How to Clean Sex Toys: Guide to Hygiene and Device Care

Cleaning your toys isn’t exactly the most glamorous part of intimacy. When the moment is over, the last thing you want to do is stand over a sink scrubbing a device. However, understanding how to use a vibrator safely doesn't stop the moment you turn it off. Here is the reality: proper toy hygiene is absolutely essential. 

Unwashed intimacy products are a primary culprit for recurring vaginal or anal infections, including Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and even the transmission of curable STDs. Beyond your health, improper cleaning will break down the materials of your devices, turning a luxury investment into a sticky, useless paperweight.

This guide takes the guesswork out of device care, giving you a clear, authoritative routine to protect both your health and your hardware.

Quick-Reference Chart: Cleaning & Storage by Sex Toy Type

If you only have a few minutes, here is what you need to know about caring for your specific device at a glance.

Toy Type / Material	Cleaning Method (How-To)	Storage Rule
Electronic (Splash-proof / IPX6*)	Wipe with damp, soapy cloth. Never submerge. Avoid charging ports.	Dry completely. Store in original hard case.
Electronic (Waterproof / IPX7*+)	Wash under warm running water with soap.	Dry completely. Store in a breathable pouch.
Non-Electronic (100% Silicone, Glass, Steel)	Submerge in warm soapy water. Safe to boil for 3 mins to sterilize.	Store individually (silicone touching silicone will melt).
Porous (TPE, TPR, Jelly Rubber)>	Warm soapy water. Always use condoms. Cannot be fully sterilized.	Dust lightly with cornstarch. Keep strictly separate from all toys.

* IPX6 (Splash-Proof): The device is protected against heavy splashes and water jets, but it is strictly not designed for full submersion under water. The safest cleaning method is a damp, soapy cloth. 

* IPX7 or higher (100% Waterproof): The device is fully submersible (usually up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) and can be safely washed directly under running tap water or submerged in a sink. 

The Cleaning Toolkit: What You Need

You do not necessarily need expensive, specialized toy cleaners to maintain excellent hygiene. Basic household items are often the safest bet.

For Everyday Surface Cleaning

• Warm water.
• Mild, unscented soap: Standard liquid hand soap or Castile soap is ideal. Note: Original, unscented Dawn dish soap is highly effective at breaking down bodily oils and water-based lubricants without degrading medical-grade silicone. However, avoid harsh, scented, or heavy-duty household detergents.
• Clean paper towels or a lint-free cloth: For immediate drying.
• Optional: Fragrance-free, toy-specific wipes or cleaning sprays for quick bedside touch-ups.

Optional Tools for Manufacturer-Approved Deep Cleaning

• A dedicated boiling pot: Set aside a pot specifically for sterilizing glass or silicone.
• Household bleach and a spray bottle: Unscented.
• A dishwasher: Must have a high-heat sanitize cycle.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Toys by Type

The fastest way to destroy a toy is to clean it the wrong way. Always identify if your toy has a motor, and check its IPX (waterproof) rating before exposing it to moisture.

How to Clean Vibrators, Wands & Electronic Toys

Electronic toys require specific care based on their water resistance. An IPX6 (Splash-proof) rating means a device can handle a damp cloth, but direct water pressure will force moisture into the motor. An IPX7 or higher (Waterproof) rating means the toy can be safely rinsed directly under running water.

Never fully submerge a device unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is safe. Follow these steps to protect your hardware:

1. Disconnect and power down: Ensure the toy is turned off, unplugged from any charging cables, and that any removable batteries are taken out.
2. Prepare a soapy cloth: Do not pump soap directly onto an electronic toy. Instead, lather a clean washcloth with warm water and mild soap, wringing it out thoroughly so it is damp but not dripping.
3. Wipe down the surface: Carefully wipe the silicone or exterior of the toy. For high-tech, multi-motor devices—like the SensOn S1, which houses intricate audio-decoding electronics within an IPX6 splash-proof body—a thorough wipe-down is the safest method to ensure longevity.
4. Avoid the charging ports: Keep moisture strictly away from magnetic charging pins, USB-C ports, and protective charging cases, as water exposure here can short-circuit the device.
5. Remove soap residue: Rinse your washcloth with clean water, wring it out completely, and wipe the toy one final time to remove all soap. Allow it to air dry fully before storing.

How to Clean Non-Mechanical Toys (Dildos, Plugs, Kegel Balls)

When it comes to maintenance, the biggest difference between a dildo vs. vibrator is that non-mechanical toys don't contain sensitive electronics that can short-circuit. If your toy is made of 100% medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, or stainless steel—and contains absolutely zero motors or batteries—the cleaning process is much more straightforward. 

Follow these steps for safe and effective sanitation:

1. Submerge and rinse: Hold the toy directly under warm running water to rinse away any surface debris, lubricants, or bodily fluids.
2. Lather and scrub: Apply a mild, unscented soap directly to the toy. Use your fingers to thoroughly work the suds over the entire surface, paying special attention to any textured ridges, seams, or wide bases where bacteria can easily hide.
3. Rinse completely: Hold the toy under running water until all soap bubbles are entirely gone. This is a critical step, as leftover soap residue can disrupt your natural pH or cause severe skin irritation during your next use.
4. Dry thoroughly: Pat the toy completely dry with a clean paper towel or a lint-free cloth. Never put a damp toy away, as trapped moisture will breed mildew.

Solo Use vs. Shared Play: Does Your Routine Change?

How you use your toy dictates how deeply you need to clean it.

• Solo Use: If you are the only person using the toy, standard surface cleaning (warm soap and water) immediately after use is perfectly sufficient to maintain your health.
• Shared Use: Toys that move between bodies can act as a direct bridge for pathogens. If you share toys with a partner, we strongly recommend using a fresh condom on the toy to prevent STDs. If the toy is non-electronic, you must follow the strict deep-cleaning protocols below before it is used by someone else.

Deep Cleaning: How to Disinfect After an Infection (or Sharing)

If you have experienced a yeast infection, BV, or a curable STD, basic soap is not enough. You must sterilize your devices to avoid reinfecting yourself.

Crucial Warning: The following deep-cleaning methods are strictly for non-mechanical, 100% waterproof materials (solid silicone, glass, and steel). Exposing an electronic vibrator to boiling water or bleach will instantly destroy its internal components.

The Boiling Method (For 100% Silicone, Glass & Steel)

1. Lay a clean towel flat on the bottom of a pot to prevent glass toys from vibrating against the metal and chipping.
2. Bring water to a rolling boil.
3. Submerge the toy for exactly 3 minutes.
4. Remove carefully with tongs.
5. Warning: Let the toy air-dry naturally. Do not rinse hot toys with cold water immediately, as the thermal shock will cause them to crack or shatter.

The Bleach Solution Method

1. Mix exactly 5 tablespoons (⅓ cup) of unscented bleach per 1 gallon of water.
2. Spray the non-mechanical toy heavily or soak it, letting the solution sit for exactly 10 minutes.
3. Wash the toy aggressively with standard soap and warm water to remove all traces of bleach before allowing it to dry.

The Dishwasher Method

1. Place solid, non-motorized silicone or glass toys on the top rack only.
2. Use the sanitize cycle.
3. Do not add dish detergent, as the harsh chemicals will degrade the silicone and cause skin irritation later.

How Often Should You Clean Your Toys?

State clearly and definitively: wash your toys before and after every single use.

Pre-washing removes any dust or lint the device may have gathered during storage. Post-washing is non-negotiable; bodily fluids and lubricants dry quickly, creating a microscopic breeding ground where bacteria rapidly multiply.

Proper Storage Tips to Protect Your Sex Toys

Throwing a toy into a bedside drawer is a guaranteed way to ruin it. Proper storage preserves the material and keeps bacteria at bay.

• 100% Dry is Mandatory: Never put a damp toy into a bag or case. Moisture trapped in a dark space breeds mildew and bacteria. Use a lint-free cloth or let it air dry completely.
• The Chemistry of Silicone: Never let two silicone toys touch each other in storage. Over time, a chemical reaction occurs that causes them to literally chemically fuse and melt together.
• The Best Storage Vessels: Store toys individually in breathable microfiber or cotton storage bags. For premium electronic devices, always store them in the device's original hard-shell charging case to protect them from dust, moisture, and impact.

FAQs about Cleaning Sex Toys

How do I clean a vibrator after a yeast infection or curable STD?

If you used a porous toy (like TPE, TPR, or jelly) or any damaged toy during an infection, it cannot be safely sterilized and should be thrown away. For 100% nonporous, non-electronic toys, follow the manufacturer’s approved disinfection method (such as boiling). For electronic vibrators, avoid using bleach, boiling, or soaking unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it, as this carries a high risk of destroying the device. Finally, if you are currently being treated for an STI or infection, avoid sharing toys until your treatment is complete, and always use a fresh condom on your devices during partnered play.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for silicone sex toys?

Yes. Original, unscented Dawn dish soap gently breaks down body oils and lubricants without degrading medical-grade silicone.

Can I use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to clean my toys?

No. Alcohol is too harsh for the majority of sex toys. Over time, it will break down silicone, causing it to become sticky and pitted, and it will completely destroy porous materials. Stick to mild soap and water.

How long can bacteria (like Chlamydia) live on a sex toy?

While most STD-causing bacteria die relatively quickly outside the human body, viruses and certain bacteria can survive for hours to days on warm, moist surfaces—especially in the microscopic pores of TPE and jelly toys. Immediate washing is critical.

How do I know my sex toy's exact material and specs?

Always check the original packaging or the manufacturer's website. If you are currently researching how to choose a vibrator, get into the habit of looking for industry-standard markings such as "FDA-grade silicone" or specific waterproof ratings like "IPX6" or "IPX7".

How do I protect my toys from pets and pet hair?

Pets are drawn to the scent of human fluids and the chewy texture of silicone. Additionally, medical-grade silicone has a naturally tacky surface that acts like a magnet for pet hair, dander, and dust. Always store your toys securely in hard-shell cases or high, latched drawers.