How to Clean Sex Toys: The Complete Guide to Intimate Hygiene 🧹
You invest in quality sex toys for your pleasure and wellness — but how you care for them is just as important as how you use them. Proper sex toy hygiene isn't optional; it's a fundamental part of protecting your sexual health. Unwashed toys can harbour dangerous bacteria, trigger infections, and degrade faster than they should. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning frequency, material-specific methods, and smart storage habits.
The Golden Rule: Clean Before AND After Every Use
The single most important rule of sex toy hygiene: clean your toys before and after every single use — no exceptions. A quick rinse under cold water is not enough. Research in microbiology consistently shows that bacteria, yeast, and viruses survive on surfaces for hours to days without proper sanitization.
The Real Health Risks of Skipping Toy Cleaning 🦠
- 🦠 Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Directly linked to the introduction of foreign bacteria from unwashed toys.
- 🦠 Yeast infections (Candida): Candida thrives on porous toy surfaces and can be reintroduced with a contaminated toy.
- 🦠 Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Bacteria transferred via unwashed toys are a leading cause of UTIs.
- 🦠 Biofilm formation: When fluids and lubricants dry onto a toy repeatedly, bacteria build a protective shield that becomes extremely resistant to standard cleaning.
- 🦠 STI transmission: Certain STIs — including HPV, herpes, and trichomoniasis — can survive on toy surfaces and be transmitted through shared use without proper cleaning.
Material-Specific Cleaning Guide
The correct cleaning method depends entirely on what your toy is made from. Using the wrong method can damage the material or leave it inadequately sanitized.
Medical-Grade Silicone ✅
- ✅ Wash with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap or a dedicated sex toy cleaner.
- ✅ Non-motorized silicone toys can be boiled for 3–5 minutes or run through the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent) for full sterilization.
- ❌ Never boil vibrators or motorized toys — water will destroy the electronics.
- ❌ Never use silicone-based lubricant with silicone toys — it degrades the surface over time.
Our Perfection G-Spot Vibrator and Clit-Tastic Tongue Licking Lover are both made from body-safe silicone — easy to clean and built to last. 💕
Borosilicate Glass ✨
- ✅ Wash with warm water and antibacterial soap for routine cleaning.
- ✅ Submerge in boiling water for 3–5 minutes for full sterilization.
- ✅ Dishwasher safe (top rack, no detergent).
- ✅ Compatible with all lubricant types.
- ❌ Inspect for chips or cracks before every use — retire any structurally compromised toy immediately.
Stainless Steel 🛡️
- ✅ Boil, dishwasher, or soap-and-water — all methods work perfectly.
- ✅ Compatible with all lubricants.
- ✅ Can be used for temperature play.
ABS Hard Plastic
- ✅ Wash with warm water and mild unscented soap.
- ❌ Do not boil or use harsh chemical solvents — heat warps plastic and destroys internal motors.
- ❌ Avoid bleach or alcohol-based cleaners, which can degrade the surface.
What to Avoid: Materials That Can't Be Properly Cleaned ❌
Jelly rubber, PVC, and TPE blends are porous materials. Bacteria, mold, and bodily fluids penetrate the surface and cannot be fully removed regardless of how thoroughly you wash them. These materials also frequently contain phthalates — chemical plasticizers linked to hormonal disruption. Always choose non-porous alternatives.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Sex Toy Correctly
- 🧴 Step 1 — Rinse immediately: As soon as you're done, rinse under warm running water to remove loose fluids and lubricant.
- 🧴 Step 2 — Lather thoroughly: Apply unscented antibacterial soap or sex toy cleaner. Use a soft-bristled brush to work into all seams, ridges, and textured surfaces.
- 🧴 Step 3 — Rinse completely: Remove all soap residue — leftover soap can disrupt vaginal or rectal pH and cause irritation.
- 🧴 Step 4 — Dry fully: Pat dry with a clean lint-free cloth or air dry completely. Never store a damp toy.
- 🧴 Step 5 — Store properly: Place in a breathable cotton or satin pouch — not an airtight plastic bag, which traps moisture and promotes bacterial growth.
Smart Storage: Keeping Clean Toys Clean 📦
- 📦 Store each toy in its own individual breathable pouch — never let different toys touch each other, as chemical reactions between materials can cause degradation.
- 📦 Keep toys in a cool, dry, dark location away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
- 📦 Avoid storing silicone toys in cheap plastic bags — plasticizer migration can make the surface sticky over time.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning your sex toys before and after every use is essential for your health. Match your cleaning method to your toy's material, dry completely before storing, and keep each toy in its own breathable pouch. Shop our full range of body-safe, easy-to-clean adult toys at EroticVibes.ca — including the Lavender Elite Bullet Vibes and Ultimate Anal Kit. All shipped discreetly anywhere in Canada. 🇨🇦