hard plastic are the best materials as they are non-porous and easy to clean. I only ever use warm soapy water, rinse well and dry them with a clean towel.” 

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Common sex toy materials 

• Silicone, borosilicate glass, and metal: These are easy to clean with soap and warm water. If they don't have any motorised parts, you can even boil them briefly for a deep clean.

• ABS plastic toys: Sturdy and reliable, these can also be cleaned with soap and water. Just avoid getting water in any electric bits if they’re not fully waterproof.

• Jelly: These can be trickier because they’re porous, meaning they can harbour bacteria in tiny spaces. A good soap-and-water wash is best, but think about investing in non-porous options for the long haul.

Emma Richardson-Gerrard, sex toy expert and founder of Knude Society, says: “Always invest a little bit more in your vibrator — ABS plastic, stainless steel and food-grade or medical-grade silicone are the materials you want to look for. 

“Anything made out of these will be high quality and hygienic (which is incredibly important for anything you're putting on or into your vulva and vagina).”

Cleaning your sex toys regularly means they’ll last longer 

How often should you clean your sex toys?

Clean your toys after every use to keep them hygienic and ready for your next session. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of bacteria and extends the life of your toys — which is an absolute must, given the price!  

A step-by-step guide to cleaning sex toys 

Regular cleaning 

To stop the build-up of bacteria, it’s a good idea to give your toy the once-over after every use. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Prepare: If your toy is electronic, switch it off, unplug it, and remove any batteries. If motorised parts are removable, now’s the time to take them off. 

2. Wash: Use warm water, a clean cloth, and mild, fragrance-free soap to clean the surface of the toy gently. For waterproof, non-electronic toys, you can submerge them to get a thorough clean.

3. Rinse: Wipe off all the soap suds using fresh water. Again, if your toy has no electric parts or you’ve separated them, you can use running water to make sure there's no soap residue left (which can irritate sensitive areas).

4. Dry: Air dry the toy completely before putting it back in its storage space. If you're short on time, gently pat dry with a clean towel.

If you’re sure your toy is dishwasher safe, you can also pop it on the top rack and run a full cycle without any detergent, as these can be abrasive. And to be honest, if you’ve got a big collection, this could be the quickest method for you. 

Deep cleaning 

Giving your toy a deep clean occasionally is also a smart idea, as some bacteria won’t be killed by soap and water alone. 

This is especially important if:

• You’re sharing toys with a new partner

• The toy has been exposed to an infection

• You want to switch the toy between anal and vaginal use

• You want to get rid of odours or marks

Here are three methods to choose from: 

Boiling: If you have non-motorised toys made of silicone, glass, or stainless steel, you can boil them for three to five minutes. Just make sure they're covered by the water, and let it cool completely before taking them out. 

UV sterilisers: For a high-tech clean, UV sterilisers are nifty gadgets that use ultraviolet light to zap away bacteria. 

Simply follow the steriliser’s instructions – usually, it involves placing your toy inside it for a specific timeframe. Some toys even have this function built into their storage cases! 

Bleaching: Mix a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water. Submerge your toy for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. 

This method is only appropriate for hard plastic, glass, or silicone toys — don’t do it for anything motorised or made of a material that bleach could damage. 

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What’s the best way to clean waterproof vibrators?

For waterproof vibrators, a thorough wash with warm, soapy water will do the trick. Make sure you clean every part of the toy, rinse it well, and dry it thoroughly before storing. A quick, regular cleaning routine will keep your waterproof toy ready for next time. 

Dos and don’ts of safe toy cleaning 

Safe cleaning solutions

When cleaning your sex toys, it's essential to choose safe cleaning solutions that won't harm the toy’s material or your health.

Mild soap and water: This is the simplest and safest way to clean most sex toys. It’s effective at removing residues and is generally safe for most materials.

Specialised sex toy cleaners or wipes: These are formulated specifically for cleaning sex toys and are designed to be gentle on the toys and safe for human contact. 

They’re a good option if you prefer something that cleans without the need for thorough rinsing, but spending the money is unnecessary if you can use the soap-and-water method. 

Isopropyl alcohol: For toys that can handle a deeper disinfection, you can use isopropyl alcohol, but it’s crucial to make sure that the toy material is compatible with alcohol. Always rinse the toy thoroughly after disinfection.

Unsafe cleaning solutions

Some substances can damage your toys or be harmful to your health. 

Bleach: While you can use diluted bleach solutions for deep disinfection, it should be used cautiously and never on toys with motors or delicate materials that can be damaged by harsh chemicals, unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

Household cleaning products: Avoid using regular household cleaners like dish detergents or surface cleaners, as they may contain harsh chemicals that can degrade the materials of your toys or cause irritation.

Vinegar, baking soda, and other DIY cleaners: These home remedies may alter the pH balance of sensitive areas if not completely rinsed off and can cause irritation or damage to the toy.

Common mistakes

Knude Society’s Emma says the most common mistakes are “using a harsh soap and not drying them properly — if you can, leave them to air dry fully.” 

Never assume the toy is waterproof — this common mistake can lead to damaged electronic components. Find out if your toy is waterproof with a quick internet search before submerging it.

Not rinsing enough can also be an issue. Residue from soaps or cleaners can lead to irritation, so make sure you give them a good last wipe or wash with clean water. 

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Can you use alcohol to disinfect sex toys?

It's best to avoid using alcohol as it can degrade many common materials used in sex toys, such as silicone and rubber. 

Instead, opt for gentle soap and water or a cleaner specifically designed for sex toys to keep them in great shape.

How do I clean a toy with a motor?

If your toy has a motor and is not waterproof, be careful not to submerge it. Use a damp cloth and soap to carefully wipe it down, avoiding the motor area to prevent any damage. 

For any tight spots, a small brush like a (new, unused) toothbrush can help.

Storing your sex toys properly 

After thoroughly cleaning your sex toys, the next step is storing them safely to stop them from getting damaged or dirty. 

If you have a few toys made from different materials, storing them in separate pouches or a box with dividers is best. Different materials rubbing together can cause damage, especially to silicone or glass. 

Emma from Knude Society says: “Using a pouch like Keep helps your vibrators last as long as possible. 

“It makes sure they're safely stored against direct sunlight, heat, and mold, which can all damage your vibes. Plus, you can pop your charging cable right in there with it, so it never goes missing (I've made that mistake before!).”

Related: How to store your sex toys correctly

About the expert

Emma Richardson-Gerrard is the founder of Knude Society, a sexual wellness company with one mission: to reclaim what real pleasure looks like, for everyone. Their products are built with women in mind. No fads, no gimmicks. Just vibes that are here help you truly explore what brings you real pleasure.

About the author

With extensive experience in female-focused brands, Chloe’s work aims to make women's lives easier by curating game-changing products and essential hacks for busy people.

At Elvie, she writes about innovative breastfeeding and pelvic health products and reports on crucial conversations about postpartum support. With Bumble, Chloe helps shape the modern dating conversation through immersive dating guides and writing across the app. 

Whether she’s demystifying tech innovations or championing love, Chloe’s writing is here to help.

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