How to Clean Your Sex Toys Without Damaging Them: A Care Guide

Quick Answer

To clean your sex toys safely, first check the material, then wash with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry completely before storing. Avoid harsh chemicals, boiling, or dishwashers unless the manufacturer says they are safe.

Keeping your sex toys clean is essential for your health and the longevity of the toys themselves. But using the wrong cleaner or technique can damage silicone, glass, or other materials—leaving them sticky, discolored, or even unsafe. This guide walks you through the best practices for cleaning your toys without causing harm.

Whether you own a sleek glass plug, a powerful rabbit vibrator, or a simple silicone dildo, the steps are mostly the same. The key is knowing your material and following a few simple rules. Let's get into it.

Know Your Toy's Material

Before you clean anything, identify what your toy is made of. The most common body-safe materials are silicone, glass, and ABS plastic. Silicone is non-porous and can be washed with soap and water or boiled if it's 100% silicone with no motor. Glass, like the hand-blown Icicles No 47, is non-porous and can be cleaned with soap and water or even wiped with a toy cleaner.

Avoid using silicone-based lubricants with silicone toys, as they can break down the surface. Also, never use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on silicone unless the manufacturer explicitly says it's safe—these can cause micro-tears over time.

• Check the product description or packaging for material and cleaning instructions.
• When in doubt, use a mild soap and water—this is safe for most body-safe materials.

Choose the Right Cleaner

You have two main options: a dedicated sex toy cleaner or a mild, unscented soap. Toy cleaners are formulated to be gentle on materials and often have a pH that's ideal for intimate areas. They also come in convenient foam or spray forms, making them easy to use. Soap, on the other hand, is cheaper and usually just as effective if you choose a mild, fragrance-free variety.

Avoid harsh soaps with dyes, perfumes, or antibacterial agents, as they can irritate skin and damage some materials. Also, don't use dish soap or hand soap that contains moisturizers—these can leave a residue that attracts dirt and bacteria.

• A dedicated toy cleaner is the safest bet for all materials, especially if you're unsure about soap compatibility.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Start by rinsing your toy under warm (not hot) water. Apply a small amount of soap or toy cleaner and gently work it over the entire surface, paying extra attention to any textured areas or creases. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, then pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or let it air dry completely.

For toys with motors, like vibrators, never submerge the base or the battery compartment. Instead, wipe the base with a damp cloth and a bit of cleaner. For non-motorized toys like glass or silicone dildos, you can wash them more thoroughly, but avoid boiling unless the manufacturer confirms it's safe.

• Always dry toys completely before storing to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

5-Step Cleaning Routine for Any Toy

1. Check the material: Identify if your toy is silicone, glass, metal, or plastic. Look for seams or battery compartments that indicate internal electronics. If you're unsure, treat it as porous and avoid boiling or soaking.
2. Rinse with warm water: Hold the toy under warm running water to remove surface debris. Avoid hot water, which can warp some materials. Never use boiling water on toys with motors or unknown materials.
3. Clean with soap or toy cleaner: Apply a small amount of mild soap or dedicated toy cleaner. Gently massage the entire surface, including ridges and textures. Don't use harsh soaps or scrubbers—they can cause micro-scratches.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Make sure no soap residue remains, as it can cause irritation. For vibrators, avoid getting water into the battery compartment. A quick rinse isn't enough—take an extra 10 seconds to be sure.
5. Dry and store properly: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or let air dry completely. Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in a separate pouch or container. Never store toys touching each other, especially silicone—they can react and melt.

Material-Specific Care Tips

• Icicles No 47: Each hand-blown Icicle glass plug is sleek, unique, and made to play hard. The tapered tip eases insertion while the graduated bulbs offer thrilling stimulation. Glass is non-porous and easy to clean. Use warm water and a toy cleaner or mild soap, and avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking.
• Dillio Platinum Slim Seven: The Dillio Platinum Collection is made with platinum-cured silicone for the highest degree of purity. This ultra-clean silicone exhibits strength, durability, flexibility, and non-reactivity with bodily fluids and skin. Platinum-cured silicone is top-tier and can be cleaned with soap and water or boiled (if no motor). Avoid silicone-based lube and harsh chemicals to keep it in perfect condition.
• California Dreaming® San Diego Seduction: The powerful rabbit massager has 10 intense tapping and gyrations functions and 3 shaft thumping speeds, with a seamless silicone body. Because it's a vibrator with a motor, never submerge it. Wipe the shaft and head with a damp cloth and toy cleaner, and be careful around the seams to avoid water damage.

Cleaning your sex toys doesn't have to be complicated. By knowing your material and following these simple steps, you'll keep your toys hygienic and in great shape for years. Remember: when in doubt, use a dedicated toy cleaner and always air dry completely. Your future self—and your toys—will thank you.