Cleaning your sex toys might feel like the least sexy part of pleasure — especially when you’re basking in that post-orgasm glow. But trust us: those extra few seconds of care will keep your toys (and your body) happy, healthy, and ready for many more sessions to come.
And no, it’s not just a quick rinse and a prayer.
Here’s how to clean your sex toys properly — without harsh chemicals, awkward guesswork, or ruining your favourite vibe.
Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters 💦
Whether you’re playing solo or sharing with a partner, all sex toys should be cleaned after every use.
After play, toys can carry bacteria from skin, bodily fluids, or partners. If left uncleaned, that bacteria can build up and potentially lead to things like UTIs, thrush, or other infections. Not cute. Not sexy.
Making toy cleaning a simple habit — right after use — goes a long way toward safer, more pleasurable play.
How you clean your toy depends on:
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The material it’s made from
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Whether it has a motor
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How porous it is
A silicone dildo doesn’t need the same care as a soft stroker, and a waterproof vibrator plays by different rules than a non-waterproof one.
What Should You Clean Sex Toys With? 🫧
If you’re wondering, “What do I clean a vibrator with?” — the answer is simple: A proper toy cleaner.
Toy cleaners are designed to:
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Disinfect without damaging materials
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Be gentle on the skin
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Reach seams, buttons, and textured areas
What not to use 🚫
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Hand sanitiser
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Disinfectant sprays
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Harsh household cleaners (looking at you, Pine O’ Clean) 👀
These can irritate skin, degrade toy materials, and cause micro-damage that actually makes toys less hygienic over time.
How to Clean Your Sex Toys (Step by Step) 📋
For dildos, non-motorised toys & waterproof toys:
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Rinse under warm water to remove surface debris straight after use.
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Apply toy cleaner directly to the toy, covering the entire surface.
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Let it sit for 30 seconds — this gives the cleaner time to work into seams, textures, and button areas.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
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Pat dry or air dry completely before storing.
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Store clean and dry, following manufacturer instructions.
Hot tip 🔥
If your toy is 100% silicone and has no motor, you can:
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Boil it for 8–10 minutes
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Or place it on the top rack of the dishwasher (no soap)
For vibrators & non-waterproof toys
Follow the same steps above, except:
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Don’t submerge non-waterproof toys
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Use a damp, soapy cloth or wipe instead of running water
- Be extra careful around charging ports and battery compartments
Sanitised ≠ Sterilised
Toy cleaners and antibacterial soaps sanitise, but they don’t sterilise.
That means they’re designed to kill common bacteria found on the body — the kind that can cause UTIs or irritation if left to grow, but they aren’t antiviral or medical-grade sterilisers.
If you have specific health concerns, it’s always best to check in with a healthcare professional.
How to Store Your Sex Toys (So They Stay Clean)
Clean toys deserve good storage. You don’t need a secret vault (unless you want one), just follow these basics:
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Room temperature — avoid extreme heat or cold
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Dry — moisture encourages bacteria
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Separated — especially important for porous toys
For softer materials like TPE or jelly toys, store them:
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In a sealed container or pouch
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Away from other toys (they can react with each other)
This keeps your toys in better shape — and your body happier.
Max Black Top Picks
Dr Berman Antibacterial Toy Cleaner > here
Wicked Simply Foam & Fresh Toy Cleaner > here
Sensuva Think Clean Thoughts Toy Cleaner > here
Intimate Earth Green Tea Tree Foaming Toy Cleaner > here
Shop the full Max Black Toy Cleaners & Care collection here. ✨
The Bottom Line
The best way to clean your sex toys is simple:
Actually do it. Every time.
A quick clean right after play keeps your toys safer, lasts longer, and ensures pleasure stays exactly where it should — fun, carefree, and drama-free.
Clean toys. Happy bodies. Better orgasms. 💋
