Sex Toy Cleaning Guide: How to Clean Every Type of Toy

on Jul 09, 2026

Cleaning sex toys properly is one of the most overlooked aspects of toy ownership -- and one of the most important. The right cleaning method depends entirely on the toy's material. Silicone, glass, and metal can be fully sterilised. TPE and rubber cannot. Getting this wrong leads to bacterial build-up, material degradation, and avoidable health risks. This guide covers exactly what to do with every type of toy you own.

Why Cleaning Matters

Sex toys contact mucous membranes -- the most absorbent and bacteria-sensitive tissue in the body. A toy that has not been cleaned properly after previous use carries bacterial and yeast residue directly to that tissue on the next use. This is the primary cause of recurring yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis in people who use sex toys regularly without cleaning them properly.

The second reason cleaning matters is material longevity. Lube residue, body fluids, and skin oils degrade toy surfaces over time -- particularly porous materials like TPE. Regular cleaning after every use significantly extends the functional life of a toy.

The cleaning method that works for a silicone toy will damage a TPE toy. Always clean based on what the toy is made of, not just what it looks like.

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Cleaning by Material

Material	Porous?	Sterilisable?	Cleaning Method
Silicone (non-motorised)	No	Yes	Soap and water, boil 3 min, or dishwasher (no detergent)
Silicone (motorised)	No	No (electronics)	Soap and water, wipe only -- never submerge
Glass	No	Yes	Soap and water, boil, or dishwasher
Stainless Steel / Aluminium	No	Yes	Soap and water, boil, or dishwasher
ABS Plastic	No	No (electronics)	Soap and water wipe, antibacterial toy cleaner
TPE / TPR	Yes	No	Soap and water -- cannot fully sterilise. Replace periodically.
PVC / Rubber	Yes	No	Soap and water wipe only. Use with a condom. Replace frequently.

Silicone Toys

The easiest and most hygienic toy material to clean. Non-motorised silicone toys (dildos, plugs, non-vibrating toys) can be boiled for 3 minutes, run through a dishwasher on the top rack without detergent, or washed with hot water and antibacterial soap. All three methods fully sterilise the surface.

Silicone toys with motors cannot be boiled or submerged -- the electronics will be damaged. Wash these with warm water and soap, wipe with a damp cloth, or spray with a sex toy cleaner and wipe clean. Always check whether a product is fully waterproof before submerging it.

Glass and Metal Toys

Glass (borosilicate) and stainless steel toys are the most durable to clean. Both are non-porous and fully sterilisable. Wash with hot soapy water, boil, or run through a dishwasher. Glass is heat-stable up to very high temperatures -- boiling does not damage it. Metal toys can also be wiped with isopropyl alcohol (70%) for quick sterilisation between uses.

TPE and TPR Toys

Porous materials that absorb fluids at a microscopic level. Soap and water removes surface residue but cannot reach the material's interior. This means TPE and TPR toys cannot be fully sterilised -- bacteria can survive inside the material and transfer to the body on next use. To manage this: wash thoroughly after every use, allow to dry completely before storage, replace when the material starts to degrade or discolour, and use a condom over the toy to extend hygienic life and reduce contamination.

Most male masturbators, pocket pussies, and many realistic-feel dildos use TPE or TPR. This is worth knowing before buying.

Cleaning Vibrators and Motorised Toys

Check waterproofing before any water contact: Fully waterproof toys can be held under running water. Splash-resistant toys can be wiped with a damp cloth but not submerged. Non-waterproof toys need a dry wipe only around all seams and buttons. The product listing will specify the waterproof rating.
Remove batteries or charge cables first: Never wash a toy while it is plugged in or with batteries in it. Remove or disconnect before cleaning.
Clean the charging port carefully: USB charging ports collect lint and residue. Wipe around the port with a cotton swab or dry cloth. Never get water inside the port.
Pay attention to texture: Ribbed, nubbed, or textured toy surfaces collect residue in the grooves. Use a soft brush (a clean toothbrush works) to reach textured areas.
Dry fully before storing: Moisture trapped inside packaging causes bacterial growth. Let toys air dry on a clean towel before putting them away.

Storing Your Toys

Store separately: Keep toys in individual bags or pouches to prevent contact between different materials. Some toy materials react with each other -- silicone touching certain rubber materials can cause surface degradation over time.
Use the original pouch or box: Most toys come with a storage bag or box. These are designed to protect the toy from dust and light. Use them.
Avoid extreme heat or direct sunlight: UV exposure and heat accelerate material degradation, particularly in silicone and TPE. Store in a cool, dark drawer or box.
Remove batteries for long-term storage: Batteries left in toys over weeks or months can leak acid that damages the motor and contacts. Remove and store separately if you will not use the toy regularly.
Do not store toys touching each other: Different toy materials can bond or react when in direct contact over time. Silicone is particularly susceptible -- two silicone toys pressed together over months can stick to each other.

Sex Toy Cleaners

A dedicated sex toy cleaner is a spray or foam formulated to clean toy surfaces without damaging silicone, TPE, or other materials. They are useful for quick cleaning between uses and for materials that cannot be submerged. They do not sterilise porous materials but remove surface residue effectively. For non-porous toys (silicone, glass, metal), soap and water is equally effective and cheaper. For porous toys where submerging in water is inconvenient, a toy cleaner spray is the most practical option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my sex toys?+

After every use, without exception. This applies regardless of whether the toy was used alone or with a partner, and regardless of how clean it looks. Cleaning before use is also recommended if the toy has been stored for a long time, since dust and airborne bacteria accumulate on surfaces over time. A quick wipe before use takes thirty seconds and removes storage residue.

Can I use regular soap to clean sex toys?+

Yes, for most materials. Mild antibacterial soap and warm water is sufficient for silicone, glass, and metal toys. Avoid harsh antibacterial soaps with strong chemicals on TPE and TPR -- they can accelerate surface degradation. For vibrators with motors, ensure all soap residue is rinsed off before the toy contacts skin. A dedicated toy cleaner avoids any compatibility uncertainty if you are unsure.

Can you share sex toys between partners?+

Non-porous toys (silicone, glass, metal) can be shared between partners after thorough sterilisation between uses -- boiling or dishwasher for non-motorised silicone, glass, and metal. Porous toys (TPE, TPR, rubber) should not be shared because they cannot be sterilised. If you want to share a porous toy, use a new condom over it for each person. This also applies to using the same toy anally and vaginally -- always use a condom or sterilise fully between orifices to prevent bacterial transfer.

How do I clean a male masturbator?+

Flush warm water through the entry point immediately after use. Turn inside out if the design allows. Apply a small amount of mild soap and work it around the interior, then rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains. Allow to dry completely -- a rolled-up paper towel inserted into an open-ended sleeve helps absorb interior moisture. Store only once fully dry. Most masturbators are TPE and cannot be sterilised, so drying and regular replacement are the main hygiene controls.

Can I use antibacterial wipes on sex toys?+

Only if the wipes are labelled as safe for use on body-contact surfaces and contain no alcohol (which degrades silicone over time) or harsh disinfectants that irritate skin. Dedicated toy wipes are formulated specifically for this. Standard household antibacterial wipes often contain chemicals that are not safe for materials that will contact mucous membranes. If in doubt, use soap and water or a purpose-made toy cleaner instead.