How to Clean Sex Toys: The Complete Guide to Safe Toy Care
Cleaning your sex toys properly isn't just good hygiene — it's essential for your health. Unclean toys can harbor bacteria, yeast, and viruses that can cause infections. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to clean every type of sex toy, what products to use, and how to store them safely.
Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters
Sex toys come into contact with some of the most sensitive areas of your body. Without proper cleaning between uses, bacteria and other microorganisms can build up on the surface — especially on porous materials like TPE, rubber, and jelly toys. Even body-safe silicone toys need regular cleaning to prevent bacterial transfer between partners or play sessions.
How to Clean Sex Toys by Material
Silicone Toys
Silicone is non-porous, which means bacteria cannot penetrate the surface. To clean silicone toys without a motor, you can boil them for 3–5 minutes, run them through the dishwasher on the top rack (no detergent), or wipe thoroughly with a toy cleaner spray. For vibrators and other motorized silicone toys, wipe clean with a damp cloth and toy cleaner — do not submerge unless the toy is rated as fully waterproof.
Glass and Stainless Steel Toys
Glass and metal toys are among the easiest to clean. Since they're non-porous and heat-resistant, you can boil them, put them in the dishwasher, or wash with soap and hot water. These materials also tolerate toy cleaner sprays extremely well.
ABS Plastic Toys
ABS plastic is non-porous and easy to clean with a toy cleaner spray or warm soapy water. It cannot be boiled or put in the dishwasher. Wipe clean after each use.
TPE and Rubber Toys
Porous materials like TPE and rubber are harder to fully sanitize because bacteria can work their way into the material itself. Always use a condom with these toys for safer use, and clean them with toy cleaner spray after every use. Because they're porous, they have a shorter lifespan and should be replaced more frequently.
The Best Way to Clean Sex Toys
The easiest and most effective way to clean most sex toys is with a dedicated toy cleaner spray or foam. These products are specifically formulated to be antibacterial and safe for all toy materials. Simply spray, wipe, and let dry — no rinsing required. Popular options include:
- Pjur Toy Cleaner — Alcohol-free, gentle on all surfaces
- Wicked Foam N' Fresh — Antibacterial foaming cleaner
- Swiss Navy Toy & Body Cleaner — Works on both toys and skin
- Think Clean Thoughts Spray — Compact and travel-friendly
How to Store Your Sex Toys
Once clean and dry, store your toys in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep each toy in its own pouch or bag to prevent toys made of different materials from touching each other — some materials can react and degrade over time. Many toys come with their own storage bags, or you can purchase toy storage bags separately.
Signs Your Toy Needs to Be Replaced
Even well-cared-for toys don't last forever. Replace your toy if you notice any cracks, discoloration, sticky or tacky texture changes, unusual odors that persist after cleaning, or if the motor stops working correctly. Degraded toys can harbor bacteria even after cleaning.
Shop Toy Cleaners at Uncensored Vibes
Keep your collection safe and hygienic with our full range of sex toy cleaners. We carry sprays, foams, and wipes from trusted brands, all designed to be gentle on your toys and safe for your body. All orders ship in discreet packaging.