How to Clean and Store Sex Toys Safely

Cleaning and storage are the least glamorous part of owning toys and the most important for your health. This tutorial gives you a simple, repeatable routine that protects both your body and your devices.

Why Hygiene Matters

The goal is to prevent fluids and bacteria from lingering on a surface. This is exactly why material choice matters so much: body-safe silicone is non-porous, so it does not absorb fluids and can be cleaned thoroughly. Porous materials are far harder to fully sanitise, which is why non-porous toys are easier to live with.

Step 1: Know Your Material

Clean according to what the toy is made of:

• Silicone, glass, stainless steel — non-porous and easy to clean with mild soap and warm water.
• Motorised or app-controlled toys — never submerge unless the manufacturer confirms it is waterproof.
• Anything porous or unlabelled — clean cautiously and consider using a barrier.

Premium devices from a brand like LELO usually include clear care instructions, and following the manufacturer guidance always overrides generic advice.

Step 2: Clean Before and After Use

Clean both before and after every session.

• Use mild, unscented soap and warm water for most body-safe surfaces.
• Wipe motorised toys carefully around buttons and seams rather than submerging them.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, which can degrade silicone and other surfaces.

Remember that water-based lube is sex-toy safe and rinses away easily, which is one more reason it is the sensible default.

Step 3: Dry Fully

Moisture is the enemy of safe storage. Pat each toy dry with a clean towel and let it air-dry completely before putting it away. Trapped moisture encourages bacterial growth and can shorten a device's lifespan.

Step 4: Store Separately

Different materials can react when pressed together for long periods. To avoid this:

• Store each toy in its own cloth bag or dedicated pouch.
• Keep silicone toys from touching one another directly.
• Choose a cool, dry, dust-free spot away from direct sunlight.

A general retailer like Lovehoney stocks storage pouches and body-safe cleaners if you want to build a proper kit.

Step 5: Check Before Each Use

Inspect for surface damage, tears or perished material before use. A compromised surface can become harder to clean and should be retired.

Build the Habit

The routine only works if it is consistent. For wider context on choosing reliable products, see our sexual wellness products that work guide, and pair this with safe practices from our safe sex guide 2026.

Quick Summary

Know the material, clean before and after, dry fully, store separately, and inspect regularly. Five simple steps that keep both you and your toys in good shape.