How to Clean and Store Sex Toys: Materials, Method and Storage
Why material decides everything
There is no single correct way to clean a sex toy, because the category contains materials with completely different properties. A method that is correct for one will degrade another.
Two properties matter: whether the material is porous or non-porous, and whether it tolerates heat. Everything below follows from those two.
Non-porous materials — medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass, stainless steel — have no structure for bacteria to enter. They can be cleaned thoroughly and, depending on the material, sanitised.
Porous materials — TPE, TPR, jelly, PVC, real-feel blends — have a microscopic structure that cannot be fully cleaned. They can be washed, and they cannot be sterilised, and that limitation is permanent.
If you know only one thing about toy care, know which of those two you own.
Cleaning by material
| Material | Clean with | Heat tolerant | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical-grade silicone | Mild unscented soap and warm water | Generally yes, non-motorised | Avoid silicone lube — it can degrade the surface |
| ABS plastic | Mild soap and warm water | No | Common on motorised bodies |
| Borosilicate glass | Soap and water | Yes | Inspect for chips before every use |
| Stainless steel | Soap and water | Yes | Very durable |
| TPE / TPR / jelly | Soap and water, thoroughly | No | Porous — cannot be sterilised; replace periodically |
The general method for anything non-motorised: warm water, a mild unscented soap, hands rather than an abrasive cloth, thorough rinsing, and full air drying before storage. Rinsing matters as much as washing — soap residue is a common irritant and it is entirely avoidable.
What never to use
- Harsh household cleaners, bleach or alcohol on silicone or TPE. They degrade the surface and the damage is not reversible.
- Boiling anything with a motor, battery or electronic component. Heat sterilisation applies only to solid, non-motorised, heat-tolerant pieces.
- A dishwasher, unless the manufacturer explicitly says so.
- Abrasive scourers, which create micro-scratches that then hold bacteria.
- Scented or antibacterial soaps, which are a frequent cause of irritation.
Motorised and rechargeable items
The rule is simple: do not submerge unless the manufacturer says it is waterproof. Water-resistant and waterproof are different ratings and the distinction is on the packaging.
For anything not fully waterproof, clean the body with a damp cloth and mild soap, keep the charging port dry, and dry it completely before charging. A charging contact cleaned with water and then used damp is the most common way people kill a rechargeable toy.
Lube compatibility, which is a care issue
Two combinations matter.
Silicone lubricant with silicone toys can degrade the toy surface. Water-based lube is the safe default with silicone, and manufacturers say so for exactly this reason.
Oil-based lubricant with latex degrades latex, which matters for condoms as well as for any latex item. If a toy is shared or used with a barrier, this is a safety point rather than a care one.
The wider lube question — osmolality, pH, and condom compatibility — is covered in how to choose lube.
Sharing, and the barrier rule
Sharing a toy between people, or between different types of use, is where the porous/non-porous distinction stops being a maintenance question and becomes a health one.
For anything porous, use a barrier and change it between uses — a porous toy cannot be reliably cleaned between people, and no washing method changes that. For non-porous toys, thorough cleaning between uses is effective, and a barrier is still the more cautious option.
Anything used anally needs a flared base, and anything moving between anal and vaginal use needs cleaning and a fresh barrier in between without exception. This is the one rule in toy care with a genuine infection risk behind it.
Storage
Storage causes more toy damage than cleaning does.
Store completely dry. Any moisture retained in storage is the ideal condition for bacteria, especially on anything textured.
Store items separately. Different materials in contact can react — silicone against certain plastics is the classic case, and it produces a sticky, permanently degraded surface. Individual bags or pouches solve this entirely, and most quality toys ship with one.
Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat, both of which degrade silicone and TPE over time.
Remove batteries from anything not in regular use, to avoid leakage.
Store rechargeables partly charged rather than flat, which is general good practice for lithium cells.
When to replace
Some damage means the item is finished, and continuing to use it is the actual risk.
Replace anything with a tear, crack, chip or split, because damage creates a surface that cannot be cleaned. Replace anything sticky, tacky or changed in texture, which indicates material degradation. Replace anything discoloured in a way that does not wash out. Replace glass with any chip, without exception. And treat porous materials as consumable — they have a service life regardless of how carefully they are cleaned.
For what the materials are and how to identify them before buying, sex toy materials explained is the fuller version.
General care information for consumer products. It is not medical advice. Follow the manufacturer's own instructions for any specific item, and consult a qualified healthcare professional about any health concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my sex toys?
Clean them both before and after every use. Cleaning before removes dust and storage residue, and cleaning after removes fluids and bacteria. Consistency is what keeps a hygiene routine effective.
Can I submerge a motorised toy in water?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly states it is waterproof. Otherwise, wipe it carefully around buttons and seams rather than submerging it, since water can damage internal motors and electronics.
Why should toys be stored separately?
Different materials can react when pressed together for long periods, potentially degrading surfaces. Storing each toy in its own cloth bag or pouch keeps materials from touching and protects them from dust and sunlight.
More from the Journal
Sexual Wellness Products: What Has Evidence and What Is Marketing
The wellness aisle mixes products with real mechanisms and products with none. Here is how to tell them apart, and the point at which a product is the wrong answer entirely.
Read →Safe Sex Guide 2026: A Practical, Judgement-Free Handbook
Safer sex is everyday health, not a sign that something is wrong. This practical guide covers barrier methods, testing, vaccination, and honest communication for adults of every relationship style.
Read →Sexual Health: When to Seek Help (ED, Low Libido, Pain)
Most sexual concerns are common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Here is how to tell ordinary variation from a sign worth checking — and who to talk to when it is.
Read →