# How to Clean Sex Toys Properly: A Complete Care Guide **By Tara Froelich** · 2025-12-20 Cleaning your sex toys is not optional it is the difference between a healthy experience and one that leads to infections, irritation, or a ruined toy. Yet it is one of the most skipped steps in sexual wellness, usually because nobody explains how to do it clearly. This guide covers everything: how to clean different toy materials, how often to do it, what products to use, what to avoid, and how to store your toys so they last longer and stay safe. ## Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters Sex toys come into contact with some of the most sensitive tissue on your body. When they are not cleaned properly, they can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that cause real health problems urinary tract infections, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and in some cases, more serious infections. This applies even when a toy is only used by one person. Bacteria naturally present on the body can transfer to a toy, multiply during storage, and reintroduce themselves on the next use in a higher concentration than before. Cleaning after every use is the baseline. Not once a week. Not when it looks dirty. Every time. ## How Often Should You Clean Sex Toys? **After every single use no exceptions.** This applies regardless of: - Whether the toy was used solo or with a partner - Whether penetration was involved - How long the session lasted - How clean you felt beforehand For anal toys specifically, cleaning should happen immediately after use. Anal bacteria are more resilient and carry greater infection risk if left on a toy's surface. **Before first use** is also important. New toys can carry residue from manufacturing, packaging, or shipping. Always wash a new toy before using it for the first time. ## What You Need **Mild unscented soap:** The go-to for most toys. Avoid antibacterial soaps, which can cause irritation and leave build-up on toy surfaces over time. Fragrance-free hand soap or dish soap works well. **Warm water:** Not hot. Extreme heat can warp or degrade certain materials, especially softer silicones. **Dedicated toy cleaner:** pH-balanced toy cleaners are a convenient option, particularly for quick clean-ups or travel. They are formulated to be safe for body contact and toy materials. **Clean towel or paper towels:** For drying. Air drying is fine but takes longer. Whatever you use, make sure the toy is fully dry before storage. **What to avoid:** Bleach, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soap, and abrasive scrubbers. These damage toy surfaces and can irritate sensitive tissue on next use. ## How to Clean by Material Different materials require different approaches. Using the wrong cleaning method can degrade your toy faster or leave it less sanitary than before. ### Platinum-Cured Silicone Platinum silicone the material used in all [RealCock Toys dildos](https://www.realcocktoys.com/collections/realcock-dildos) is non-porous, body-safe, and the easiest material to clean thoroughly. **Standard clean (after every use):** 1. Rinse under warm running water 2. Apply a small amount of mild unscented soap 3. Wash the entire surface, including any texture or detail 4. Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains 5. Pat dry with a clean towel and allow to air dry completely before storing **Deep clean (weekly or after shared use):** Platinum silicone can be fully sanitized using any of the following methods: - **Boiling:** Submerge in boiling water for 3–5 minutes (no soap needed) - **Dishwasher:** Top rack only, no detergent, hot water cycle - **10% bleach solution:** Soak for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly These methods are safe for non-motorized silicone toys only. Do not boil or bleach any toy with electronics or a motor. ### Glass Glass is non-porous and easy to sanitize. Wash with warm soapy water after every use. Glass toys can also be boiled or run through the dishwasher. Inspect glass toys before each use for chips or cracks. A damaged glass toy should be retired immediately regardless of how clean it is. ### Stainless Steel Similar to glass non-porous and straightforward. Wash with soap and water. Can be boiled or sanitized in a dishwasher. Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots. ### ABS Plastic (Hard Plastic) Non-porous but cannot be boiled. Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, or use a toy cleaner. Avoid submerging fully if the toy has seams or a battery compartment. ### TPE / TPR / Rubber / Jelly These materials are porous, meaning bacteria can penetrate the surface and survive cleaning. Even with thorough washing, they cannot be fully sanitized. If you own toys made from these materials: - Use a condom over the toy every time - Replace them when they show any signs of deterioration stickiness, discoloration, or unusual odor - Consider upgrading to non-porous materials like platinum silicone for long-term safety ### Motorized Toys (Vibrators, Thrusters) Never submerge a motorized toy fully in water unless it is explicitly rated as waterproof. Check the product listing before cleaning. For waterproof motorized toys: wash with damp cloth and mild soap, rinse carefully, dry thoroughly. For non-waterproof toys: wipe down the external surface with a damp cloth and toy cleaner. Avoid water near the charging port or seams. ## How to Dry and Store Sex Toys Cleaning is only half of the equation. Improper drying and storage can undo a thorough clean. **Drying:** Pat dry with a clean towel, then allow to air dry completely in a clean, open space. Never store a toy while still damp moisture promotes mold and bacterial growth. **Storage:** - Store each toy separately to prevent materials from reacting with each other. Some silicone formulations can degrade when in prolonged contact with other silicone or rubber toys - Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause material degradation - Dedicated storage pouches or cases protect toys from dust and keep them hygienic between uses Browse [storage bags](https://www.realcocktoys.com/collections/storage-bags) designed to keep toys clean and protected between sessions. **Temperature and light:** Keep toys away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving toys in a car, near a radiator, or in a bathroom with high humidity. ## Special Situations: When to Clean More Carefully **After anal use:** Always clean anal toys immediately and thoroughly. Consider boiling or using a 10% bleach solution for full sanitization. Never use an anal toy vaginally without a thorough clean in between. **After shared use:** Full sanitization is required before using a toy with a new or different partner. Using a condom on the toy during shared use reduces transfer risk and simplifies cleanup. **After a gap in use:** If a toy has been stored for a while without use, give it a quick wash before using again even if it was clean when stored. **After any skin irritation or infection:** Sanitize thoroughly before returning to use. For porous materials, discard and replace. ## How Long Do Sex Toys Last? With proper cleaning and storage, high-quality non-porous toys can last for years. Platinum silicone, glass, and stainless steel are particularly durable when cared for correctly. Signs a toy needs to be replaced: - Stickiness or tackiness on the surface - Unusual or persistent odor that does not go away after washing - Discoloration, cracking, or visible degradation - A motor that runs inconsistently or a battery that no longer holds charge For porous materials TPE, rubber, jelly replace more frequently, and sooner if any of the above signs appear. ## Choosing Toys That Are Easier to Keep Clean Material choice directly affects how easy a toy is to maintain. Selecting body-safe, non-porous materials from the start means simpler cleaning, better hygiene, and a longer lifespan. All [RealCock Toys](https://www.realcocktoys.com/collections/realcock-dildos) are made from platinum-cured silicone, non-porous, body-safe, and fully sanitizable. This makes routine cleaning straightforward and gives you confidence that your toy is genuinely clean after every wash. Pair your toy with a compatible [water-based lubricant](https://www.realcocktoys.com/collections/lube) to reduce friction, protect the material, and make post-use cleaning easier. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How often should I clean my sex toys? After every use, without exception. New toys should also be washed before first use. Toys stored for long periods should be rinsed before returning to use. Can I use hand sanitizer to clean sex toys? No. Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, which can damage toy surfaces and cause genital irritation. Use mild soap and warm water or a dedicated toy cleaner instead. ### Can I put my silicone dildo in the dishwasher? Yes, platinum silicone toys without motors can go on the top rack of a dishwasher. Run without detergent. This provides a thorough sanitizing clean but is not necessary after every use. Soap and warm water is sufficient for regular cleaning. ### Is it safe to share sex toys with a partner? Yes, with proper precautions. Use a condom on the toy during shared use and sanitize thoroughly between partners. Boiling or a bleach solution is recommended for full sanitization of non-motorized silicone toys. ### My toy has a strong smell after cleaning is that normal? A faint soap or silicone smell is normal. A persistent unusual or chemical smell after washing can indicate material degradation, especially in porous toys. If the smell does not go away, consider replacing the toy. ### How should I store sex toys safely? Store each toy separately in a clean, dry pouch or case. Avoid plastic bags and damp environments. Allow toys to dry fully before storing. ## Final Thoughts Cleaning your sex toys properly takes two minutes. Skipping it can take weeks to recover from in the form of infections, irritation, and compromised health. Wash after every use. Use the right method for your material. Dry fully before storing. And choose body-safe, non-porous materials that make the whole process simpler. Your toys will last longer, perform better, and stay genuinely safe for your body. Browse [RealCock Toys](https://www.realcocktoys.com/collections/realcock-dildos), all made from platinum-cured silicone, non-porous, and designed for easy long-term care. Pair with a [compatible lubricant](https://www.realcocktoys.com/collections/lube) and store in a [dedicated bag](https://www.realcocktoys.com/collections/storage-bags) to protect your investment. **Tags:** best way to clean sex toys, how to clean dildos properly, how to clean sex toys, how to clean silicone sex toys, how to properly clean sex toys, how to sanitize sex toys, how to store sex toys safely, realcock toys, sex toy cleaning guide, sex toy hygiene guide --- > Source: [RealCock Toys](https://www.realcocktoys.com/blogs/realcocktoys-blog/how-often-should-you-use-sex-toys)