Must-Know Cleaning Hacks: Keep Your Toys Safe and Sparkling
By Admin / June 9, 2026 / No Comments / Advice
Dirty toys are a no-no. Here’s how to clean everything from bullet vibes to dildos without breaking a sweat.
Cleaning your sex toys isn’t glamorous, but it’s genuinely important. A toy that isn’t cleaned properly can harbor bacteria, yeast, or mold and then you’re introducing all of that somewhere very sensitive. The good news: cleaning most toys takes about two minutes and the method is usually simpler than you’d expect. This guide breaks everything down by material so you always know exactly what to do.
Why Cleaning Actually Matters
Sex toys come into contact with bodily fluids, lubricants, and skin, all of which create an environment bacteria and other microorganisms are happy to live in. Beyond infection risk, residue buildup can also degrade toy materials over time, especially softer silicones and coatings.
A few minutes of care after each use protects your health and extends the life of your toys. It’s worth the habit.
The Golden Rule: Know Whether Your Toy Is Porous or Non-Porous
This is the single most important factor in determining how thoroughly you can clean a toy.
Non-porous materials (medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, hard ABS plastic) have smooth, solid surfaces that bacteria can’t burrow into. These can be fully sterilized.
Porous materials (jelly, rubber, “realistic” materials, some TPE/TPR blends) have microscopic gaps in the surface where bacteria can hide even after washing. These toys can be cleaned, but not fully sterilized. This is one of the reasons porous toy materials are generally not recommended for long-term use.
Cleaning by Material
Medical-Grade Silicone
Silicone is the gold standard for body-safe toys, and it’s easy to clean.
Basic cleaning: Warm water and a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap. Lather, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a clean cloth or let air dry.
Full sterilization (for non-vibrating silicone toys only):
- Boil for 3–5 minutes in a pot of water
- Run through the top rack of your dishwasher without soap
- Wipe with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), then rinse very well
Important: Only sterilize toys with no electronics or battery components. A vibrator’s motor will not survive boiling or the dishwasher…soap and water is fine for those.
Lube note: Always use water-based lube with silicone toys. Silicone-based lubricants can bond with and degrade the surface of silicone toys over time.
Borosilicate Glass
Glass toys are non-porous, completely smooth, and one of the easiest materials to clean.
Basic cleaning: Warm soapy water, rinse well. That’s genuinely it for routine cleaning.
Full sterilization: Glass can be boiled, run through the dishwasher, or wiped with a diluted bleach solution. Just check first that your toy is made from borosilicate (tempered) glass, not decorative glass, which may not be heat-safe.
Inspection tip: Before each use, check your glass toy carefully for chips, cracks, or scratches. A damaged glass surface should not be used. Dispose of it safely (wrap well before discarding).
Stainless Steel
Metal toys are incredibly durable and completely non-porous.
Basic cleaning: Warm soapy water, rinse, dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.
Full sterilization: Boil for 3–5 minutes, wipe with a diluted bleach solution, or run through the dishwasher.
One note: Make sure your toy is solid stainless steel, not chrome-plated. Chrome plating can chip or peel over time. Solid stainless is a lifelong toy if cared for properly.
Hard ABS Plastic
Most budget-friendly vibrators are made from ABS plastic; a hard, smooth, non-porous material.
Basic cleaning: Warm soapy water applied with a cloth or your hands, rinse thoroughly. Don’t submerge if the toy has a battery compartment or charging port, wipe carefully instead.
Cannot be sterilized via heat. The motor and plastic components won’t survive it. Soap and water is the correct method here.
Porous Materials (Jelly, Rubber, TPE, TPR)
These materials can’t be fully sterilized, which is a genuine limitation. If you have toys made from these materials:
- Wash with warm water and mild soap before and after every use
- Consider using a condom over the toy to create a barrier, which also makes cleanup much easier
- Replace them when they show signs of deterioration — stickiness, color changes, or unusual smells are signs the material is breaking down
This is also worth keeping in mind when shopping: for toys intended for internal use especially, non-porous materials are the safer long-term investment.
Toy Cleaners: Are They Worth It?
Dedicated toy cleaners are a convenient option, particularly for travel or when you want a quick clean without running to a sink. Most are spray-on formulas — you spray, wipe, and you’re done. They’re not necessary, but they’re genuinely handy to have around.
What to look for: fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulas are gentler on toy surfaces and your skin. Avoid anything with harsh chemicals or strong scents.
Drying and Storage
Drying: Always let toys dry fully before storing. Moisture trapped in a storage bag is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. A clean lint-free cloth works well; air drying is fine if you have the time.
Storage:
- Individual fabric pouches or small zip-lock bags keep each toy separate and dust-free
- Store silicone toys away from each other. Some silicones can react if in prolonged direct contact
- Keep toys away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can degrade materials faster
Quick Reference: Cleaning Methods by Material
| Material | Soap & Water | Boil | Dishwasher | Bleach Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical-grade silicone (no motor) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Silicone vibrator | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Wipe + rinse |
| Borosilicate glass | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stainless steel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ABS plastic | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Jelly / rubber / TPE | ✓ (surface only) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to clean my toys? It’s not recommended. Alcohol can dry out and degrade many toy materials, particularly silicone and rubber. Soap and water is safer and effective.
How often do I actually need to clean my toys? Before first use, before every use, and after every use. That’s the standard. If a toy has been sitting unused for several months, give it a wash before using it again even if it was stored clean.
My toy has a USB charging port. How do I clean around it? Most rechargeable toys are splash-safe but not submersible. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of soap, clean the body of the toy, and avoid getting water directly into the port. Let it dry fully before charging.
Can sharing toys spread infections? Yes, potentially, particularly with porous materials. If you’re sharing toys, either use a fresh condom on the toy for each person or sterilize non-porous toys thoroughly between uses. Water and soap alone may not be sufficient for shared use.
The Short Version
- Know your material: non-porous toys can be sterilized; porous ones can only be cleaned
- Silicone, glass, and metal are the easiest to keep truly clean
- Soap and water handles routine cleaning for almost everything
- Dry completely before storing
- Inspect glass toys for chips before every use
- Replace porous toys regularly, or use them with a condom barrier
For more on choosing body-safe materials in the first place, see our full guide: [Material Matters: Pros and Cons of Silicone, Glass, Metal and More].