Whether your toy is silicone, glass, metal, or another material (or you have one of each!), cleaning your toys, depending on their material, matters. We’re here to guide you through selecting the most effective cleaning methods for specific sex toy materials.
Safe cleaning for adult toys prevents bacteria buildup plus material damage. And all materials require different care. For example, when cleaning silicone toys, you can use warm water and mild soap, and glass toys can be boiled or put in the dishwasher.
If you’re worried about hygiene, preventing material damage, or maintaining longevity, we have you covered.
Understanding the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting
There are two important methods for taking care of your toys—cleaning and disinfecting. Not sure what the difference is? Well, cleaning removes surface dirt and residue, whereas disinfecting kills hard-to-kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Some toys, depending on their materials, require disinfecting. Porous materials harbor bacteria in tough-to-reach areas and require a deeper disinfecting method, whereas silicone can be cleaned much more easily with a standard, gentle cleaning method.
Best Cleaning Methods for Different Sex Toy Materials
So, which cleaning method works for your toy? The best sex toy cleaners for each material range from method, and we’ve broken it down for you.
Silicone
- Best cleaners: Mild soap and warm water or specific cleaners like LELO’s Premium Toy Cleaning Spray.
- Make sure to avoid: Alcohol and strong detergents, which can degrade the material
- How to clean: Hand-wash with warm soapy water or use a body-safe toy cleaner.
Glass and Stainless Steel
- Best cleaners: Soap and warm water, isopropyl alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide work well for glass and stainless steel toys.
- Safe for: Boiling water or dishwasher (if manufacturer-approved).
- How to clean: Wash with soap, disinfect with alcohol, or boil for 5 minutes.
ABS Plastic & Hard Non-Porous Toys
- Best cleaners: Mild soap, a toy cleaner, or alcohol wipes.
- Avoid: Harsh chemicals, like bleach, that may cause cracking.
- How to clean: Wipe with a damp cloth or alcohol-based cleaner.
Jelly, TPE, and Other Porous Materials
- Best cleaners: Mild soap or a toy cleaner
- Avoid: Water submersion, alcohol, boiling, or bleach (can break down material).
- How to clean: Gentle hand wash and air-dry completely.
Latex and Rubber
- Best cleaners: Mild soap and water or a special toy cleaner.
- Avoid: Alcohol, which dries out the material and makes it brittle.
- How to clean: Wash gently and dry completely before storage.
Leather, Fabric, and Other Specialty Materials
- Best cleaners: Spot-cleaning with mild soap or a specialized cleaner.
- Avoid: Soaking in water or alcohol-based solutions.
- How to clean: Use a damp cloth and mild cleaner, then air-dry.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Sex Toys
Material-safe cleaning is essential when cleaning sex toys. Harsh chemicals like bleach can damage the toy material or irritate the skin when used. Using alcohol on soft or porous materials should be avoided; submerging toys with motors in water, and not drying toys properly before storing them, are other common mistakes that folks make when cleaning their toys.
Once you read the manufacturer’s label, you’ll be better informed on what your toy can handle and what you should avoid.
Eco-Friendly and Natural Cleaning Alternatives
For folks who want to use DIY natural cleaners, vinegar and water, baking soda paste, plant-based, non-toxic toy cleaners, and fragrance-free options are a great way to start.
The white vinegar and water solution includes:
- Mixing 1 part white distilled vinegar with 3 parts warm water.
- Soaking the silicone toy (if non-motorized) in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently scrubbing and rinsing.
- Thoroughly air drying.
Baking soda paste removes odors and includes:
- Rinsing your toy with water.
- Sprinkling baking soda on your toy will create a paste with the water on your toy.
- Covering the entire surface and letting it dry.
- After waiting a few hours, rinsing your toy and making sure all of the baking soda paste has been removed.
- Thoroughly air drying.
If you opt for a fragrance-free sex toy cleaner, you’ll minimize the risk of irritation and allergic reactions on your skin. For those who are sensitive, plant-based alternative options are a safer option.
How Often Should You Clean Your Sex Toys?
How often you clean your sex toy depends on how often you use it. Always clean your toy with soap and water after using it, and for porous sex toys, always stick with a deep cleaning method after usage.
After you’re done cleaning your toy, storage is crucial for the longevity of the toy. Keeping your toy in a fabric or case away from other toys will ensure its durability and keep it separated from any other bacteria, dust, or lint.
You should replace your sex toy depending on any signs of wear and tear. If you notice warping, discoloration, cracking, or changes in texture, it’s time to start shopping for a new sex toy.
Toys that are made from jelly rubber often show wear and tear earlier (within a year or two) than non-porous materials like silicone or glass (can last decades or centuries).
But this all depends on proper maintenance and cleanliness. So, to increase the longevity of your toy, cleaning should be a part of your routine.
The Takeaway
Cleaning your toys requires specific instructions depending on the material. And finding the best sex toy cleaner that works for you depends on the material of the toy and the type of cleanliness that’s manageable for you.
If you’re seeking a more natural DIY method, we have you covered, and if you want something stronger, we have a recipe for that, too. Overall, finding the safest method for your body and for your toy’s material is essential in your routine.
If you’ve tried a natural cleaner or sought out another method, let us know what works for you!
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