How to clean sex toys properly

1.The ninety-second routine

This works for the overwhelming majority of non-porous toys — silicone, glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic:

• ◆Rinse under warm (not boiling) running water to remove lube and residue.
• ◆Wash with a mild, unscented, pH-neutral soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Work into seams, ridges and the base.
• ◆Rinse thoroughly — leftover soap is a common cause of irritation.
• ◆Pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel, then let it air dry completely before storing.
• ◆Clean before AND after every use, not just after. Toys pick up dust and fabric fibres in storage.

2.What not to use

Most toy damage comes from over-enthusiastic cleaning, not from use. Keep these away from your collection:

• ◆Antibacterial or heavily fragranced hand soap — the fragrances and harsh surfactants irritate delicate tissue.
• ◆Alcohol, bleach, vinegar or household disinfectant — these degrade silicone and strip protective finishes.
• ◆The dishwasher, unless the manufacturer explicitly says it's safe. Never for anything with a motor.
• ◆Abrasive sponges or scouring pads — micro-scratches create exactly the porous surface you're trying to avoid.

3.Motorised and rechargeable toys

Vibrators need extra care, and the key detail is the waterproof rating printed on the box or in the manual.

• ◆Fully waterproof (usually IPX7): safe to rinse and submerge briefly. Still avoid boiling water.
• ◆Splashproof only: never submerge. Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, keeping the charging port and controls dry.
• ◆Magnetic charging contacts: dry them completely before charging — moisture there can corrode the contacts and kill the toy.
• ◆Battery-operated toys: remove the batteries before cleaning and store the toy with the batteries out.

4.Deep cleaning and sterilising

Non-porous toys with no electronics — 100% silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel — can be fully sterilised when you want a proper reset: sharing between partners, after illness, or after a spell in storage. Boil for up to three minutes, or wipe with a 10% bleach solution and then rinse extremely thoroughly.

Porous materials such as jelly rubber and TPE cannot be sterilised, however you clean them. If you're sharing a porous toy or moving between body areas, use a fresh condom over it every time — and consider replacing it with a silicone version.

5.Drying and storing

Damp storage is how mould happens. Let everything air dry fully before it goes away, then store each toy in its own breathable pouch or a lined box — never sealed together in a plastic bag.

• ◆Keep silicone toys apart from each other. Some silicone blends react on contact and leave permanent sticky patches.
• ◆Store away from direct sunlight and radiators; heat degrades both silicone and batteries.
• ◆Keep restraints, garments and fabric items separate from wet-cleaned toys so they don't stay damp.
• ◆Charge rechargeable toys every few months even if unused — flat lithium cells degrade permanently.

6.When to retire a toy

Nothing lasts forever. Replace a toy as soon as you notice any of these — the risk of irritation and infection isn't worth it.

• ◆Tears, cracks, splits or nicks in the surface.
• ◆A sticky, tacky or greasy feel that persists after a proper wash.
• ◆A smell that survives cleaning.
• ◆Discolouration, chalky patches or a change in texture.
• ◆Any chip or crack in glass, however small.