Identify the material
Silicone, ABS, glass, metal and soft elastomers have different heat, cleaner and storage needs. If the listing is vague, ask before cleaning.
Clean, dry and store with confidence
How to Clean Sex Toys Safely
Start with the toy's material, waterproof rating and manufacturer instructions. Then use the right method to clean, dry and store it without unnecessary damage.
- Material-aware advice
- Waterproofing checked first
- No one-method-fits-all claims
The quick answer
A safe default is to clean a reusable toy before first use and after each use, following the instructions for that exact product. Never immerse electronics unless the product is rated for it, and let every surface and opening dry fully before storage.
Start here
Three checks decide the cleaning method
The material name is useful, but the construction and manufacturer instructions can change what is safe.
Check the water rating
Fully waterproof, splash-resistant and non-waterproof are not interchangeable. Keep ports and battery compartments protected as instructed.
Follow the product manual
The maker's guidance takes priority. Waterproof does not automatically mean boilable, dishwasher-safe or suitable for long immersion.
The reliable routine
Clean, rinse, dry and store
Use the product-specific method below, then complete all four steps before putting the toy away.
Unplug the toy. Remove batteries, caps or sleeves only when the manufacturer instructs you to do so.
Use the approved cleaner or mild cleanser and water only when permitted. Pay attention to texture, rims and seams.
Rinse or wipe as instructed until cleaner and lubricant residue are gone. Avoid flooding openings or contacts.
Pat dry, then air dry fully. Store clean products separately when the brand or material guidance recommends it.
Choose by product type
Material-specific cleaning guide
These are cautious starting points. The exact product manual always overrides general material advice.
| Product or material | Cleaning approach | Drying and storage | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Follow the exact product manual. Many silicone products permit warm water with mild unscented soap or a compatible toy cleaner, but construction and waterproofing still matter. | Pat dry and air dry fully. Keep charging contacts and openings dry as the maker directs. | Do not boil, dishwash, bleach or use alcohol unless the manufacturer explicitly approves that method for the exact product. |
| ABS and PC hard plastic | Wipe or wash the surface with a compatible mild cleaner as the manufacturer permits. Pay attention to joins, buttons and battery compartments. | Dry the surface and seams completely before replacing caps, batteries or storage covers. | Do not boil. Do not immerse a motorised or battery product unless it is rated for full immersion. |
| TPE, TPR, SEBS and TPU | Treat the formulation as brand-specific. Clean gently and promptly with the method and products approved by the manufacturer. | Air dry fully and store separately. Some formulations may require a brand-approved renewing powder. | Do not boil or use harsh cleaners. Do not assume one elastomer has the same care requirements as another. |
| Strokers, sleeves and realistic-feel materials | Remove the sleeve only if designed for removal. Clean the inside and outside according to the brand's instructions, using only approved cleaners. | Dry the internal canal and outer surface completely. Apply only the renewing powder recommended by the brand, when required. | Do not use ordinary soap, alcohol, heat or generic powder unless the maker permits it. Do not store while damp. |
| Intimate-use glass and product-grade metal | Use mild soap and warm water or an approved cleaner when permitted. Inspect the entire product before and after cleaning. | Dry fully and protect from knocks or scratches in storage. | Stop using chipped or cracked glass and damaged finishes. Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes and unapproved heat methods. |
| Electronic, air-pulse and mixed-material products | Clean removable parts separately only when instructed. Wipe or rinse the main body according to its exact waterproof rating. | Dry around seams, nozzles, ports and contacts before charging or storage. Refit parts only when completely dry. | Do not immerse splash-resistant or non-waterproof devices. Do not assume waterproof means boilable or suitable for long soaking. |
Silicone
Cleaning approach
Follow the exact product manual. Many silicone products permit warm water with mild unscented soap or a compatible toy cleaner, but construction and waterproofing still matter.
Drying and storage
Pat dry and air dry fully. Keep charging contacts and openings dry as the maker directs.
Avoid
Do not boil, dishwash, bleach or use alcohol unless the manufacturer explicitly approves that method for the exact product.
ABS and PC hard plastic
Cleaning approach
Wipe or wash the surface with a compatible mild cleaner as the manufacturer permits. Pay attention to joins, buttons and battery compartments.
Drying and storage
Dry the surface and seams completely before replacing caps, batteries or storage covers.
Avoid
Do not boil. Do not immerse a motorised or battery product unless it is rated for full immersion.
TPE, TPR, SEBS and TPU
Cleaning approach
Treat the formulation as brand-specific. Clean gently and promptly with the method and products approved by the manufacturer.
Drying and storage
Air dry fully and store separately. Some formulations may require a brand-approved renewing powder.
Avoid
Do not boil or use harsh cleaners. Do not assume one elastomer has the same care requirements as another.
Strokers, sleeves and realistic-feel materials
Cleaning approach
Remove the sleeve only if designed for removal. Clean the inside and outside according to the brand's instructions, using only approved cleaners.
Drying and storage
Dry the internal canal and outer surface completely. Apply only the renewing powder recommended by the brand, when required.
Avoid
Do not use ordinary soap, alcohol, heat or generic powder unless the maker permits it. Do not store while damp.
Intimate-use glass and product-grade metal
Cleaning approach
Use mild soap and warm water or an approved cleaner when permitted. Inspect the entire product before and after cleaning.
Drying and storage
Dry fully and protect from knocks or scratches in storage.
Avoid
Stop using chipped or cracked glass and damaged finishes. Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes and unapproved heat methods.
Electronic, air-pulse and mixed-material products
Cleaning approach
Clean removable parts separately only when instructed. Wipe or rinse the main body according to its exact waterproof rating.
Drying and storage
Dry around seams, nozzles, ports and contacts before charging or storage. Refit parts only when completely dry.
Avoid
Do not immerse splash-resistant or non-waterproof devices. Do not assume waterproof means boilable or suitable for long soaking.
Important: Do not assume a toy is safe to boil, place in a dishwasher, soak, bleach or wipe with alcohol.
Use any of these methods only when the manufacturer explicitly approves it for that exact product.
Pause before the next use
Three signs that need attention
Surface damage
Sticky, cracked, chipped or peeling
Stop using the product. A damaged surface can be harder to clean and may no longer be suitable for intimate use.
Water protection
Loose seal or damaged charging area
Do not immerse it. Check the manual and contact the retailer or manufacturer before cleaning or charging again.
Unclear instructions
Unknown material or cleaner compatibility
Do not guess with heat or household disinfectants. Use the product listing, manual or support team to confirm the method.
Complete the care setup
Cleaners, lubricant and material guidance
Use the next page that answers your question without sending you back to the full catalogue.
Care products
Shop toy cleaners
Compare cleaning sprays, foams and wipes, then confirm the label is suitable for your exact product.
Compatibility
Choose Your Lube
Match lubricant to body use, condoms and the material of the product you plan to use.
Material questions
Sex Toy Materials Guide
Compare silicone, TPE, TPR, ABS, glass, metal and realistic-feel materials.
Cleaning questions
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean a sex toy?
A safe default for a reusable toy is before first use and after every use. Follow the exact product instructions, especially for electronics, removable sleeves and specialist materials.
Can I use soap to clean every sex toy?
No. Mild unscented soap is permitted for many products, but some proprietary sleeve and realistic-feel materials require different care. Check the manufacturer's instructions and rinse away permitted cleanser residue thoroughly.
Can I boil a silicone sex toy?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly approves boiling for that exact non-motorised product. Silicone on the outside does not mean the whole product can tolerate heat, and waterproof does not mean boilable.
How do I clean a waterproof vibrator?
Check the manual for the permitted depth, duration and cleaning method. Switch it off, secure any caps and clean it as instructed. Dry the product and charging areas completely before charging or storage.
Is every toy cleaner safe for every material?
No. Check both the cleaner label and the toy manufacturer's care guidance. A cleaner may be suitable for many materials without being universal, and stronger household disinfectants should not be used unless specifically approved.
How should I clean a stroker or removable sleeve?
Follow the brand's instructions for removing, rinsing and drying the sleeve. Clean the internal canal and outer surface, allow both to dry fully, and use only the renewing powder recommended for that material when required.
How should clean sex toys be dried and stored?
Pat dry, then air dry until every surface, opening and removable part is completely dry. Store in a clean, cool place and keep products separate when the manufacturer or material guidance recommends it.
Keep care simple
Check the product, then choose the cleaner
Material and waterproofing determine the method. If the listing or manual is unclear, ask before using heat, immersion or a strong cleaner.
Check the exact model
Care differs between sleeves and powered units
Use the material guide above as a starting point, then follow the instructions for your exact product. A cleaner or storage accessory is a separately paid option where appropriate.
Fleshlight sleeves
Let the sleeve dry fully inside and out before storage. FleshWash is an optional cleaner for compatible Fleshlight sleeves; follow its label and the sleeve instructions. Check any Value Pack contents before buying care items separately.
Reusable TENGA products
TENGA's reusable-product guidance uses cold or tepid water and mild neutral soap, followed by complete drying. Do not transfer that routine to every sleeve brand. See the TENGA use and care guide for model differences.
Handy and Keon 1 powered units
Keep the motor unit separate from sleeve cleaning and do not immerse it. Follow the exact device instructions for wiping the exterior and cleaning removable parts. The smart toy guide explains device and connection choices.
Choose paid care deliberately
JO Refresh foaming cleaner has 50ml and 207ml options. Use it only where the exact toy maker permits it, following the current container directions. Dry all parts fully before storage; a sleeve case, motor case and carrying case are not automatically interchangeable.
Cleaner is not lubricant or a sterilisation guarantee. If compatibility or accessory fit is unclear, check with us before choosing.