Reading time: ~6 minutes. The rules are simple. The mistakes are the expensive part.
Why this matters
The single biggest factor in how long your sex toys last — and how safe they are to use — is how you clean and store them. Skip this and you risk bacterial growth, material degradation, and toys that fail in less than a year. Do it right and a quality silicone toy lasts a decade.
Identify your material first
The cleaning rules differ by material. If you don't know what your toy is made of, check the original packaging or product page. The categories:
Non-porous, body-safe (silicone, glass, steel, ABS plastic)
The gold standard. These materials don't absorb fluids, so they can be fully sanitized between uses. They last for years.
Porous (TPE, TPR, jelly rubber)
Cheaper materials that absorb microscopic amounts of fluids. They cannot be fully sanitized. Use with condoms, don't share between partners, and replace more often (every 1-2 years).
The daily clean (every use)
- Rinse with warm water immediately after use.
- Wash with mild unscented soap (or a dedicated toy cleaner). Pay attention to seams, ridges, and any textured surfaces — those collect residue.
- Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains.
- Air dry on a clean towel. Avoid using fabric towels with lint that can stick to silicone.
The deep clean (between partners, after long sessions)
Non-porous toys without electronics can be sanitized in several ways:
- Boiling: Submerge in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Works for 100% silicone, glass, and steel. Do NOT do this for any toy with a motor, battery, or electronics.
- Dishwasher (top rack, no soap): Works for some glass and steel toys. Check manufacturer guidance.
- 10% bleach solution: 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water, soak for 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Last resort for full sanitization.
- UV sanitizer: Dedicated toy sanitizers exist; convenient but pricey.
For toys with electronics (rechargeable vibrators, app-controlled toys, anything motorized), use a damp cloth and toy cleaner. Avoid submerging unless explicitly waterproof (IPX7 rating).
Material-specific rules
Silicone
Use water-based lube only — silicone lube damages silicone toys. Don't store touching other silicone (some types react over time and become tacky). Boil to sanitize. Avoid alcohol and harsh disinfectants on the surface.
Glass and steel
Most durable. Any cleaning method works. Check for chips or cracks before use — if found, discard the toy immediately. Don't expose glass to extreme temperature changes (cold toy into boiling water can crack it).
ABS plastic
Easy to clean. Use mild soap and water. Don't boil — plastic warps.
TPE / TPR
Wash with mild soap and water. Never boil or use harsh chemicals. Use with condoms if sharing between partners. Replace every 1-2 years even with perfect care.
Leather (BDSM gear)
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild leather cleaner. Condition occasionally with leather oil to prevent cracking. Store unfolded, away from direct sunlight.
Storage that doesn't ruin your toys
- Cool, dry, dark place. A drawer, closet, or under-bed box works. Direct sunlight degrades materials.
- Separate silicone from silicone. Some silicone types react with each other in direct contact. Use the original boxes or individual fabric pouches.
- Keep batteries removed from non-rechargeable toys you won't use for a while — battery corrosion ruins motors.
- Don't crush soft materials. Folded compressed lace and mesh deform permanently. Hang or lay flat.
- Latex needs special care. Airtight bag away from light. Use talc to keep it from sticking to itself. Don't store with rubber or oil-based products.
- Corsets must be stored unfolded. Folded boning warps permanently.
Mistakes that ruin sex toys
- Silicone lube on silicone toys. The single most common mistake. Stick to water-based with silicone.
- Dishwasher heat on plastic or electronics. Warps and kills components.
- Isopropyl alcohol on silicone. Can degrade the material. Use only on glass, steel, and ABS.
- Storing wet. Mildew on porous materials, motor damage on electronics.
- Hot car storage. Heat warps almost everything. Don't leave toys in vehicles.
- Sharing porous toys without a condom. Bacterial transfer risk.
Travel rules
- Clean and fully dry the toy before packing.
- Lock the power button (most rechargeable toys have a travel lock).
- Remove batteries from battery-powered toys.
- Pack in original box or a dedicated fabric pouch.
- Carry-on luggage is fine in most countries. Check destination customs rules for international travel.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my sex toy?
Before and after every single use. No exceptions. Five minutes of cleaning extends the life of a $50 toy by years.
Can I use soap that I have at home, or do I need a dedicated toy cleaner?
Mild, unscented hand soap works for non-porous materials. Dedicated toy cleaners are convenient and formulated to be safe across materials, but not strictly necessary.
Is it safe to use a dishwasher to clean sex toys?
Only for non-motorized glass and steel toys, top rack only, no detergent. Most toys should not go in a dishwasher.
How do I know when to throw a toy away?
Signs to discard: cracks, chips, color changes, persistent odor that survives cleaning, sticky or melting surface (a sign of material degradation), or any battery corrosion.
Can I share my sex toys with a partner?
With non-porous toys (silicone, glass, steel, ABS), yes after thorough cleaning between users. With porous toys (TPE, TPR), only with a condom on the toy. Always sanitize between users for any anal-to-vaginal or anal-to-anal swap.
Where should I store my toys for privacy?
Original boxes, lockable drawers, or under-bed storage boxes work well. Many users also use neutral-looking fabric pouches.
Where to go from here
For materials guidance specifically when buying:
- Beginner's Guide to Vibrators — materials section
- Ultimate Guide to Anal Toys
Browse body-safe options:
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