Let’s face it: sex toys are the greatest. Whether you use them for solo fun, enhancing partner play, or as an amazing addition to your self-care routine, a well-placed vibrator or dildo can take your pleasure to a new level. That said, if you’re not cleaning them properly, you’re potentially damaging both your health (and your favorite vibe). After all, they have been through a lot (as have you), and at some point they need a good bath.
The good news is you don’t need to buy fancy nozzles or antibacterial sprays or wipes to keep your toys clean and safe. With a few basic household ingredients (soap, water, and common sense), you can keep your toys sanitized, free of damage, and ready for playtime.
Table of Contents
How to Clean Your Sex Toys: Safely, Effectively, and Cheaply
First things first: Why bother cleaning them? Sex toys have a weird habit of ending up in or on some of the most sensitive areas of your body (and then sometimes being introduced to lube, bodily fluids, and bacteria)—it’s not just your breath they need to be mindful of. Without proper care, toys can become a breeding ground for microbes that can cause yeast infections, UTIs, or, yuck, worse. (Yeast infection risk is the #1 reason we recommend cleaning toys even if you’re only using them externally.) Not to mention that a neglected toy is less fun to play with: build-up of lube, lint, and gunk can wear down the surface, dull motors, and generally get kind of eww-factor gross over time.
But the good news is it doesn’t take much to avoid these problems. In fact, it’s usually as simple as washing your hands.
Know What Your Toy Is Made Of
Silicone can be different from silicone, glass is NOT plastic, and ABS plastic can hold up to water while other flexible materials can’t. Cleaning tips vary based on the type of toy and its material.
Silicone (100% medical-grade silicone): Non-porous and body-safe, silicone is easy to clean. Boiling is usually fine if it’s not a motorized toy.
Glass (borosilicate): Glass toys are totally non-porous and extremely durable. It’s totally fine to boil these, too.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is another non-porous body-safe option that’s safe to boil.
ABS Plastic: ABS is a rigid plastic used in most non-flexible toys. Safe to wash with water, but no submerging if it has a motor.
TPE, TPR, or Jelly Rubber: Soft jelly rubber toys are porous materials that cannot be fully sanitized and likely won’t get totally clean even with washing.
Cyberskin/Fleshlight-style material: Very soft and realistic but also extremely porous. It requires extra-special care and must be fully dried after cleaning.
Lost the packaging or instruction manual? Try a web search for the product name to see if you can find the cleaning instructions. When in doubt, the safest route is to clean toys gently and never soak anything with electronic components.
What You Don’t Need
Now to be clear, here are some things you do NOT need to clean your sex toys:
- ❌ Bleach or ammonia: These are both highly caustic chemicals that are not safe to use on anything going near your body.
- ❌ Antibacterial hand soap: Antibacterial soaps typically contain all sorts of extra chemicals and fragrances that might irritate sensitive areas.
- ❌ Essential oils or sprays: Even 100% natural products can disrupt pH and damage sensitive materials.
- ❌ Dishwasher: No matter how much it tempts you, throwing your toys in the dishwasher can destroy silicone, melt plastic parts, and corrode metal.
- ❌ Boiling a toy that has a motor: Okay, a few of us have done this, and … no. Don’t do this.
Safe Cleaning Methods (With Things You Already Have)
You don’t need a special “toy cleaning foam” spray to keep your vibe in good condition. In most cases, you can clean a sex toy with a few basic household items.
1. Mild Soap + Warm Water
This is the simplest (and usually the best) way to clean most toys.
- Use unscented, mild hand soap or dish soap.
- Use a clean hand or cloth and gently scrub the toy.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
- Air-dry on a clean towel.
- It’s safe for silicone, plastic, and many soft toys but take care not to get water in battery compartments or charging ports.
2. Boiling Water
For toys made of 100% silicone, stainless steel, or borosilicate glass without motors, boiling water can be a quick and easy way to sanitize a toy.
- Bring water to a gentle boil in a pot.
- Drop the toy into the water and let it boil for 5–10 minutes.
- Use tongs to remove the toy and let it air-dry on a clean towel.
- Do NOT boil toys with electronic components, suction cups, or glued-on components.
3. DIY Vinegar Rinse
Diluted white vinegar (one part vinegar to 10 parts water) can act as a natural disinfectant wash and is especially good for silicone or glass toys.
You can wipe down the toy or soak for a few minutes in the diluted solution.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean water, be sure to pat dry or let it fully air-dry.
Avoid using vinegar on porous materials or sensitive, rubber-like toys.
4. Damp Cloth + Soap Wipe
Great for vibrators or toys with a charging port where getting them totally wet would be risky.
- Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and soap.
- Wipe the toy gently, being careful to get in any crevices.
- Use a second, clean cloth dampened with water only to wipe off soap.
- Dry thoroughly, especially in the charging area.
How to Clean Specific Types
🌀 Vibrators & Rechargeable Toys
Vibrators have internal components that should never get wet, so cleaning is typically surface only.
- Wipe with damp, soapy cloth.
- Clean around buttons and seams with a Q-tip if needed.
- Never submerge or soak.
🍑 Anal Toys
Anal toys need extra attention and care to avoid bacteria buildup.
- Clean immediately after each use.
- Use warm water and mild soap or boil if it is non-porous.
- Sanitize with diluted vinegar if you like.
- Store separately from vaginal toys.
🍆 Dildos, Cock Rings, and Suction Toys
Follow the material-specific guidelines above—boil silicone or glass; wash with soap and water otherwise. For cock rings with a motor, wipe only.
💦 Strokers, Sleeves & Fleshlight-Style Toys
Most strokers are porous or made of soft, realistic-feel materials.
- Rinse with warm water right after use.
- Use gentle soap if manufacturer recommended.
- Dry completely—upside down in a well-ventilated area is ideal.
- Restore softness with cornstarch (not talc!) once dry.
Storing Toys After Cleaning
You’ve spent time cleaning your toys, now don’t toss them in a damp drawer!
Follow these tips to store your toys properly:
- Dry them completely before storing. Moisture promotes bacteria and mold growth.
- Use clean cloth bags, pouches, or even paper towels.
- Never toss silicone toys together—they can melt or fuse.
- Never store toys in airtight plastic bins unless they are bone-dry.
- If you have roommates or a family, label your storage somehow or use locking boxes to be discreet.
- What to Do If You Can’t Clean Right Away
- Okay, we get it—sometimes you just want to roll over and take a nap.
If you’re unable to properly clean your toy right away
Let’s be honest—sometimes you just want to roll over and nap.
If you can’t clean your toy immediately:
- Rinse the toy with water, then wrap in a clean towel or paper towel.
- Avoid letting fluids dry on porous or soft materials.
- Set a reminder on your phone or watch to properly wash the toy within a few hours.
- Don’t store it “dirty”—this is just a recipe for grossness (and possible damage).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now for the don’ts:
- Using scented or antibacterial soaps: Residue can remain and irritate the skin.
- Submerging toys that have motors: Water damage is real and no warranty will cover it.
- Storing toys while they’re still damp: Mold or material breakdown can happen shockingly quickly.
- Sharing toys without cleaning (or condoms): Bacteria doesn’t care it’s your partner—it’s still a risk.
Tips for Long-Term Toy Hygiene
- Clean before AND after every use, especially if your toy has been out of storage or left sitting out for a while.
- Keep a special toy towel or cloth nearby to wipe things down easily.
- Replace porous toys (jelly rubber, cyberskin) every 6–12 months, especially if they begin to smell or get sticky.
- Bookmark care guides for your premium toys—each brand has its own idiosyncrasies.
- Invest in pouches or breathable storage containers if your collection is expanding.
Conclusion: No Fancy Cleaner? No Problem.
You don’t need a $20 antibacterial foam spray to clean your favorite vibe. With basic soap, water, and care, you can keep everything sanitized, body-safe, and ready for play.
Remember: cleaning your sex toys is part of your self-care routine. When your toys are clean, you feel more confident, relaxed, and ready to play.
Skip the overpriced sprays and show your toys some love: soap, rinse, dry, and repeat.
FAQ
Can I use baby wipes to clean sex toys?
Only if they are fragrance-free and alcohol-free—and only as a short-term solution. Do not rely on them for a deep clean.
How often should I clean my sex toys?
Always after every use, and preferably before use, too. Dust, lint, and bacteria can build up even in storage.
Can I put my sex toys in the dishwasher?
Not recommended. The heat, detergent, and dry cycle can damage toys, especially soft-textured or electronic toys.
What’s the best way to dry a toy?
Air-dry on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area. Avoid towels that may leave lint.
Do I need to clean new toys straight out of the box?
Yes! Even if they are sealed and new, dust or residue from manufacturing can be present.
