Ever found a weird black spot on your toy? Unless you’re rocking something with sparkles, that’s probably mold — and if your toy’s got a funky smell after anal play… yeah, you know what that is. Knowing how to clean sex toys the right way isn’t just about staying tidy — it’s about keeping things safe, fresh, and ready for fun.
Whether you’re a total newbie or a toy pro, keeping your stuff clean is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll break down simple ways to keep your toys spotless, plus share some handy tips for cleaning sex toys like a pro.
Table of Contents
- First, Questions to Ask Yourself…
- When Does My Toy Need Extra Cleaning?
- How to Clean Sex Toys – Terminology
- Porous vs Non-Porous – The Great Battle
- How to Clean Sex Toys – Step-by-Step Methods
- Maintenance and Storage Tips
- Handy Cheat Sheet on How to Clean Sex Toys
- Inspecting Your Sex Toys – Starting at the Store
- Inspecting Your Sex Toys When Shopping Online
- Final Thoughts on Sex Toy Cleanliness
- Want More Useful Articles?
First, Questions to Ask Yourself…
Before you grab the soap and water, there are a few things to think about that’ll help you clean your toys the right way:
- Am I using this toy just for myself?
- Am I sharing it with a partner?
- Will my toy be used by someone I know — or someone I don’t?
- Which of my toys are porous, and which aren’t?
- Do I have a yeast infection right now? (For those with vaginas.)
- Am I (or my partner) dealing with an STI?
- Is this toy going from anal play to vaginal use?
- Is my toy waterproof or does it have electrical parts that need special care?
- Has my toy been sitting in storage for a while?
- Am I using lube with my toy — and if so, what type?
- Does my toy have crevices, textures, or intricate designs that might trap bacteria?
- Am I traveling with my toy and need a quick cleaning option?
When Does My Toy Need Extra Cleaning?
Your answers to the above questions will affect how you clean your toys. Here’s when extra steps — like disinfecting or sterilizing — might be necessary:
- Before and after every use — Yes, both! Cleaning before use clears away dust, lint, or anything that might’ve collected in storage. Cleaning after use removes fluids, lube, and bacteria.
- After extended storage — If your toy’s been sitting unused for a while, it’s a good idea to give it a quick wash before using it again.
- After anal play — Even with a non-porous toy, deep cleaning is a must. Bacteria like E. coli can linger on the surface.
- If you or your partner has an STI — Regular cleaning may not be enough if your toy’s been exposed to potential infection. Sterilizing lowers that risk.
- After a yeast infection or bacterial imbalance — If you’ve been dealing with a vaginal infection, sterilizing helps prevent re-infection.
- When sharing toys with a partner — Even if you’re using condoms as barriers, a thorough disinfecting or sterilizing step adds extra safety.
- If your toy is textured or has crevices — Bacteria can hide in ridges or grooves, so a deeper clean is smart.
Taking these extra steps can make a big difference — especially if you’re dealing with riskier situations like sharing toys, post-infection concerns, or anal play.
How to Clean Sex Toys – Terminology
When it comes to cleaning sex toys, there’s a lot of confusing language thrown around. Knowing what those terms actually mean can save you time — and help you avoid using the wrong method on the wrong toy. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Cleaning – This just removes dirt, fluids, or visible gunk from the surface. It’s a solid first step but doesn’t kill all bacteria or germs.
- Disinfecting – This reduces or removes most harmful bacteria and microorganisms. It’s a step up from cleaning, but some viruses or fungi can still stick around.
- Sanitizing – This brings bacteria levels down to a “safe” range — about 99.9% — but it’s not a full deep clean.
- Sterilizing – This is the gold standard. Sterilizing kills everything — bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even spores. This is what hospitals do to their tools.
Think of it like cleaning your kitchen.
- Wiping down a counter with soap and water = cleaning.
- Spraying a disinfectant = disinfecting.
- Running your dishes through a super-hot dishwasher cycle = sterilizing.
Pro Tip: If your toy is made from porous material (like TPE or jelly), no amount of cleaning or sterilizing will make it 100% safe if bacteria has soaked in. In that case, it’s better to either replace the toy or use condoms as a barrier.
Porous vs Non-Porous – The Great Battle
When it comes to cleaning your toys, the material they’re made from makes a huge difference. Some are easy to clean and stay safe for years, while others can trap bacteria no matter how careful you are. Here’s the key difference:
- Non-Porous Toys – These are your safest bet. Bacteria, viruses, and other nasties stay on the surface, which means they’re easy to clean properly. Materials like medical-grade silicone, glass, metal, and ABS plastic fall into this category.
- Porous Toys – These toys absorb bacteria and other particles into the material itself. Even after a deep clean, some germs can still hang around. Materials like TPE, Cyberskin, jelly rubber, and latex are porous.
Not sure if your toy is porous or non-porous? Here’s how to check:
Non-Porous: The material feels smooth, firm, and resistant to damage. Silicone should have a slight “drag” to it, but no tacky or sticky texture. Glass and metal are obviously smooth.
Porous: The material may feel soft, squishy, or sticky. Jelly toys often have a chemical smell or feel greasy over time — that’s a big red flag.
Why Does It Matter? Your cleaning method depends heavily on the material:
- Non-Porous Toys: A simple wash with soap and water is often enough. You can also safely boil, bleach, or even pop some of these in the dishwasher (with no soap) for a deeper clean.
- Porous Toys: These need extra caution. Even after cleaning, bacteria may still be lurking inside. For safer use:
- Use a condom as a barrier.
- Avoid sharing these toys.
- Consider replacing porous toys more frequently, especially if they develop odors, discoloration, or cracks.
If you’re unsure what material your toy is made from, check the manufacturer’s info — or give it the “smell test.” Strong chemical odors are often a sign of cheap, porous materials. Safe toys shouldn’t stink.
How to Clean Sex Toys – Step-by-Step Methods
Let’s break down the best cleaning methods for different types of toys. I’ll outline which methods are safe for each material and provide clear steps for waterproof, splash-proof, and delicate designs.
Important Rule for Motorized or Battery-Operated Toys
- IPX7 Waterproof Rated Toys: Can be safely submerged in water for cleaning.
- Splash-Proof or Non-Waterproof Toys: Do NOT submerge. These should be wiped down carefully with a damp cloth instead.
- If you’re unsure, check the manufacturer’s instructions or look for the IPX7 symbol on the packaging.
Soap and Water – Best for Everyday Cleaning
Safe for silicone, glass, metal, ABS plastic, TPE, Cyberskin, and latex. Safe for IPX7 Waterproof motorized toys. For splash-proof or non-waterproof toys, only wipe down with a damp cloth.
- For IPX7 waterproof toys, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- For splash-proof or non-waterproof toys, dampen a cloth with warm soapy water instead.
- Apply a mild, unscented soap. Liquid soap is best — avoid harsh antibacterial soaps that can damage delicate materials.
- Use your hands or a soft cloth to scrub the entire toy.
- For textured toys, grooves, or detailed designs, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse well under warm running water (for waterproof toys) or wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue (for splash-proof toys).
- Pat dry with a clean towel or leave the toy to air dry completely before storing.
Boiling – Best for Deep Cleaning & Sterilizing
Safe for solid silicone, glass, metal, and ABS plastic. NOT safe for motorized toys (even IPX7 models), toys with glued parts, or porous materials like TPE or Cyberskin.
- Fill a pot with enough water to fully submerge your toy.
- Place a clean towel at the bottom of the pot — this prevents toys from moving around and hitting each other, which can cause damage.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Carefully place your toy in the boiling water and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
- Use tongs to remove the toy safely.
- Place the toy on a clean towel and let it cool and dry completely before putting it away.
Quick Alternative: If you’re unsure whether your toy can handle full boiling, soak it in freshly boiled water for 1-2 minutes instead. This won’t fully sterilize but will provide a stronger clean than soap alone.
Dishwasher – A Hands-Free Cleaning Option
Safe for solid silicone, glass, metal, and ABS plastic toys with no motorized parts. NOT safe for motorized toys, porous materials, or toys with delicate coatings or decorative designs.
- Place your toy on the top rack to prevent direct contact with the dishwasher’s heating element.
- Run a full cycle on the sanitize setting (if available) for maximum effectiveness.
- Do NOT add soap — residue can stick to your toy and irritate your skin later.
- Let the toy air dry completely before storing.
Pro Tip: The dishwasher is great for quick deep cleans, but boiling is more thorough for sterilization after anal play or illness.
Remember!
Never use silicone sex lube on silicone toys! It makes a sticky paste that is impossible to get off.
Bleach Solution – For Serious Disinfection
This method is excellent for sterilizing non-porous toys after anal play, exposure to an STI, or illness.
Safe for solid silicone, glass, metal, and ABS plastic. NOT safe for motorized toys, porous materials, or delicate materials like TPE, Cyberskin, or latex.
- Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water.
- Submerge your toy for 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water — make sure no bleach remains.
- Dry completely before storing.
Antibacterial Wipes – Best for Quick Clean-Ups
It’s handy to keep a pack of antibacterial wipes in your nightstand for fast clean-ups between partners or during extended play sessions.
Safe for most materials — but they shouldn’t replace a full clean. Safe for IPX7 waterproof and splash-proof motorized toys.
- Use an antibacterial wipe to clean the toy’s entire surface.
- Focus on crevices, textured areas, or seams where bacteria may linger.
- Follow with a soap and water rinse when possible to remove any wipe residue.
Final Tips for Cleaning Sex Toys
Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions — some toys may have special cleaning requirements.
For boiling, place a clean towel in the bottom of the pot to protect toys from moving around and knocking into each other.
Dry your toys completely before storing to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub textured toys or those with grooves.
Avoid using harsh chemicals on delicate materials like Cyberskin or latex — they can break down over time.
For splash-proof or non-waterproof toys, stick to a gentle wipe-down instead of full submersion.
With the right methods, keeping your toys clean is simple — and makes your playtime a whole lot safer.
Maintenance and Storage Tips
Proper maintenance and storage are just as important as cleaning when it comes to keeping your toys safe, hygienic, and in good condition. Here’s how to ensure your toys stay fresh and ready for action.
Drying Your Toys
- Always dry your toys completely before putting them away. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can encourage bacteria or mold growth.
- For Non-Porous Toys: Pat dry with a clean towel, then leave out to air dry fully.
- For Porous Toys: Dry thoroughly with a towel, then leave out for several hours to ensure no moisture remains inside.
- For Motorized Toys: Use a dry cloth to wipe down the toy’s surface carefully, paying extra attention to battery compartments or charging ports.
- Avoid drying toys with lint-heavy towels — microfibers or smooth cotton towels are better options.
Dusting for Cyberskin, Fleshlights, and Realistic Materials
Some materials, especially Cyberskin, Fleshlights, and other realistic-feel toys, need extra care to maintain their texture. After washing and drying, these materials can feel sticky or tacky — that’s where dusting powders come in.
- Best Option: Use a dusting powder made specifically for sex toys — these are designed to keep the material soft and prevent the surface from becoming gummy or unpleasant over time.
- Alternative Option: If you don’t have specialty powder, organic cornflour can work as a backup option. Avoid using talc, which isn’t body-safe.
How to Dust Your Toys:
- After washing and drying your toy, sprinkle a light layer of powder on the surface.
- Gently rub the powder into the material to coat it evenly.
- Shake off any excess powder before storing the toy.
Note: While cornflour is an acceptable alternative, dusting powders designed for sex toys are formulated to better protect materials like Cyberskin, making them a safer long-term choice.
Proper Storage Solutions
Storing your toys properly helps protect their shape, texture, and cleanliness.
- For Silicone, Glass, and Metal Toys: Store in breathable fabric bags like satin, cotton, or organza. These materials protect from dust without trapping moisture.
- For Cyberskin, TPE, and Realistic-Feel Toys: Use a breathable bag as well, but avoid plastic containers as they can cause these materials to degrade faster.
- For Multiple Toys: Store each toy in its own bag to prevent materials from reacting with each other — especially silicone toys, which can break down if they touch other silicone products.
- If you don’t have fabric storage bags, wrapping toys in a clean cloth or old cotton T-shirt can work just as well.
- Sex toy storage boxes are a good investment if you have many toys
Battery Care & Maintenance
- Remove batteries from non-rechargeable toys if you’re not planning to use them for a while — this prevents corrosion inside the toy.
- For rechargeable toys, charge them at least once every 6 months to prevent battery degradation.
Charging Recommendations for Smart Toys (e.g., Lovense, We-Vibe)
- For waterproof rechargeable toys, make sure the charging port is dry before plugging it in.
- Avoid charging toys immediately after washing to prevent moisture from accidentally entering the charging port.
- Store charging cables neatly in a separate bag or compartment to avoid tangling or damage.
- Keep them away from extreme hot or cold temperatures
Routine Maintenance for Long-Term Toy Care
- Regularly inspect your toys for cracks, discoloration, or changes in texture — these are signs your toy may need replacing.
- If you notice an odd or persistent odor that won’t go away after cleaning, it’s best to replace the toy.
- Check vibrating toys for weakening motors — if your toy sounds sluggish or inconsistent, it may need a battery change or replacement.
Pro Tips for Mold and Bacteria Prevention
- Store toys in a cool, dry place — avoid sealed plastic boxes or airtight containers unless you’re confident your toy is completely dry.
- For motorized toys, keep charging cables and accessories stored separately to prevent dust or debris buildup in delicate ports.
- Keep toys away from extreme temperatures — heat can warp materials, while cold can damage batteries.
When to Replace Your Toys
Even with proper care, toys won’t last forever. Replace your toy if:
- The material starts to degrade, crack, or tear.
- The toy develops a sticky, gummy texture that won’t go away.
- You notice persistent odors that don’t improve with cleaning.
- The motor becomes weak or unreliable.
Handy Cheat Sheet on How to Clean Sex Toys
- Porosity = Green (non-porous), Blue (slightly porous), Red (very porous)
- Condom? Individual use only = N (don’t need a condom), Y (need a condom)
- Check box = Conflicting information, preferable to wash in a different way, if possible
- Wood* needs a proper finish to be considered NP. Talk to the manufacturer to see if it’s a permanent finish (safe)or just a wax that will wear off after a while.
- Ceramic* needs to be kiln fired and have the proper finish to be considered NP
- Fleshlights are special – you only clean them with water. NO soap!
Inspecting Your Sex Toys – Starting at the Store
Maintenance starts before you even leave the store — long before you’ve swiped your credit card and tucked that discreet paper bag under your arm. Take a moment to examine the toy closely.
- What material is it made from? Is it porous or non-porous?
- Check for gaps, seams, or crevices that might be difficult to clean.
- Give it a sniff — does it have a strong, chemical smell? That’s often a red flag for cheap, unsafe materials.
- Inspect the toy for cracks, rips, pockmarks, or other imperfections that could make cleaning difficult or compromise its safety.
Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson questions — a good one should be knowledgeable and willing to help you make an informed decision. If they seem uninterested or clueless, it’s better to leave than gamble with your health.
Inspecting Your Sex Toys When Shopping Online
Shopping for sex toys online means you can’t physically inspect the product before you buy, but there are still ways to ensure you’re making a safe and informed purchase. Here’s how to spot quality toys — even from behind a screen.
Research the Material
Stick to trusted materials like medical-grade silicone, glass, metal, or ABS plastic for non-porous, body-safe options. Avoid toys made from jelly, rubber, or mystery blends if the material isn’t clearly labeled — these are often porous and harder to clean.
Check for Clear Descriptions
- Reputable websites will clearly list details like:
- Material type (e.g., silicone, TPE, Cyberskin)
- Waterproof rating (look for IPX7 for submersible toys)
- Cleaning instructions (some brands include guidance)
- If key details are missing — especially regarding materials — that’s a red flag.
Examine Product Photos Closely
- Zoom in on product images to spot potential problem areas. Look for:
- Seams, gaps, or small crevices that could trap bacteria.
- Irregular textures or suspicious coatings that might flake or peel.
- Charging ports or battery compartments that need special care when cleaning.
Read the Reviews
- User reviews often reveal issues you can’t see in product descriptions. Look for mentions of:
- Strong chemical odors (a sign of unsafe materials).
- Poor durability (e.g., toys breaking, peeling, or melting over time).
- Cleaning concerns (e.g., hard-to-reach crevices or stains that won’t wash off).
Buy from Trusted Retailers
Popular and reputable online retailers known for body-safe and high-quality sex toys include SheVibe, Lovehoney, Peep Show Toys, Luxe Vibes, and Spectrum Boutique. Trusted sex toy brands that prioritize safety and quality materials include Lovense, Lelo, We-Vibe, Fun Factory, Dame, Tantus, njoy, etc. Shopping from these trusted sources helps ensure you’re getting safe, durable, and easy-to-clean toys.
Contact Customer Support
If you’re unsure about a product’s material or cleaning method, reach out to the retailer’s customer support. Reputable sellers should have knowledgeable staff who can provide clear answers.
Know the Return Policy
Since you can’t physically inspect the toy beforehand, check the return policy. Most stores won’t accept returns on used items for hygiene reasons, but they should offer replacements for defective or damaged products.
Red Flags to Watch For
Vague product descriptions that hide the material type. No mention of waterproof ratings or cleaning instructions. Toys labeled “For novelty use only.” Extremely low prices that seem too good to be true (cheap materials often carry risks).
Final Thoughts on Sex Toy Cleanliness
Keeping your toys clean and properly stored is key to safe, enjoyable play — and choosing quality toys makes that even easier. Lovense offers a range of 100% body-safe, medical-grade silicone toys designed with easy cleaning in mind. Plus, their app-controlled features bring added excitement, whether you’re playing solo or with a partner.
Check out Lovense’s collection of body-safe, app-controlled toys today!
Want More Useful Articles?
- New to Sex Toys? Learn How to Buy Your First Vibrator
- Sex Toys 101 – A Positive and Detailed Beginner’s Guide
- G-Spot Vibrators Guide & Reviews (safety section on materials)
