Sex toys are meant to bring pleasure, but if you don’t clean them properly, they can also bring bacteria, irritation, or reinfection.
Whether you’re using a vibrator, dildo, male toy, anal toy, or silicone rose toy, learning how to clean sex toys the right way keeps you safe, protects your body, and helps your toys last longer.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best way to clean sex toys at home, how to sanitize based on material type, and what to do after illness or yeast infection. Let’s get into five expert-backed methods for keeping your toys fresh and body-safe.
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Cleaning before and after use is the #1 hygiene rule. Even if a toy looks clean, residue and microscopic bacteria can still cling to it.
That’s why experts recommend cleaning every single time — not just when it “feels dirty.” A quick wash removes body fluids, lube residue, and invisible germs that can cause irritation or infection later.
When toys aren’t cleaned, they can hold onto bacteria from skin, fluids, and lubricants. Over time, buildup can cause odor, discoloration, and even material breakdown. More importantly, it increases the risk of UTIs, yeast infections, or passing bacteria between partners. Consistent cleaning keeps both your body and your toys in good shape.
Before you start, set your toy up for safe cleaning. Wash your hands first to avoid transferring new bacteria onto the toy. If your toy uses batteries, remove them; if it’s rechargeable, make sure the charging port is sealed or kept away from water. Then check whether it’s waterproof — most modern toys are, but not all. If you still have the instructions, glance at them because some toys need specific handling.
Even brand-new toys should be washed before they touch your body. Factory handling, packaging dust, and storage residues can sit on the surface. To clean new sex toys, rinse them in warm water, apply a mild unscented soap, and gently clean every groove or textured area with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly so no soap film remains, then air-dry completely on a clean towel. Once dry, your toy is safe for first use.
For most people, the best cleaning routine is simple and fast. The best way to clean sex toys at home is using warm water, mild soap, and full drying afterward. You don’t need harsh chemicals to get a toy clean — and in many cases, harsh cleaners can actually damage toys or irritate your skin.
This method works for silicone, glass, stainless steel, hard plastic, and many waterproof toys. Start by rinsing the toy with warm water to remove surface residue. Then apply a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap and work it around the entire toy — including seams, ridges, and textured areas where residue hides. After that, rinse again until the toy feels completely clean and no soap remains. Dry it with a lint-free towel or let it air-dry fully. This basic routine is one of the safest ways to clean sex toys properly without damaging them.
A DIY sex toy cleaner (soap + warm water) is usually enough for everyday use and is budget-friendly. Store-bought options — often marketed as the best sex toy cleaner — can be convenient for quick wipe-downs, travel, or toys with heavy texture. The key is choosing products labeled body-safe and toy-safe. Whether you use a DIY adult toy cleaner or a spray, avoid anything with bleach, strong alcohol, heavy fragrance, or antibacterial agents unless the manufacturer approves it.
Drying isn’t optional — leftover moisture can breed bacteria or mildew, especially in seams or sleeves. After washing, place your toy on a clean towel in an open area to air-dry. Once fully dry, store it separately in a pouch or case so it doesn't collect dust or rub against other toys. If you store silicone with silicone, or porous toys touching each other, some materials can react and degrade over time.
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Material matters because not all toys handle heat, soaking, or disinfectants the same way.
Knowing how to properly clean sex toys by material helps you avoid damage while getting a truly hygienic clean.
Silicone is non-porous, which makes it one of the easiest materials to clean and sanitize. To clean silicone sex toys, wash them under warm water with mild unscented soap, then rinse well. Silicone won’t absorb bacteria the way porous materials do, so a good wash is often enough. If you want extra safety, you can sanitize silicone toys using approved methods like boiling (if no electronics) or a toy-safe disinfectant spray.
If your silicone toy is 100% silicone and has no motor, boiling is safe for deep sanitation. Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil, place the toy fully submerged for about 3–5 minutes, then remove carefully and let it cool and dry. Some people prefer the dishwasher method: place the toy on the top rack, use hot water only (no detergent), and let it dry afterward. Both are excellent options for people who want how to clean a silicone sex toy steps that go beyond daily washing.
Porous toys absorb oils and moisture, meaning bacteria can hide below the surface. Wash these toys gently with warm water and mild soap, focusing on any folds or textures.
Rinse longer than you think you need to, then air-dry completely. Because porous toys can’t be fully sterilized, many experts recommend using a condom over them for easier hygiene and replacing them if they develop smell, stickiness, or discoloration.
How to sanitize sex toys the right way
Cleaning removes visible residue; sanitizing reduces germs further. To sanitize sex toys, use a toy-safe disinfectant spray or heat-based methods for non-porous, motor-free toys (like boiling). Always rinse disinfectant off if the label says to, and dry fully afterward. Never soak toys with charging ports or motors unless they’re rated waterproof.
Toy function affects cleaning. Anything with a motor, suction tech, or removable sleeve needs special handling so water doesn’t get trapped or damage electronics.
To clean a vibrator, first check whether it’s waterproof. If it is, you can wash it under warm running water with mild soap, using your fingers to clean around buttons and seams.
If it’s not waterproof, dampen a cloth with warm soapy water and wipe the surface carefully instead of soaking it. Follow with a clean damp cloth wipe to remove soap residue, then dry completely. Avoid letting water pool near charging ports, speaker holes, or seams.
How you properly clean a dildo depends on the material. For non-porous dildos (silicone, glass, stainless steel), wash with warm water and mild soap, rinse well, and dry fully.
These can also be sanitized using boiling or toy cleaner sprays. For porous dildos, stick to gentle soap washing and thorough drying, and consider condom use for easier hygiene. Either way, focus on textured areas and the base where residue often collects.
To clean a male sex toy, disassemble any removable parts first. If the toy has a sleeve, turn it inside out if possible — that’s where most residue stays. Wash with warm water and mild soap, gently rubbing the interior to remove buildup.
Rinse thoroughly, then let the sleeve air-dry fully before reassembling. This method is ideal for anyone searching for how to clean male sex toys safely without shortening their lifespan.
Rose toys are usually waterproof, but their air-pulse openings need care. To clean a rose toy, rinse the surface in warm water, apply mild soap, and gently clean around the suction mouth with your fingers or a soft cloth.
Avoid forcing water directly into the air-pulse opening or charging area. After rinsing, shake out excess water and let it dry upright so moisture drains away from the motor.
To clean anal sex toys, wash immediately after use so residue doesn’t dry on the surface. Use warm water and mild soap, cleaning every curve and seam. Rinse extra thoroughly, because soap residue can irritate delicate tissue. Dry completely before storage. And never move a toy from anal to vaginal use without cleaning and sanitizing first.
If you want more than a basic wash, a dedicated anal toy cleaner spray can help. Spray the toy after washing, let it sit for the recommended contact time, rinse if needed, and dry fully. This is especially useful for toys with deep texture, beads, or ridges where bacteria can hide.
To clean a sex doll, start with the outer body. Use warm water and mild soap on a soft cloth, gently wiping the surface to avoid damaging skin texture. For internal canals, use a cleaning brush and toy-safe cleanser, then rinse carefully. Drying is crucial: pat dry outside, and let internal areas air-dry completely before storage. Once dry, some dolls require renewal powder to prevent tackiness — always follow the brand’s care guide.
After infections, deep cleaning matters because leftover yeast or bacteria can cause reinfection.
Non-porous toys like silicone, glass, and steel can be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly. Porous toys are riskier because they can trap yeast below the surface, so replacement may be safer if they were used during infection.
To clean sex toys after yeast infection, wash them carefully with warm water and mild soap first. Then sanitize any non-porous, motor-free toys using boiling or toy-safe disinfectant spray. Rinse well, dry completely, and store separately. If a toy causes irritation afterward, stop using it and reassess the material or replace it.
Clean them before and after every use. If they’ve been stored for a while, wash again before using.
Warm water and mild unscented soap works for most toys. If you prefer a product, choose a body-safe, toy-safe cleaner.
Not unless the manufacturer says yes. These can damage materials and irritate skin. Use toy disinfectant sprays or boiling for non-motor silicone.
Waterproof toys can be washed under running water.
Non-waterproof toys should be wiped with a damp soapy cloth and never submerged.
Only if they are 100% silicone and have no electronics. If unsure, skip boiling and sanitize with toy-safe spray instead.
Avoid harsh detergents, scented soaps, vinegar, bleach, and soaking toys with charging ports.
You should let your toy there until fully dry, usually a few hours. Storing damp toys can lead to mold or odor.
Knowing how to clean your sex toys doesn’t need to be complicated. With a consistent routine, you protect your body, keep your toys in great shape, and enjoy worry-free pleasure.
Remember, you should clean before and after use and clean it with mild soap and warm water (but make sure to use appropriate cleaning solution to the material type. If there's a concern regarding diseases, make sure to sanitize it well or dispose if necessary.
A clean toy is a safe toy, and safe pleasure is always better.
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