How to Clean and Store Sex Toys Properly (By Material)

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Cleaning is the least glamorous and most important page on this site. Done right it takes two minutes; done wrong it shortens a toy's life or worse. Everything below is organised by material, because material decides what "clean" means.

The universal routine (non-porous toys: silicone, glass, ABS, stainless steel)

1. Wash after every use — warm water and mild, unscented soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner sprayed on and wiped after 30–60 seconds.
2. Rinse so no soap residue remains (residue causes irritation, not the toy).
3. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, then air-dry completely before storage. Trapped moisture is how mould happens.
4. Suction toys: remove the nozzle if it comes off and clean inside the chamber. Sleeves: wash inside and out, and dry the inside fully — a clean dry cloth pushed gently through helps.

Material specifics

Silicone (medical-grade): the gold standard. Soap and water, or toy cleaner. Some plain silicone (no motors) can be boiled — check the manual; never boil anything with a motor or battery. Keep silicone lubricant away from silicone toys; use water-based.

TPE/TPR (most masturbator sleeves): porous-adjacent and softer. Wash gently (no harsh scrubbing), dry completely, and a light dusting of renewal powder (cornstarch-based) stops the surface going tacky. Expect a finite life: roughly 30–50 uses for sleeves with good care.

Glass and steel: soap and water; can be sterilised per manual. Check for chips before use — chipped glass is retired glass.

Anything with seams, fabric, or non-removable parts: wipe-clean only, and be honest with yourself about its lifespan.

Storage rules that actually matter

• Dry first, always. A damp toy in a closed bag is a science experiment.
• Store toys separately or in individual lint-free bags — silicone against silicone for months can react and get sticky.
• Cool, dark, out of the bathroom (humidity) and away from direct sun.
• Cables and chargers in the same pouch saves future frustration.

What to buy for upkeep

One bottle of dedicated toy cleaner (lasts months), water-based lubricant, lint-free cloths, and storage pouches. That's the whole kit. Expensive "sanitising systems" are unnecessary for non-porous toys washed properly.

When to retire a toy

Persistent odour after washing, surface tackiness that returns, visible tears (especially in sleeves), discolouration with texture change, or any chip in glass. Toys are consumables with long lives, not heirlooms.

Last updated: [publish date]. See also: our suction vibrator and male masturbator roundups, where every pick is scored partly on how cleanable it is.