If you’re the owner of silicone sex toys, you may get a little lazy with cleaning. Since silicone is the safest sex toy material because it’s not porous and very durable, you may believe that cleaning it every once in a while can keep you and your toy safe. But your silicone still needs regular maintenance to stay in tip-top shape.
Learning how to clean your silicone sex toys is necessary to avoid build-up, remove any lingering bacteria, and ensure that your toy will have a long lifespan.
In this guide, we get into the nitty-gritty of non-toxic cleaning methods, why hygiene is important, deep sterilization methods, and common mistakes to avoid (tip: stay away from bleach).
Why Silicone is One of the Safest Sex Toy Materials
Silicone is one of the safest sex toy materials because it is non-porous—AKA there’s nowhere for bacteria to stay trapped. In porous sex toys, bacteria can stay trapped and hidden, even if thoroughly cleaned. Silicone is smooth and non-porous, making it easy to clean and making it long-lasting.
Another perk of silicone is choosing medical-grade silicone sex toys, which are body-safe and hypoallergenic. Look for a label on the toy packaging to ensure you’re purchasing a “medical-grade” material. Unless you’re specifically allergic to silicone, “hypoallergenic” means that most users are highly unlikely to react to the material.
Silicone is durable and heat-resistant, meaning you have more options when choosing a cleaning method. Where other sex toys require specific cleaning guides, cleaning your silicone sex toy can include a basic clean or a deep clean, too.
And why is disinfecting silicone toys important? Well, bacteria on a sex toy can lead to urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections can even be passed if not cleaned properly.
Everyday Cleaning for Silicone Sex Toys
The best cleaner for silicone sex toys is a mild, fragrance-free soap under warm water. Another option is a body-safe toy cleaner like LELO’s Premium Cleaning Spray.
Here’s how to clean your silicone sex toy:
- Rinse the silicone toy under warm water.
- Apply a small amount of mild soap or toy cleaner.
- gently scrub with your hands or a soft cloth.
- Rinse your toy thoroughly and let it air dry completely.
This type of cleaning should be done after every use for bacteria prevention and topical hygiene.
Deep Cleaning & Sterilization Methods
Every now and then, cleaning your silicone sex toy with a deep, sterilization method is necessary. You don’t have to do this method every time you use your toy, but you should prioritize it as it includes a deeper clean and sterilization.
Deep cleaning methods include placing the silicone toy in boiling water, soaking it in hydrogen peroxide, or placing the toy in the dishwasher. Here are the steps for each method to keep your toy squeaky clean.
The boiling water method should be done on 100% silicone, non-motorized toys:
- Boil your toy for 3-5 minutes to kill bacteria.
- Remove the toy from the water.
- Let it cool before handling and let it dry thoroughly.
Hydrogen peroxide soak:
- Mix equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Soak the toy for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and air drying.
Dishwasher cleaning (read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it’s safe to do this method):
- Place the silicone sex toy on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Avoid washing your toy with other dishes or utensils.
- Use a mild cycle with no harsh detergents.
- Ensure your toy is thoroughly dried afterward.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys
Sanitizing your silicone sex toy still has limitations, however. The material can’t be exposed to every type of chemical, so it’s best to know which are recommended and which aren’t.
Common mistakes include:
- Using alcohol and bleach on your toy. Silicone can degrade over time if exposed to these chemicals. Degradation can lead to the loss of longevity in your toy, and bacteria being trapped in the toy’s materials.
- Using scented soaps. Always use unscented soap when cleaning any sex toys, silicone or not. Scented soaps can irritate when used on your body.
- Using rough scrubbing tools. Cleaning your silicone sex toy doesn’t have to be complicated. Using a soft washcloth or your hands is good enough; you don’t need to damage the toy’s surface by using a rough material.
Special Considerations for Vibrating & Battery-Operated Silicone Toys
Some silicone sex toys may have a motorized component or battery compartment. If your toy has this, you will need to proceed with caution when cleaning your toy.
Things to pay attention to when cleaning your motorized toy:
- Don’t submerge your motorized area in water. Avoid the dishwasher and boiling water.
- Simply use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe around the area, clean the handle, and the control panel.
- For rechargeable toys with a USB port, make sure the port stays dry and clean around it.
Proper Drying and Storage Tips
Proper sex toy storage is one of the most important aspects of keeping your toy clean. Always air-dry your toy before putting it into storage; this prevents bacterial growth.
Silicone sex toys should be stored separately from other toys, too. Consider a fabric pouch or dedicated box, or a case to avoid lint and dust buildup. Most importantly, keep your silicone toy away from other silicone toys. Silicone reacts poorly when exposed to the same material and will break down and degrade over time. The longevity of your toy can be preserved if its stored in a fabric case, in a cool, dark place away from your other toys.
Eco-Friendly & Natural Cleaning Alternatives
If you’re considering a DIY cleaning solution, there are options for silicone toys that are body-safe and hygienic.
White vinegar and water solution for antibacterial cleaning:
- Mix 1 part white distilled vinegar with 3 parts warm water.
- Soak the silicone toy (if non-motorized) in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently scrub and rinse.
- Thoroughly air dry.
Baking soda paste for deep cleaning and removing odors:
- Rinse your toy with water.
- Sprinkle baking soda on your toy. The water already on the toy will create a paste on the silicone material.
- Cover the entire surface and let it dry.
- After a few hours, rinse your toy and make sure all of the baking soda paste has been removed.
- Thoroughly air dry.
In addition to these two methods, consider looking into plant-based sex toy cleaners that are marketed as non-toxic and biodegradable options.
Overall, whichever option you choose when cleaning your silicone sex toy, remember that hygiene is important, and the longevity of your toy depends on the care you put into it.
Regular after-use cleaning should be built into your routine, and deep cleaning can be done depending on usage. Establishing a cleaning routine takes time, but your body and toys will thank you.
Try one of our recommended cleaning methods and let us know how it works for you.
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