{"id":45894,"date":"2025-05-25T07:02:44","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T05:02:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=45894"},"modified":"2026-03-17T05:47:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T04:47:50","slug":"top-five-sex-toy-cleaning-mistakes-tc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/top-five-sex-toy-cleaning-mistakes-tc\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Their Sex Toys"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good sex toy cleaning habits are key to protecting your health and keeping your pleasure tools in great shape for years to come. Yet, it’s one of the most commonly overlooked parts of owning sex toys.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may think, “Pfff, how hard can it be to clean sex toys<\/a>?” Well, the process is fairly simple, yet many people make cleaning mistakes<\/a> unknowingly, which lead to more than just a bit of grime buildup: we’re talking skin irritation, possible infections, and permanent toy damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what are the most common sex toy cleaning mistakes people make? There are five:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Using the wrong cleaning products to clean their toys.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Not cleaning the toys before and after each use.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Submerging non-waterproof toys in the water.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Not drying sex toys properly before storing them away.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Storing the sex toys the wrong way.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Don’t worry, though. Even if you may have made one (or more) sex toy cleaning mistakes in the past, this practical guide will help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future so you can keep things safe, fresh, and long-lasting.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ready? Let’s dive in!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Cleaning Products<\/span><\/h2>\n

    The first mistake people make when cleaning their sex toys is using the wrong kind of cleaner<\/a>. It may be tempting to grab bleach, alcohol, or your go-to bathroom cleaner (they’re effective at killing bacteria, after all, right?) when wiping down your toys, but these harsh chemicals<\/a> may do more harm than good.<\/span><\/p>\n

    First of all, traces of strong detergents and fragranced soaps can cause skin irritation. Just think about it\u2013your sex toys touch delicate skin on your body in the most intimate places. You don’t want any of the harsh chemicals to come into contact with your naked skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Wrong cleaning products are dangerous not only for your skin but also for your sex toys. Harsh chemicals can degrade delicate materials like silicone or rubber. Also, alcohol-based cleaning products<\/a> can dry out surfaces, which may cause the sex toy to start cracking or make the surface sticky.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to Avoid It<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Instead of grabbing whatever is on hand from your cleaning supply cupboard to clean your sex toys, opt for a much easier and safer alternative\u2013use mild, fragrance-free soap (like an unscented hand or baby soap) and warm water to wash your toys.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Alternatively, you may choose a specialized sex toy cleaner that’s formulated for cleaning sex toys and is body-safe. Just make sure you check what the sex toy is made from and whether the cleaner is compatible with the materials<\/a> before using it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Mistake #2: Not Cleaning Toys Immediately After Use<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Another common sex toy cleaning mistake is not cleaning the sex toys before and after each use. You may think that there’s no need to clean before use because the toy has been sitting in the drawer, or you set the toy aside after using it with the intention to wash it later, but life gets in the way… suddenly it’s been hours (or days), and the sex toy sits in your drawer, dirty until you decide to use it again.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Before you know it, you’re stuck in an endless cycle that may be harmful to your health without you even realizing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You see, dust, lint, bodily fluids, and lubes remain on the surface, and after a while, the buildup can be hard to remove. This creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can linger on the toy long after delayed cleaning.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Over time, as more and more bacteria buildup, it can lead to skin irritation and even infections. And you may even notice the sex toy’s surface starting to change and become unpleasant to use.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to Avoid It<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Instead of setting the toy aside after use to clean it some other time, make sure you clean the toys right after use, even if you’re feeling sleepy or relaxed and don’t want to do it. A quick rinse with warm water and a mild soap is all it takes! Or a quick wipe with a sex toy cleaner<\/a>. Requires five minutes of your time, tops.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Also, always clean your new sex toys before you use them. Even if the toy is new and unused, it may have residue from handling and packaging, which is not something you want on or in your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mistake #3: Submerging Non-Waterproof Toys in Water<\/span><\/h2>\n

    It’s normal to assume that most sex toys these days (especially the more pricey ones) are waterproof. However, that’s not always the case, so you always have to check before you submerge the toys in water.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You see, if you submerge a non-waterproof sex toy<\/a> into water, the water can seep into battery compartments, motors, or charging ports. This can quickly lead to rust, electrical damage<\/a>, or complete failure of the toy.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to Avoid It<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Before you give your favorite sex toy a full bath<\/a>, make sure you check the manufacturer’s manual or the website to see if the toy is waterproof (IPX7) or is only water-resistant or splashproof.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If the packaging says waterproof (IPX7), go ahead and submerge your toy into the water! If not, you’ll need an alternative way to clean it.<\/span><\/p>\n

    For cleaning non-waterproof sex toys, use:<\/span><\/p>\n