It’s one thing to reuse a sex toy, but it’s another when it hasn’t been cleaned or stored properly – say hello to UTI and STI infections. There’s nothing quite as off-putting as whipping out your toy, and it’s seen better days. The moral of the story is that improper storage and cleaning will cost you more time and effort with your health than it would just cleaning the toy properly. Experts have even weighed in on why it’s not a good idea just to let things sit around, stewing in their own filth. 

Top 5 Practical Tips for Cleaning Sex Toys at Home

Sex toys for men and women are designed to enhance pleasure, intimacy, and sexual wellness. Aside from the benefits these toys bring to the bedroom, hygiene is also part of the experience. This is why we’ve broken down some proper aftercare tips in detail to help you avoid bacterial build-up on any of your toys, whether you own a dildo, male masturbator, anal toy, or vibrator. 

It’s best to get familiar with the right care tips so that you or your partner won’t have to deal with any ick situations. 

Why Cleaning is Important 

Searah Deysach, sex educator, explains, “You want to clean your sex toys every time you use them because dirty [used] toys can introduce bacteria and possibly cause infections.” She further explains, “They can also collect lint, dust, and other debris that you want to keep out of your bits.” 

Think about how much stuff is collected in general, especially if you have pets. There’s pet hair everywhere, and you wouldn’t want that anywhere near your private.

Proper cleaning helps:

• Reduce the overgrowth of bacteria.
• Prevent unpleasant odours.
• Protect sensitive skin from irritation.
• Extend the lifespan of your toy.
• Maintain the toy’s appearance and performance.

It might seem a bit excessive, but when it comes to sexual health, it’s essential. Be sure to make regular cleaning a standard before and after every use. 

Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning Your Sex Toy

What You’ll Need

Before you decide to go full clean mode, prepare the following: 

• Sex toy cleaner (optional)
• Cotton swabs or Q-tips for smaller areas
• Microfiber or lint-free cloth
• Mild, fragrance-free soap
• Warm water
• Storage Bag

Pro tip: Refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions, as different materials and electronic components may require different cleaning techniques. The level of cleaning will also depend on what type of lubricant you used and how much of it. 

Assess Your Toys Specs & Material

Because adult toys are made from different materials, it means being aware of what types they are, whether they’re fully waterproof or if they require surface cleaning only. 

Types of materials available: 

• Silicone
• Glass
• Stainless steel
• ABS plastic
• TPE or jelly rubber

Rinse with Water

For the waterproof toys, place them under warm [not hot] running water to remove all forms of fluid and debris. 

Wash with Mild Soap

Use a small amount of fragrance-free soap and clean the surface of the toy. What you should pay attention to are things like textured surfaces, seams, control areas, suction parts, and internal canals on strokers or sleeves. 

Try to avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol-based products, as they can damage your toy’s material and inflame sensitive skin. 

Rinse and Dry Your Toy

Rinse off the soap residue as much as you can with warm water. Be especially thorough when rinsing if you have sensitive skin. 

Thereafter, use a clean towel to dry and allow the toy to air-dry before you pack it away. Proper drying prevents mould and bacterial growth. 

Pro tip: Never store a damp adult toy in a closed space like a drawer, bag, or container. 

Cleaning Different Sex Toys

Silicone Toys

Non-porous materials like medical-grade silicone make for one of the more hygienic toys. It’s also super easy to keep clean. 

Most of which can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap, but you can also use a sex toy cleaner designed for aftercare. 

Glass and Stainless Steel

Highly durable and easy to clean thanks to their non-porous quality. Glass and stainless steel can be cleaned with warm water and soap, as well as sanitised. 

Vibrators and Electronic Toys

If you own any battery-operated toys or rechargeable toys like vibrators, double-check whether they’re waterproof or not. 

If not, use a damp cloth and some toy cleaner. Try to avoid submerging the toy and keep water away from the charging ports and battery compartments. 

Dry thoroughly before charging or storing.

Masturbators, Sleeves, and Female Oral Sex Toys

Male masturbators, sleeves, and female oral sex toys typically consist of different internal textures.

Pay attention to cleaning the textures by turning them inside out [if possible] and washing both inside and out thoroughly. 

Don’t forget to let it dry before storing, reassembling, and using.

Anal Toys

Anal toys are not just your average sex toy, considering where these babies end up. With potential for bacteria transfer from the anus to other body parts, it’s best to put extra effort into cleaning anal items. 

Wash before and after use with a dedicated toy cleaner, in addition to using soap and water. 

Benefits of Using a Sex Toy Cleaner

Sex toy cleaners are specifically designed and formulated to clean intimate products without damaging the materials. 

Benefits of using a toy cleaner include: 

• Convenience.
• Gentle formulations are an ideal choice for sensitive skin.
• Quick cleaning between uses. 

They’re super useful wherever you go, especially if you’re someone who travels around frequently. Whether you use just soap and warm water or in combination with a toy cleaner, your toys will thank you for taking good care of them.

The best practice for cleaning your toy should be before first use, after every use, before sharing with a partner, and before switching between different body parts. 

Storage Tips

You don’t have to go all out on finding the fanciest storage option, but it is ideal to store your toys in a proper manner rather than just in a drawer or cupboard. 

For smaller toys, you can use things like a fabric bag, a cosmetic case, socks, or a BPA-free container.

With bigger items, experts like Searah Desaych told Healthline, "A lot depends on how handy you need them to be and how much you have to hide them from prying eyes.” When storing your toys, keeping them in separate containers is a good idea. Why?

“If you have jelly or other soft, non-silicone toys, you want to be sure they are each stored separately, as they can fuse if they’re touching,” Desaych says. 

This may seem a bit extreme, but well worth it. 

Final advice would include how to maintain your toys and extend their lifespan. Be sure to store your battery-operated toys with the batteries within the container. Batteries can corrode or drain in the device if left unused for too long. 

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your sex toy is as important as cleaning yourself after a gym session or after flirty and fun foreplay with your partner (anything to do with sweating, really). Not only does it help keep you away from STIs and UTI infections, but it also maintains the quality of your products. 

By following the proper hygienic routine mentioned earlier and utilising storage properly, you’ll be able to use them for much longer and be ready for each session.