How to clean sex toys: wash them before and after every use with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or a toy-safe cleanser, rinse well, dry them completely and store them in a clean pouch. Non-porous silicone, glass and steel wash clean easily; porous toys need extra care. Always follow your toy maker’s care instructions, especially for anything with a motor.
How to clean a silicone toy (and other materials)
- Check the care card. Is it waterproof, splash-proof or not water-safe at all? Is the charge port sealed?
- Rinse off lube. Water-based lube rinses easily. Silicone lube won’t come off with water alone and needs soap or a cleanser.
- Wash. Warm water and a mild, unscented soap or a toy-safe cleanser. Work it over every ridge and seam.
- Rinse well so no soap is left behind.
- Dry completely with a clean, lint-free towel, then air-dry.
- Store it in a clean, breathable pouch.
| Material | How to clean | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone (no motor) | Warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner. Some makers also allow boiling or the top rack of a dishwasher; check first. | Silicone lube residue |
| Glass / stainless steel | Warm water and mild soap. | Sudden temperature changes on glass; chips |
| Vibrating / rechargeable | Wipe or wash only to the maker’s waterproof rating. | Water in charge ports; never boil |
| Porous (TPE, jelly, PVC) | Gentle wash with mild soap and warm water, then full air-dry. | Heat, harsh cleaners; replace sooner |
Toy cleaner: what to use
Plain mild soap works for most toys. If you want something made for after-play clean-up, The Lube Cleanser 4 oz is a pH-balanced wash with olive, jojoba and green tea that its product page describes for intimate areas, surfaces and toys. The 2 oz travel size is labeled to remove silicone from your skin and surfaces, handy when silicone lube is involved. For a quick clean-up of yourself after play, The Lube Cleanser Cloths are individually wrapped wipes.
Skip harsh household cleaners, bleach and alcohol on toys unless the maker says they’re OK; they can damage some materials.
How to store sex toys
- Make sure every toy is fully dry first.
- Keep toys in individual cloth or silicone-safe pouches so materials don’t touch; some soft materials can react with each other.
- Store away from heat and direct sun.
- Charge rechargeable toys now and then, and remove batteries from battery toys you won’t use for a while.
More on care: Toy-Safe Lube Guide, Part 2: How to Clean & Store Toys and How to Clean Up After Sex.
How to clean sex toys: FAQ
How do you clean sex toys?
Wash before and after every use with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or a toy-safe cleanser, rinse well, dry completely and store in a clean pouch. Follow the maker’s care instructions.
How do you clean a silicone toy?
Warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner works for most silicone toys. Some makers allow boiling or the dishwasher top rack for non-motorized silicone; check the care card first.
What is the best toy cleaner?
Mild, unscented soap is fine for most toys. The Lube Cleanser is a pH-balanced wash its product page describes for intimate areas, surfaces and toys, and the 2 oz size is labeled to remove silicone from skin and surfaces.
How do you get silicone lube off a toy?
Silicone lube doesn’t rinse off with water alone. Wash it with soap or a cleanser, rinse well and dry completely.
How should you store sex toys?
Fully dry, in separate breathable pouches, away from heat and sun, so different materials don’t touch.
Keep reading
- The Lube Club Toy Guide
- Types of Sex Toys for Men
- What Lube Is Safe for Toys?
- Sex Hygiene for Men
- Toy-Safe Lube Guide, Part 2
General education for adults 18+, not medical advice. Always follow your toy maker’s care and lube instructions, and talk with a licensed clinician about pain, irritation, bleeding or anything that worries you. The Lube Club doesn’t make or sell toys; product facts here are from our own labels and product pages.