How to Clean Your Sex Toys: A Thorough Guide
We’re about to have a real deep conversation. We know that cleaning your sex toys probably isn’t the highlight of your self-care routine. But here’s the thing: proper sex toy hygiene isn’t just about being neat. It’s about protecting your body, preventing infections, and making sure your favorite toys last as long as possible.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t skip washing your hands after touching something questionable, right? The same logic applies to anything that gets intimate with your body. Whether you’re using a silicone dildo, a realistic masturbator, or a vibrating butt plug, keeping it clean should be non-negotiable.
The good news? Cleaning sex toys doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This guide will walk you through everything from quick cleaning methods to proper storage, so you can play confidently and safely every single time.
Summary TableHow to clean…Waterproof ToysWater-Resistant ToysRealistic Material/MasturbatorsNon-Insertable ToysAnalplugsProper Toy CareAnwenderberichteFAQ
Quick Reference: How to Clean Different Sex Toy Materials
Not in the mood for a deep dive? This table breaks down the basics of sex toy cleaning by material type. But seriously, read the full sections below, your body will thank you.
Quick Tip: To clean most sex toys, wash them with mild unscented soap and warm water, rinse well, and let them air-dry completely before storing.
Material
Cleaning Method
Special Notes
Silicone (100%)
Soap and water or toy cleaner
Non-porous, highly hygienic, and easy to sanitize.
Hard Plastic/ABS
Soap and water or toy cleaner
Great for motorized toys
TPE/TPR
Gentle soap and water
Porous, consider using condoms
Glass
Soap and water
Avoid sudden temperature changes
Stainless Steel
Soap and water
Extremely durable and hygienic
Jelly/Rubber
Mild soap and water
—
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What You Need to Clean Your Sex Toys
The beauty of washing sex toys is that you probably already have everything you need at home. You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive products (though specialized cleaners do exist and can be convenient).
Mild, unscented soap is your best friend. This can include gentle hand soap, dish soap, fragrance-free body wash, or a mild hygienic soap designed for intimate use, as long as it’s unscented. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, or antibacterial additives, as these can irritate sensitive areas or degrade certain materials over time.
Warm water is essential—lukewarm, not hot. Aim for around 30–40°C (86–104°F), which is warm enough to help break down oils and bodily fluids without stressing the material. This method is suitable for non-porous materials such as 100% silicone, glass, stainless steel, and hard plastic (ABS). Hotter water can damage softer or porous materials like rubber or jelly, while cold water may leave residue behind, especially from oil-based lubricants.
Sex toy cleaners are specifically formulated to clean intimate items without leaving harmful residues. They’re convenient, travel-friendly, and designed to be gentle on both your toys and your body. If you’re curious about which ones actually work, read our in-depth sex toy cleaner tips guide.
For deeper cleaning, you’ll want to:A soft cloth or dedicated toy cleaning cloth (microfiber works great)A small brush (like a soft toothbrush) for textured toysWhite vinegar diluted with water for extra disinfection (use sparingly)
One thing you should never use? Bleach or harsh chemical cleaners. These can damage your toys, leave dangerous residues, and cause serious irritation. Your intimate areas deserve better.
How to Clean Waterproof Sex Toys
Waterproof sex toys are the easiest to maintain because you can literally take them into the shower with you. If your toy is labeled as waterproof (usually with an IPX7 rating or higher), it’s built to be fully submerged without damaging the electronics.
Here’s the step-by-step for cleaning waterproof sex toys:
1.Rinse immediately after use with warm water to remove surface fluids and lubricant
2.Apply a small amount of mild soap or sex toy cleaner to the entire surface
3.Gently scrub all areas, paying special attention to textured sections, ridges, and any seams where material meets
4.Rinse thoroughly until all soap is gone—any residue left behind can cause irritation
5.Pat dry with a clean towel or let air dry completely before storing
Popular waterproof Lovense toys include the Lush 4, a powerful internal vibrator perfect for solo or partnered play, and the Gush 2, a flexible penis massager. Both can be cleaned thoroughly without worry.
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Cleaning Water-Resistant Sex Toys (Handle With Care)
There’s a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant, and mixing them up can damage your toy. Water-resistant IPX4 toys (like Solace Pro) are designed for light water exposure only and should be wiped clean rather than rinsed
Water-resistant IPX6 toys (like Nora) can tolerate more water and be rinsed under running water, but they should never be fully immersed. Submerging them can let water seep into the battery compartment or motor, causing permanent damage.
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Here’s how to clean water-resistant toys safely:
1.Dampen a cloth with warm water and mild soap (don’t soak it)
2.Wipe down the entire toy carefully, avoiding any charging ports or battery compartments
3.Use a slightly damp cloth with just water to wipe away any soap residue
4.Dry immediately and thoroughly with a clean towel, making sure no moisture remains near openings
5.Let it air dry for at least 15 minutes before storing
For extra cleaning power without water risks, use a sex toy cleaner spray. Spray it on, let it sit for the recommended time (usually 30 seconds to a minute), then wipe clean with a dry cloth. No rinsing needed.
Quick tip: We did not write thoroughly about jelly toys (even though the majority of them are water resistant) because we think that no one should be using these types of toys. Check our Jelly toy guide for more information.
Cleaning Realistic Feel Sex Toys and Masturbators
Realistic feel sex toys and male masturbators require a bit more attention because of their porous materials and intricate internal textures. Products like the Solace Pro and Max 2 are designed to feel incredibly lifelike, and with that comes some extra cleaning.
Cleaning realistic masturbators:
1.Rinse immediately after use with warm (not hot) water, hot water can damage TPE materials
2.Turn the toy inside out if possible to access all internal textures
3.Apply mild soap to your fingers and gently work it through all the internal surfaces
4.Rinse thoroughly until the water runs completely clear
5.Shake out excess water and use a lint-free cloth to pat the interior dry as much as possible
6.Air dry completely, this is crucial for preventing mold and bacterial growth
For toys with complex internal structures that can’t be turned inside out, consider using a toy drying stick or propping the toy open so air can circulate through the canal. Some people use a small fan to speed up the drying process.