Ultimate Guide to Sex Toy Hygiene
The Complete Guide to Cleaning, Storage, and Care

Published: December 19, 2025

Tags: Sexual Wellness Health

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Proper toy care is an act of love: for yourself, your partner, and your investment. Learn how to clean and take care of your toys from start to finish.

Let’s be honest: nobody’s first thought after an intimate moment is “time to do some cleaning.” But here’s the thing: good hygiene habits are what keep your toys safe, your body healthy, and your collection lasting for years instead of months.

Whether you’re caring for a single favorite vibrator or managing a growing collection you share with a partner, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll walk through material-specific cleaning methods, smart storage solutions, how to tell when a toy needs retiring, and protocols for sharing safely between partners.

Think of this as the owner’s manual you wish came in the box.

Why Material Matters for Cleaning

Before we get into the how, we need to talk about the why, and it all comes down to what your toy is made of.

The most important distinction in toy care is whether a material is porous or non-porous. This single factor determines how you can clean it, whether it can be fully sanitized, and how safe it is to share.

Non-porous materials like silicone, glass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic have smooth, sealed surfaces. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can’t penetrate them, which means they can be thoroughly cleaned and even sterilized. These are your low-maintenance, share-friendly options.

Porous materials like TPE, TPR, rubber, and jelly have microscopic holes in their surface—invisible to the eye but large enough for microorganisms to set up residence. No amount of cleaning can reach bacteria that’s burrowed into the material itself. This doesn’t make porous toys unusable, but it does mean they require different care, more frequent replacement, and barrier protection when sharing.

How significant is this difference? A study published in Sexually Transmitted Infections found that HPV was still detectable on 56% of TPE vibrators immediately after cleaning, compared to 0% on silicone toys tested 24 hours later. The material you choose matters, and so does how you care for it.

For a deeper dive into identifying materials and choosing body-safe options, check out our Sex Toy Materials Guide.

The Cleaning Protocol: Before, During, and After

Most guides focus exclusively on cleaning after use. But a complete hygiene routine actually has three touchpoints, and if you’re sharing toys with a partner, that middle one is especially important.

Before Use

Yes, before. New toys fresh from packaging can have manufacturing residue, dust, or oils from handling. Toys that have been sitting in storage collect dust, or in my house dog hair, and may have been touched since their last cleaning. A quick wash before use takes thirty seconds and starts your experience on the right foot.

This is especially important the very first time you use a new toy. Give it a proper wash, not just a rinse.

During Use: The Switching Protocol

This is where couples need to pay attention. If you’re switching a toy between partners during the same session, or moving from anal to vaginal use, you need to address hygiene in the moment.

Anal to vaginal: Never, under any circumstances, without thorough cleaning or a fresh condom. The bacterial flora of these areas are completely different, and introducing anal bacteria vaginally is a fast track to infection.

Partner to partner: Either clean the toy thoroughly between users or use a fresh barrier (condom) for each person. Research has linked shared sex toy use with a twofold increase in bacterial vaginosis risk, a finding that proper hygiene protocols can help mitigate.

The practical approach: Keep toy cleaner wipes on the nightstand for quick mid-session cleaning, or simply use condoms on toys you plan to share or switch.

After Use

This is the main event. Clean your toys as soon as reasonably possible after use, ideally within an hour or two. You don’t need to leap out of bed immediately (enjoy your afterglow), but don’t leave cleaning until tomorrow. Bodily fluids left to dry become harder to remove and create a welcoming environment for bacterial growth.

Always make sure toys are completely dry before storing them. Trapped moisture is how you get mold, and nobody wants to discover that surprise.

Material-by-Material Cleaning Guide

Different materials need different approaches. Here’s exactly how to care for each type, from quick daily cleaning to deep sanitization for sharing.

Silicone: The Low-Maintenance Favorite

Silicone is the gold standard for good reason. It is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and remarkably easy to clean.

Daily cleaning: Mild, unscented soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, which can cause irritation if left behind.

Deep sanitization: For thorough sterilization (ideal before sharing or after illness), you have options. Boil non-motorized silicone toys for 3-5 minutes. Run them through the top rack of your dishwasher on the sanitize cycle without detergent. Or soak in a 10% bleach solution for ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

The critical warning: Never use silicone-based lubricant on silicone toys. This is one of the most common mistakes, and it causes real damage. Silicone lube bonds with silicone toys at a molecular level, degrading the surface over time. Your once-smooth toy becomes tacky, then rough, and eventually porous. Stick to water-based lubricants with silicone toys.

Glass: Nearly Indestructible Care

Borosilicate glass (the same material as laboratory equipment) is non-porous, compatible with any lubricant, and incredibly easy to maintain.

Daily cleaning: Soap and water, or any toy cleaner. Glass can handle most household cleaners without issue.

Deep sanitization: Boil it, dishwasher it, or use a bleach solution. Glass doesn’t care. Just avoid temperature shock! Don’t run cold water over a glass toy you just pulled from boiling water, as rapid temperature change can cause cracking.

Inspection note: Before every use, check glass toys for chips, cracks, or rough spots. Run your fingers over the entire surface. Damaged glass is no longer body-safe and should be retired immediately, no matter how minor the damage appears.

Stainless Steel: The Easiest to Sanitize

Medical-grade stainless steel (304 or 316) is essentially bulletproof when it comes to cleaning.

Daily cleaning: Soap and water. You can also use rubbing alcohol for quick sanitization.

Deep sanitization: Fully boilable and dishwasher safe. Just allow plenty of cooling time after boiling. Metal can retain heat much longer than you’d expect.

Quality check: Genuine medical-grade steel won’t rust. If you ever see rust on a metal toy, it’s not actually body-safe stainless steel and should be replaced.

ABS Plastic: Handle with Care

ABS plastic is non-porous and body-safe, but it’s more delicate than other hard materials. You’ll often find it in vibrator bodies and handles rather than insertable portions.

Daily cleaning: Warm water and mild soap only. Toy cleaner sprays work well.

Limitations: ABS is heat-sensitive. No boiling, no dishwasher. Stick to surface cleaning methods only.

TPE/TPR: High Maintenance Required

Porous materials require more attention—and more realistic expectations about their limitations.

Daily cleaning: Warm water and mild soap. Avoid antibacterial soaps, which can degrade the material over time. After washing, pat completely dry with a lint-free cloth, then apply renewal powder (cornstarch works too) to maintain the material’s texture.

The hard truth about sanitization: It’s not fully possible. Porous materials cannot be sterilized no matter what you do. This is why TPE toys should be dedicated to a single user, why condoms are essential if sharing, and why these toys have a shorter lifespan than non-porous alternatives.

Ongoing care: That renewal powder step isn’t optional. It’s what keeps TPE from becoming sticky and unpleasant. Expect to replace TPE toys every 1-2 years even with perfect care. When they develop persistent odor, tackiness that powder won’t fix, or visible texture changes, it’s time to let go.

Features that make life easier: If you’re shopping for TPE toys (particularly strokers), look for designs with removable sleeves because they’re dramatically easier to clean and dry than closed-ended options. Open-ended designs allow better airflow for drying. Some products include drying sticks or stands specifically designed to wick moisture from internal channels.

Motorized Toys: Check Your Waterproof Rating

The motor inside your vibrator changes the cleaning equation. Before you clean any motorized toy, you need to know its waterproof rating.

Understanding IPX ratings:

• IPX7 or higher: Fully submersible. You can rinse these under running water without worry.
• IPX4-6: Splash-resistant only. Wipe clean with a damp cloth; don’t submerge.
• No rating listed: Assume splash-resistant at best. When in doubt, wipe rather than rinse.

General approach: Check your toy’s manual for specific guidance. When uncertain, a damp cloth with toy cleaner is always safe. Never submerge charging ports, and remove batteries before cleaning if your toy uses them.

Features worth seeking out: Toys rated IPX7 or higher make cleaning dramatically simpler. Magnetic charging ports eliminate exposed openings that trap water. Seamless, crevice-free designs leave fewer places for residue to hide.

Toy Cleaner vs. Soap: What Actually Works

One of the most common questions: do you really need a dedicated toy cleaner, or is regular soap enough?

The honest answer is that for non-porous toys, mild unscented soap works perfectly well. Toy cleaners don’t offer superior cleaning power, they offer convenience. A spray-and-wipe format is faster than a full wash, which matters when you just want to clean up and go to sleep.

When toy cleaners earn their place:

• Quick cleanup when a full wash isn’t practical
• Travel (TSA-friendly sizes available)
• Porous materials that benefit from formulas designed for them
• Personal preference for the convenience factor

What to avoid regardless of what you’re using:

• Antibacterial soap (can degrade certain materials)
• Heavily scented products (potential for irritation)
• Hand sanitizer (inconsistent alcohol content, not designed for this)
• Harsh household cleaners (bleach is fine for sterilization, but requires very thorough rinsing)

If you do choose a dedicated cleaner, look for spray bottles rather than liquids (easier application), fragrance-free formulations (less irritation risk), and quick-dry formulas if you’re caring for porous materials.

The bottom line: you don’t need expensive specialty products for most toys. A few dollars’ worth of unscented castile soap handles the job beautifully.

UV Sanitizers: Worth the Investment?

UV sanitizers have entered the toy care market with promises of chemical-free, effortless sterilization. Here’s what you need to know.

What they actually do: UV-C light kills bacteria and viruses on contact. These devices work on any material without chemical exposure, making them genuinely useful as an additional hygiene step.

What they don’t do: UV light only sanitizes surfaces it directly touches, crevices and shadows get missed. More importantly, UV sanitizers don’t remove physical residue. A toy with dried fluids on it will still have dried fluids on it after UV treatment, just with fewer live bacteria on top. You must clean first, then sanitize.

The verdict: Useful as a supplementary step, not a replacement for cleaning. Most beneficial for couples who share toys frequently and want extra assurance. If budget is limited, invest in quality body-safe toys before adding a UV sanitizer to your routine.

If you do buy one, look for models with 360-degree exposure (multiple bulbs or a rotating tray), automatic timed cycles, and enough interior space to fit your largest toy.

Storage Solutions That Protect Your Investment

Proper storage isn’t just about keeping things discreet—it protects your toys from damage, contamination, and premature degradation.

The Golden Rules

Completely dry before storing. This is non-negotiable. Moisture trapped in storage leads to mold and bacterial growth. If you’re not sure a toy is fully dry, give it more time.

Store toys separately. This surprises many people, but silicone toys stored touching each other can chemically react, causing surfaces to fuse, melt, or degrade. Different materials should never touch during storage. Keep everything in its own pouch, compartment, or wrapper.

Use breathable storage. Satin pouches (often included with quality toys), cotton bags, or dedicated cases with fabric lining all work well. Avoid airtight plastic containers, which trap moisture and don’t allow materials to breathe.

Remove batteries. Prevents corrosion and avoids the special embarrassment of a toy activating in your nightstand drawer.

Store in a cool, dark location. Heat and direct sunlight accelerate material breakdown.

When shopping for storage solutions, look for cases with individual compartments or dividers, breathable fabric lining rather than plastic, and lockable closures if discretion matters in your household.

A Note on Travel

TSA doesn’t prohibit sex toys, though they may inspect them. Remove batteries or engage travel locks to prevent mid-flight activation (yes, this happens). Pack toy cleaner wipes for on-the-go hygiene. Hard-shell cases protect glass and rigid toys from luggage handling.

For frequent travelers, look for TSA-approved locks, compact sizing that fits carry-on restrictions, and discreet exterior appearance.

Inspection and Replacement: Knowing When It’s Time

Every toy has a lifespan. Recognizing when it’s time to retire a toy protects your health and ensures you’re not using something that’s degraded past the point of safety.

Warning Signs by Material

Silicone: Tackiness that doesn’t wash away, discoloration, persistent odor even after cleaning, or any tears or damage to the surface.

Glass: Any chips, cracks, or rough spots—retire immediately, regardless of how minor the damage seems. Run your fingers over the entire surface regularly.

Stainless steel: Rust (indicates it’s not actually medical-grade steel), pitting, or loose components.

TPE/TPR: Sticky texture that renewal powder won’t fix, persistent odor, visible discoloration or cloudiness, tears or surface breakdown, or any change in firmness. Porous materials show their age faster than non-porous ones.

Motorized toys: Battery compartment corrosion, charging problems, weakening or inconsistent motor performance, or any signs of water damage.

What to Expect for Lifespan

Material	Expected Lifespan	When to Replace
Silicone	5-10+ years	Surface damage, persistent odor
Glass	Indefinite	Any chips or cracks
Stainless Steel	Indefinite	Rust, loose components
ABS Plastic	3-5 years	Cracks, discoloration
TPE/TPR	1-2 years	Tackiness, odor, texture changes

The guiding principle: when in doubt, throw it out. No toy is worth a potential infection or injury.

Accessibility Adaptations for Easier Care

Good hygiene shouldn’t be a barrier for anyone. Here are adaptations that make toy care more manageable.

For limited grip strength or dexterity: Spray toy cleaners eliminate the need to grip slippery soap bottles. Long-handled brushes help clean internal channels. Laying toys on a towel allows one-handed washing.

For limited mobility: Set up a seated cleaning station with a small basin, towel, and cleaner within easy reach. Partner-assisted cleaning can become part of your shared routine. UV sanitizers reduce the physical manipulation needed.

For visual impairments: Develop a tactile inspection routine—run your fingers over the entire toy surface, checking for texture changes, tackiness, or damage. Maintain consistent storage locations so you always know where things are. Ask a partner to help with visual damage checks periodically.

These adaptations benefit many people beyond those with disabilities—anyone dealing with temporary injury, fatigue, or simply wanting a more streamlined routine.

Common Questions

Can I use regular dish soap to clean sex toys?

For non-porous toys, yes. Mild, unscented dish soap works fine. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue. Avoid antibacterial or heavily scented formulas, which can irritate sensitive tissue or degrade certain materials.

Is it safe to put sex toys in the dishwasher?

Only non-motorized, non-porous toys: silicone, glass, and stainless steel. Use the top rack, run the sanitize cycle, and skip the detergent. Never put TPE, anything with a motor, or battery-operated toys in the dishwasher.

Can my partner and I share sex toys safely?

Yes, with the right precautions. Non-porous toys can be fully sanitized between users. For porous toys, use condoms and consider dedicating specific toys to each partner. Always clean thoroughly when switching between partners during the same session.

How do I clean a toy with internal channels?

Rinse with warm water immediately after use, then use a spray cleaner or fill with soapy water and work it through the channel. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely so that internal moisture cannot cause mold. Designs with removable sleeves or open ends are much easier to clean and dry than closed alternatives.

My silicone toy feels sticky—can I fix it?

Stickiness usually indicates material degradation, often from silicone lubricant exposure or age. Try a thorough wash and cornstarch application. If the tackiness persists, the surface is no longer intact and the toy should be replaced.

Taking Care of What Takes Care of You

Good toy hygiene isn’t complicated once you understand the basics. Material determines method. Clean before, during (when switching), and after. Store dry and separate. Know when it’s time to say goodbye.

These habits protect your health, extend the life of your toys, and make sharing with a partner safer and more enjoyable. A few minutes of care means years of reliable pleasure from quality toys—and peace of mind every time you reach for them.

Looking for help choosing body-safe materials in the first place? Check out our Sex Toy Materials Guide for everything you need to know about what your toys are made of and why it matters.