That just-used toy on your bedside table needs attention before it goes back in the drawer. If you’re wondering how to clean sex toys properly, the good news is that it doesn’t need to be complicated – but it does need to be done with care.
Cleaning your toys well helps protect your body, keeps materials in better condition, and makes every future use feel fresher and more comfortable. It is one of the simplest parts of intimate self-care, yet it is also the part people are most likely to rush.
Why cleaning matters more than people think
Sex toys come into contact with intimate areas, bodily fluids, lubricants and skin bacteria. If they are not cleaned thoroughly, residue can sit on the surface or in seams, textured details and charging ports. That can affect hygiene, but it can also shorten the life of the toy.
There is also a comfort factor. Even when a toy looks clean, leftover lube or cleanser can make it feel sticky, dull or irritating next time you use it. A few extra minutes of proper care can make a real difference to both wellbeing and product longevity.
The exact method depends on the material and design. A smooth silicone vibrator is easier to clean than a textured stroker, and a fully waterproof toy gives you more flexibility than a splashproof one. That is why the best cleaning routine is not one-size-fits-all.
How to clean sex toys safely
Start with the instructions that came with the product. That may sound obvious, but it matters. Manufacturers know whether a toy is waterproof, what material it is made from and whether there are any areas you should avoid getting wet.
In most cases, warm water and a mild, unscented soap are enough. Wash the surface carefully with clean hands, paying attention to ridges, buttons and any joins where residue can collect. Then rinse thoroughly so no soap remains.
If the toy is not waterproof, do not submerge it. Instead, use a damp soft cloth with a small amount of mild soap, then wipe it again with a clean wet cloth to remove any residue. This is especially important for toys with charging points, battery compartments or motors that are not designed for full immersion.
After washing, dry the toy completely with a lint-free towel or leave it to air dry before storing it. Putting a damp toy straight into a pouch or drawer can encourage odours, bacteria and material wear.
The best way to clean different materials
Silicone, ABS plastic and stainless steel
These are some of the easiest materials to maintain, which is one reason they are so popular. Non-porous materials such as body-safe silicone, ABS plastic and stainless steel do not absorb fluids in the same way porous materials can. That makes them simpler to clean properly.
For these, warm water and mild soap will usually do the job. If the toy is waterproof, you can wash it more thoroughly under running water. Stainless steel can also be dried and polished easily, though you should still avoid harsh cleaning products.
Glass toys
Glass toys are also non-porous and straightforward to clean, provided they are intact and made for intimate use. Wash gently with warm water and mild soap, and check for chips or cracks before and after cleaning. If there is any damage, it is best not to use the toy again.
TPE, TPR, jelly and other softer porous materials
These need more caution. Porous materials can be harder to keep fully hygienic because tiny openings in the surface may hold onto bacteria, odours and residue even after washing.
If you own a toy made from a porous material, clean it as thoroughly as possible with warm water and mild soap and allow it to dry completely. Many people choose to use a condom over these toys for easier hygiene, particularly if the product is shared or used internally. Over time, if the material becomes sticky, damaged or retains odour, replacement is usually the better option.
Do you need a toy cleaner?
A dedicated toy cleaner can be convenient, especially if you want something designed for intimate products and quick freshening between full washes. It can be useful for travel, for a quick clean after use, or for products that benefit from a more targeted care routine.
That said, a toy cleaner is not always essential. A gentle, unscented soap and warm water are usually enough for many body-safe toys. The key point is to avoid heavily fragranced washes, alcohol-heavy products, bleach, abrasive scrubbers or general household cleaners. Those can irritate skin and damage surfaces.
If you do use a specialist cleaner, it should complement proper washing rather than replace it where a full clean is possible.
Cleaning vibrators, strokers and couple’s toys
Vibrators and clitoral stimulators
These are often straightforward if they have smooth silicone exteriors. Wash around controls carefully and check whether the charging point has a cover. For suction-style toys, spend a little extra time cleaning the opening and rim, where lubricant and moisture can linger.
Male strokers and sleeves
These usually need more attention because of their internal textures. Turn them inside out if the design allows, wash thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, then rinse very well. Drying matters just as much as washing here. Any trapped moisture can lead to odours or material breakdown, so allow plenty of air-drying time before storage.
Some strokers also benefit from a renewing powder once fully dry, depending on the material. Check the product instructions before applying anything.
Anal toys
Anal toys should always be cleaned especially carefully after every use. If they are made from non-porous materials, wash thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, making sure all grooves and bases are cleaned well.
If a toy is used for anal play, it should not then be used vaginally without being fully cleaned first. That is a basic but important hygiene rule.
Toys used with a partner
Shared toys need particularly consistent care. Even with body-safe materials, cleaning between users is the safest approach. Some couples also prefer to use condoms on toys for added ease and reassurance, especially if the toy has a textured shape or is harder to clean quickly.
How to store toys after cleaning
Good cleaning can be undone by poor storage. Once a toy is fully dry, store it somewhere clean, cool and discreet, ideally in its own pouch or separate compartment. This helps prevent dust, lint and contact with other materials.
It is best not to throw multiple toys together loosely in one box, especially if they are made from softer materials. Some finishes can react when stored touching one another for long periods. Separate storage also makes it easier to keep everything feeling fresh and ready to use.
If your toy is rechargeable, make sure the charging point is fully dry before plugging it in. For battery-operated toys, remove batteries if you will not be using them for a while.
Common cleaning mistakes to avoid
The biggest mistake is waiting too long. Cleaning is easiest straight after use, before lubricant and residue have had time to dry on the surface.
Another common issue is assuming all toys are waterproof. Plenty are only splashproof, and submerging them can damage the motor or battery compartment. If you are unsure, treat the toy as non-waterproof until you confirm otherwise.
People also sometimes use whatever cleanser is nearest the sink. Hand sanitiser, antibacterial sprays and strong body washes may sound reassuring, but they are often too harsh for intimate products. Gentle care is usually the safer route.
Finally, do not store toys while they are still damp. That small shortcut can create more problems than almost anything else.
When it is time to replace a toy
Even well-cared-for products do not last forever. If a toy has cracks, peeling, discolouration, a persistent odour, exposed wiring or a sticky surface that does not improve after cleaning, it is time to stop using it.
This is particularly important with older toys made from porous materials. Modern, body-safe options are often easier to clean, easier to store and more comfortable to use regularly. For many people, choosing better materials from the start makes intimate care feel simpler and more reassuring.
At Cherry Moon, that is part of the appeal of a more thoughtful, wellness-led approach to pleasure products. When a toy is body-safe and well designed, caring for it tends to feel much more straightforward.
A clean toy is not just about hygiene – it is about making your self-care routine feel easy, comfortable and considered. The more naturally you build cleaning into the experience, the more confident and relaxed that experience tends to become.
