{"id":46375,"date":"2025-08-18T20:26:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T18:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=46375"},"modified":"2026-03-15T22:38:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T21:38:16","slug":"guide-to-cleaning-silicone-sex-toys-tc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/guide-to-cleaning-silicone-sex-toys-tc\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> to stay in tip-top shape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning how to <\/span>clean your silicone sex toys<\/span><\/a> is necessary to avoid build-up, remove any lingering bacteria, and ensure that your toy will have a long lifespan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a> (tip: stay away from bleach).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Silicone is One of the Safest Sex Toy Materials<\/h2>\n

Silicone<\/span><\/a> is one of the safest sex toy materials because it is non-porous\u2014AKA 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another perk of silicone is choosing medical-grade silicone sex toys<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Silicone is durable and heat-resistant, meaning you have more options when choosing a cleaning method.<\/strong> Where other sex toys require specific cleaning<\/a> guides, cleaning your silicone sex toy can include a basic clean or a deep clean, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyday Cleaning for Silicone Sex Toys<\/h2>\n

The <\/span>best cleaner<\/span><\/a> for silicone sex toys is a mild, fragrance-free soap under warm water. Another option is a body-safe toy cleaner like <\/span>LELO’s Premium Cleaning Spray<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"lelo<\/a><\/p>\n

Here’s how to clean your silicone sex toy:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Rinse the silicone toy under warm water.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Apply a small amount of mild soap or toy cleaner.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. gently scrub with your hands or a soft cloth.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Rinse your toy thoroughly and let it air dry completely.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This type of cleaning should be done after every use for bacteria prevention and topical hygiene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Deep Cleaning & Sterilization Methods<\/h2>\n

    Every now and then, cleaning your silicone sex toy with a deep, sterilization method<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The boiling water method<\/strong> should be done on 100% silicone, non-motorized toys:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Boil your toy for 3-5 minutes to kill bacteria.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Remove the toy from the water.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Let it cool before handling and let it dry thoroughly.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Hydrogen peroxide soak<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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      1. Mix equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Soak the toy for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and air drying.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Dishwasher cleaning<\/strong> (read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it’s safe to do this method):<\/span><\/p>\n

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        1. Place the silicone sex toy on the top rack of the dishwasher.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Avoid washing your toy with other dishes or utensils.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        3. Use a mild cycle with no harsh detergents.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        4. Ensure your toy is thoroughly dried afterward.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          What to Avoid When Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys<\/h2>\n

          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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          Common mistakes<\/span><\/a> include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n