like doing laundry and loading the dishwasher correctly, cleaning sex toys is a necessary skill to learn, and one that most could stand to exercise more often. After all, the devices get extra-intimate with the genital region (an area definitely worth keeping clean), and many mistakes can be made in the process of sanitizing them. Since these mistakes can lead to a decidedly yeasty ordeal, it’s important to make sure you’re clear on the best methods to go about it. And that begins with truly committing to cleaning your sex toys.

“You should clean your sex toy after each use to prevent bacteria from collecting,” says Rebecca Alvarez Story, sexologist and founder of Bloomi. “Sex toys made with 100 percent medical grade silicone, stainless steel, or glass can be washed with hot water and mild, unscented soap. It’s best to let them air dry on a clean surface and then store them in a waterproof bag or clean nightstand counter. Remember to wash your toy before and after each use.”

But those rules are just basic 101-level components to commit to memory when it comes to cleaning sex toys. In order to extend their lifetime, prevent damage, and keep your genitals safe, find what exactly you should keep in mind when cleaning sex toys, and, crucially, the common mistakes to avoid.

Truth: Prime Day is like your own personal holiday (you’ve got a list of items you’ve been eying just for the occasion, including a long overdue restock of your favorite facial oil and a smart speaker so you can start a dance party whenever the mood strikes). But while you love a deal, you wish your budget-friendly haul was a little more sustainable, too.

This year, make it happen with Climate Pledge Friendly on Amazon. Consider it your filter to find products with trusted sustainability certifications like Carbon Neutral Certified, EWG Verified, and Fair Trade Certified, alongside Compact by Design, an Amazon-developed certification highlighting products that require less air, water, or packaging per use (and leads to more efficient shipping and reduced carbon emissions at scale). The Climate Pledge Friendly label on Amazon can help you shop more-sustainable products not only on Prime Day, but every day.

“Shopping for Climate Pledge Friendly products on Prime Day is a great way to get started with shopping for more-sustainable products at great prices,” says Cameron Westfall, program leader of Climate Pledge Friendly at Amazon. “Climate Pledge Friendly highlights products that meet sustainability standards and helps preserve our natural world. The label recognizes products with improvements in at least one aspect of sustainability through trusted third-party sustainability certifications, and our own certification, Compact by Design.”

Pin ItArt: Well+Good Creative

Today, there are more than 300,000 products and 20,000 brands that are Climate Pledge Friendly spanning beauty, wellness, apparel, electronics, home, and grocery categories. Finding them is easy: Just select the Climate Pledge Friendly filter when searching for any products on Amazon, and look for the Climate Pledge Friendly label for more information on what certification requirement it meets.

What does that look like in practice? We asked Westfall for one of his favorites. “A great example is Seventh Generation’s Easy Dose laundry detergent,” he says. “This product qualifies as Climate Pledge Friendly through the US EPA Safer Choice certification, where ingredients must meet strict safety criteria for both human health and the environment. This product also qualifies for Amazon’s own certification, Compact by Design, as this product was designed and formulated with higher concentrations and smaller packaging, making the product smaller and lighter to ship. These small improvements can lead to a big change over time.”

Amazon Aware, a new private-label collection of home, clothing, and beauty products, also qualifies for Climate Pledge Friendly. The new line includes thoughtfully designed, certified carbon neutral relaxed tees, super soft organic cotton sheets and plush towels, hydrating body products, and even household essentials like paper towels made from 100 percent recycled paper. (BRB, just adding this hydrating moisturizer to cart.)

It’s all part of Amazon’s larger commitment to help preserve the natural world. “We were inspired by The Climate Pledge, Amazon’s commitment to be Net-Zero Carbon by 2040,” says Westfall. “Through The Climate Pledge, providing more-sustainable shopping options, and reducing waste, Amazon is continually working to minimize our impacts on the planet.”

Translation: The pledge doesn’t begin and end with Amazon’s carbon emissions, but also means providing more-sustainable products and reducing its waste along the way. In fact, on packaging, Amazon uses an algorithm to determine the right packaging option based on the item, and identify which ones can be sent in a flexible envelope versus a box. Psst: Padded mailers and bags are up to 75 percent lighter than similar-sized boxes—and initiatives like these have helped Amazon eliminate over 1 million tons of packaging material.

As a shopper, meanwhile, you can also level up your recycling game with Amazon Second Chance, which breaks down how to recycle different Amazon packaging items within your own community. (For anyone that’s ever been confused about recycling guidelines—so, ahem, everyone—this one’s for you.)

“Shopping more sustainably is not about being perfect,” says Westfall. “It’s about taking small steps towards preserving our natural world, which adds up over time.” Curious what Climate Pledge Friendly products we’re adding to cart this Prime Day? Keep scrolling. Happy Prime Day to all who celebrate—sustainably.

Let’s be honest: 2020 hasn’t been the best year for hot dates and steamy hookups, but masturbation, on the other hand, is having a moment. Instead of debating the risks associated with hooking up with a new partner during a pandemic, women are boosting intimacy with their trusty vibrator. And for many in relationships, spicing things up with a new toy has never felt more necessary.

Although it’s not the most fun activity after every between the sheets romp, be that solo or coupled, it’s a crucial one. “When a sex toy comes in contact with bodily fluids or your or a partner’s skin, microorganisms — like bacteria — are transferred to the toy’s surface and, depending on the material, they either live on the surface or nestle into tiny pores of the toy’s material,” explains Anne Hodder-Shipp, an ACS certified sex educator who has worked in the sex toy industry for over a decade.

Shannon Chavez, Psy.D., a psychologist and sex therapist in Los Angeles, explains that cleaning these microorganisms from the device will also prevent them from interfering with the body’s pH. This is integral to preempting an imbalance of your natural, germ-fighting bacteria that exists in vaginal flora, which could lead to bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and UTIs.

 4 Reasons Your Vagina Is Irritated, and What to Do About It

To reduce your risk for those not-so-pleasant infections — and to help keep the toy in good shape — you’ll want to ensure you’re cleaning and storing your toy properly, based on the material it’s made from, after every use.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your sex toys sanitized and safe.

The Best Sex Toy Materials

First thing’s first: Certain sex toys are nearly impossible to keep clean, so it’s important to read the fine print before adding to your cart. Your best bet is to avoid sex toys that are porous, such as those made from elastomer, jelly rubber (often found in novelty gifts), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), says Alexandra Fine, CEO and co-founder of Dame Products. Cyberskin — made from a blend of silicone, latex, PVC, or TPE — falls into this category too. These toys can be harder to clean, as they absorb fluids and bacteria.

Instead, look for toys made with non-porous materials, such as medical-grade silicone and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, which are less likely to hold on to bacteria, explains Fine.

Chavez adds that most medical-grade materials, like silicone and stainless steel, are also FDA-approved and identified as safe to use on the skin and tissue. “Medical-grade materials are also stronger and less susceptible to tearing, punctures, and other wear and tear,” she notes.

 How to Masturbate Without Getting Caught

How to Clean Sex Toys of Every Material Type

Set the stage for an easy sanitizing session by setting up a cleaning station with all the supplies you need ahead of time. This generally includes soap, water, a washcloth (she prefers microfiber cloths, which are highly absorbent and soft) to wipe your device down, says Chavez.

Here, the best cleaning method for every sex toy material.

Silicone, glass, stainless steel, or wood and motorized toys:

If your toy vibrates (and therefore has a motor), Chavez advises against submerging it into water. “It can cause corrosion in the battery and impact the function of the device,” she notes. Instead, clean these products with a mild soap that you would use on your hands, such as an antibacterial soap.

Just be sure to stick with something basic and unscented (think plain old Dial) and avoid soaps with oils, perfumes, glycerin, or other additives, advises Chavez. “These chemicals can break down the material of the device and be harmful to your genital tissue,” she says. “You can also spray rubbing alcohol on the device to disinfect any germs that may be lingering after cleaning with soap and water. It’s not necessary but will help ensure your device is clean.”

Silicone, Pyrex, stainless steel, or stone and non-motorized toys:

These lower-tech models can be cleaned first with soap and water and then sterilized in boiling water, says Chavez. “Boil for at least five minutes for a thorough clean,” she notes. “Glass (Pyrex) products can be placed in the dishwasher. Many people put their glass dildos in the dishwasher for a good clean and steam.”

Cyberskin toys:

Because cyberskin is a more delicate material than the others, Chavez recommends using mild soap and water, then leaving your toy out to thoroughly dry before storing.

ABS hard plastic toys:

“ABS hard plastic is a nonporous, safe sex toy material,” explains Fine. “These toys can be cleaned with soap and hot water.”

Elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPR), or jelly rubber toys:

While experts recommend avoiding these toys because they can’t be fully cleaned and are so porous, you can preempt problems by avoiding direct contact and using a condom on these toys, says Chavez. “I suggest a condom on the product to act as a protective barrier for the skin and to help preserve the toy,” she says. When it’s cleaning time, wash the toy with an antibacterial soap and allow it to dry fully before stowing it away.

 Is It Normal to Bleed After Sex?

Other Ways to Keep Your Toys Clean and Safe

Not only can squeaky-clean habits keep infections at bay, but protecting sex toys during and after use can help them last longer by ensuring they’re free from wear and tear-causing residue. A few best practices:

Suit up your toy with a condom.

Even if you aren’t using a porous sex toy, Hodder-Shipp recommends using external (male) condoms on your toys to prevent bacteria transmission, especially when sharing a toy with a partner or using the same toy in more than one orifice.

“This added barrier prevents bodily fluid and bacteria transfer without requiring multiple trips to the sink,” she notes. “Simply put the condom on and, when done, remove it and put on a new one for whatever fun stuff is planned next. I suggest using extra lube when an external condom is involved and avoid oil-based products because they’re not condom-compatible.”

Take care when storing toys.

No matter a toy’s material, avoid storing it in cramped or damp quarters, like rolling around in a drawer, where it can touch other items, suggests Hodder-Shipp. This is especially important for products made of elastomers or rubber, which might deteriorate if left to come in contact with other materials.

For this reason, Chavez recommends housing your sex toys in a storage bag, case, or organizer that closes and zips, which will keep dust, hair, and toxins off your toys. “Many organizers are similar to makeup train cases with different compartments and storage options,” says Chavez.

Fine recommends Dame’s sex toy storage pouch, ($30, dameproducts.com), which also features small zippered compartments to hold chargers and smaller toys.

Try a ready-to-go toy cleaner.

If sudsing up your toy after every use seems like a lot of work, there are super-convenient sex toy cleaners that can be used in a pinch prior to a more thorough wash. “I like spray cleaners because they’re easy to use and provide disinfecting before a soap and water cleaning and storage,” says Chavez. “You spray the cleaner on the toy, let it sit for five minutes, and clean it off with a cloth.”

The same rules go for choosing a toy cleaner as choosing a soap. Reach for water-based options, which won’t break down materials like oil- or silicone-based cleaners, and be wary of fragrance and preservatives (like parabens), which can irritate sensitive skin, says Hodder-Shipp.

Check out these expert-approved favorites:

LELO (Toy) Cleaning Spray

This spray contains antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients, chamomile extract and thymol, while the addition of anti-inflammatory zinc salts are meant to reduce irritation. LELO’s claim that the spray kills 99.9% germ and bacteria is backed with authority, thanks to FDA approval, says Chavez. The formula is suitable for use with silicone, rubber, and latex.

Buy now: $10, lelo.com

Intimate Earth Green Tea Cleaner Spray

“This can be used on all materials like stainless steel, glass, and silicone,” says Chavez. “It has strong cleansing ingredients —like antibiotic tea tree oil and guava bark — but is also natural and non-toxic to the environment and body.”

Buy now: $17, intimate-earth.com

Uvee Home Play Sanitizer

If you want something higher-tech, this sanitizing and charging storage system for adult toys is pricey but worth the investment, notes Chavez. “It uses UV light to kill 99.9% of bacteria on the surface of the device in less than 10 minutes,” she explains. If that wasn’t enough, it also charges and stores toys.

Buy now: $195, medamour.com

Like washing the dishes and clothes, washing your sex toys is also an essential thing to learn if you are fond of using them during your sessions. Not only that, you should keep a schedule on time you wash your sex toys as they can also accumulate dirt and germs even if you don’t use them regularly.

Cleaning them after you use them is also essential since they tend to be dirty after your intimate sessions. However, there seem to be many people who make plenty of mistakes in sanitizing their toys before and after use. But how do you go about cleaning your sex toys? Well, since there are different materials that sex toys are made of, it’s essential to learn how to clean them according to their materials.

With different materials that sex toys are made of, there are also different ways to be clean. But, before we tackle that subject, let’s talk about the importance of cleaning your sex toys.

Why should you clean your sex toys often?

Giving your sex toys a deep clean before and after you use them is essential, especially if the material your sex toys is made of is porous, which means that they are harder to disinfect and clean.

Porous materials are the following:

• Cyberskin
• Rubber
• Vinyl
• Jelly
• PVC
• TPR/TPE

If you are using a sex toy made from one of these materials, you may want to use protection for added, you know, protection. With additional protection in place, the bacteria that won’t get out of the cleaning session won’t infect you when you use your sex toys.

There are also other reasons why sex toys can be hard to clean, not just because their materials are porous. Some sex toys have crevices, bumps, ridges, or grooves that make these sex toys more pleasurable to use. However, the downside is that they can be harder to clean and disinfect because of their features. A unique scrub made for sex toys is all you need for them.

How and how often should I clean my sex toys?

Sex toys should be clean every after use. Yes, even if you’re using it multiple times a day, you should still clean them. Even if you’re only using them for yourself, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to clean them as often just because they’re for personal use.

But how do I go about it?

You might wonder if some hot water and soap are enough so you can be done with it. But no. As mentioned earlier, sex toys are made of different materials, and each one of these materials has some specifics in terms of sanitation. That said, the first step in cleaning your sex toys is to determine what kind of material they’re made of. If you can’t distinguish it just by looking, look at the labeling in the box.

There are two categories for sex toy materials, namely: porous and nonporous. We already listed the porous materials in a list earlier, so you might want to recheck it. It’s important to know that since porous materials have tiny holes or pores if you want to call them that, they can harbor some pretty nasty fungi and bacteria if you don’t clean them thoroughly.

However, suppose your sex toys are made of nonporous materials such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (a kind of plastic), Borosilicate glass, Soda-lime glass, Silicone, and metal. In that case, you don’t have to clean them as much as sex toys made with porous materials. Why? This is mainly because nonporous materials don’t have holes in them, meaning that microorganisms are much less likely to stick around after use.

Use Scented Soaps or Cleaning Products Made for Sex Toys

Since sex toys are likely to go inside you, you should be careful about the products you clean them with. Your anus and vagina are very absorbent parts of your body. If you use the incorrect product to clean your sex toys, it might irritate or, worse, make an infection to your genitals.

If you’re a particular fan of scented soaps, here’s some bad news for you. Scents can sometimes irritate your genitals. Some can even make yeast infections, which is nasty if you get them. Also, any household cleaning products are a huge no-no to use since they damage your genitals.

That said, you can shop around for some cleaning products meant for your sex toys from a sex toys store, or if you can’t find any, you can use hot water and a nonbacterial soap. Still, using cleaning products meant for sex toys is better than risking your genitals’ safety with other types of soap.

Warm Water or Boiling

If your sex toys are made of nonporous materials, such as borosilicate glass, metal, or Silicone, you can clean them using soft water and nonbacterial soap. Also, if they’re the type that doesn’t vibrate or, in other words, doesn’t have any machinery in them, you can boil them in water for 3 to 4 minutes to thoroughly disinfect them of any microorganisms.

However, if your sex toys are plated with gold or any other materials, avoid boiling them in water. Some of them might melt and leave some residue behind, which will come in contact with your genitals upon your next use. Also, some people believe that leaving them in the dishwasher is enough to clean them.

Well, no. However, there are many articles out there that recommend leaving them in the dishwasher, don’t. Washing them in the dishwasher is dangerous since the dishwasher’s soap might leave a residue, especially on sex toys made with porous materials.

Bleaching

Bleaching is not commonly recommended since there are only a few materials that can be cleaned with bleach. Two of them are borosilicate glass and stainless steel. However, you don’t have to bleach them as boiling them in water for a few minutes is enough. But, if you want to make sure, use bleach.

However, you are supposed to only use a weak solution: 1 part bleach and ten parts water. You can then soak your sex toys for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash them afterward with mild water and soap made for sex toys. Remember, bleach is extremely harmful to your genitals, so you have to be thorough and make sure there are no bleach traces after cleaning them.

Takeaway

Cleaning your sex toys after use is extremely important if you value the health of your genitals. However, you can’t just go ahead and clean with whatever you have with you. Sex toys are made of different materials, and each has specifics in cleaning them. Ensure that you know how to clean your sex toys based on their materials so you can safely use them in your sessions.

Author’s bio:

Belinda is a 42-year-old married mother of three who lives in Naples, Florida. While staying at home to raise her children, she began to write articles and blogs for various outlets. She was raised in a strict, Christian home, but has since found more peace with a more spiritual approach to life and health. A strong believer in natural and alternative medicine, energy healing, and total wellness, she stumbled on the health benefits of the female orgasm quite by accident. Since then, she has often written pieces that help inform others about the benefits she discovered. Belinda also enjoys taking care of her home and family and often jokes that she is a bit of a Stepford wife… with a wild side. In her free time, she loves to spend time at the beach with her family, host parties, and BBQs, and work outside in one of her many flower gardens.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever tossed a sex toy back into your goodie drawer after a job well done so you could roll over and enjoy the afterglow.

Disinfecting and properly storing your sexccesories may be the last thing on your mind after getting off, but not taking the time to do it could mess with your health and your toy’s shelf life.

We hit up a couple of experts for tips to help keep your sex gear — and your tender parts — in tiptop shape.

We believe pleasure is a fundamental aspect of a safe and healthy sex life. That’s why we rely on experienced writers, educators, and other experts to share their suggestions on everything from the technique you use to the sex toy you buy.

We only recommend something that we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a specific product or brand, know that it’s been thoroughly researched — if you know what we mean. Wink.

Quick clean and store chart

Different materials require different care. This handy little chart tells you how to look after your toys depending on what they’re made from.

If your item is made of a mix of materials, each material should be accounted for while cleaning.

For example, never submerge your motorized or battery-operated vibe in water. The same goes for your silicone ball gag: Don’t boil it if the strap isn’t also silicone.

Material	Porosity	How to clean	Where to store
ABS plastic	nonporous	warm water and soap or sex toy cleaner	in a lint-free fabric bag
cotton	porous	cold water and soap	any clean container or drawer
crystal, stone, wood*	nonporous	warm water and soap	lint-free fabric bag or padded container
glass, Pyrex, silicone, stainless steel	nonporous	motorized: warm water and soap or sex toy cleaner nonmotorized: can also use boiling water or sanitize in dishwasher	glass and Pyrex: lint-free fabric bag or padded container silicone or stainless steel: any clean container
jelly rubber, elastomer, latex, cyberskin	porous	room temperature water and a soapy washcloth	individually in a lint-free fabric bag or nonplastic container
leather	porous	spot clean with a damp, soapy cloth	store in a cool, dry place and avoid storing in plastic
PVC and vinyl	porous	warm water and a soapy washcloth	lint-free fabric bag
nylon	nonporous	machine or handwash with soap	any clean container or drawer

*Crystal, stone, and wood can be porous or nonporous, depending on the type or the coating used. If it’s porous, clean with room temperature water and a soapy washcloth.

Why it’s important

Playing with an unclean sex toy that’s been stored incorrectly is kind of like eating a loose mint that’s been rolling around in the bottom of a purse or gym bag for a while — sticky and covered in lint.

Ick factor aside, improper cleaning and storage of sex toys could have health consequences, explains Searah Deysach, sex educator and owner of feminist sex shop Early to Bed.

“You want to clean your sex toys every time you use them because dirty (used) toys can introduce bacteria and possibly cause infections,” she says. “They can also collect lint, dust, and other debris that you want to keep out of your bits.”

FYI: If you have pets, that “other debris” will likely include pet hair, and that gets on everything.

Depending on what the toy’s exposed to and whether or not you’ve shared it with others, you could be opening yourself up — sometimes literally — to bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever tossed a sex toy back into your goodie drawer after a job well done so you could roll over and enjoy the afterglow.

Disinfecting and properly storing your sexccesories may be the last thing on your mind after getting off, but not taking the time to do it could mess with your health and your toy’s shelf life.

We hit up a couple of experts for tips to help keep your sex gear — and your tender parts — in tiptop shape.

We believe pleasure is a fundamental aspect of a safe and healthy sex life. That’s why we rely on experienced writers, educators, and other experts to share their suggestions on everything from the technique you use to the sex toy you buy.

We only recommend something that we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a specific product or brand, know that it’s been thoroughly researched — if you know what we mean. Wink.

What’s included

Anything related to sexual play — not just the usual top-drawer suspects — need to be properly cleaned and stored.

We’re talking everything from cuffs, straps, cock rings, and ball gags to vibrators, butt plugs, and strap-ons — and everything in between.

Quick clean and store chart

Different materials require different care. This handy little chart tells you how to look after your toys depending on what they’re made from.

If your item is made of a mix of materials, each material should be accounted for while cleaning.

For example, never submerge your motorized or battery-operated vibe in water. The same goes for your silicone ball gag: Don’t boil it if the strap isn’t also silicone.

Material	Porosity	How to clean	Where to store
ABS plastic	nonporous	warm water and soap or sex toy cleaner	in a lint-free fabric bag
cotton	porous	cold water and soap	any clean container or drawer
crystal, stone, wood*	nonporous	warm water and soap	lint-free fabric bag or padded container
glass, Pyrex, silicone, stainless steel	nonporous	motorized: warm water and soap or sex toy cleaner nonmotorized: can also use boiling water or sanitize in dishwasher	glass and Pyrex: lint-free fabric bag or padded container silicone or stainless steel: any clean container
jelly rubber, elastomer, latex, cyberskin	porous	room temperature water and a soapy washcloth	individually in a lint-free fabric bag or nonplastic container
leather	porous	spot clean with a damp, soapy cloth	store in a cool, dry place and avoid storing in plastic
PVC and vinyl	porous	warm water and a soapy washcloth	lint-free fabric bag
nylon	nonporous	machine or handwash with soap	any clean container or drawer

*Crystal, stone, and wood can be porous or nonporous, depending on the type or the coating used. If it’s porous, clean with room temperature water and a soapy washcloth.

Why it’s important

Playing with an unclean sex toy that’s been stored incorrectly is kind of like eating a loose mint that’s been rolling around in the bottom of a purse or gym bag for a while — sticky and covered in lint.

Ick factor aside, improper cleaning and storage of sex toys could have health consequences, explains Searah Deysach, sex educator and owner of feminist sex shop Early to Bed.

“You want to clean your sex toys every time you use them because dirty (used) toys can introduce bacteria and possibly cause infections,” she says. “They can also collect lint, dust, and other debris that you want to keep out of your bits.”

FYI: If you have pets, that “other debris” will likely include pet hair, and that gets on everything.

Depending on what the toy’s exposed to and whether or not you’ve shared it with others, you could be opening yourself up — sometimes literally — to bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

You also risk contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other infection, including gastrointestinal infections.

How to clean and dry porous materials

“Porous materials can be cleaned with soap and water or a toy cleaner. A gentle liquid soap, like you would use for your hands, is a fine choice for most toys,” Deysach says.

“Toy cleaners can also get your toys sparkling in a snap,” she says. “Sliquid Shine is my go-to cleaner. After you’ve washed your toy, let it air dry before putting it away.”

Keep in mind that porous toys are a lot like your skin in that they have tiny holes — or pores — that can harbor bacteria even after cleaning.

It’s best to reserve any porous toys in your repertoire for solo play, or enjoy shared use with a condom (unless you’re fluid bonded).

As for other kinky gear, “Leather accessories like dildo harnesses and BDSM equipment should be spot cleaned with gentle soap and water,” Deysach says.

“Note that leather is very porous, so be cautious of sharing these items with others if you aren’t fluid bonded.”

How to clean and dry nonporous materials

“100 percent silicone, glass, and steel toys can also be cleaned with liquid soap or a toy cleaner and then air dried,” Deysach says.

“If you’d like to give them a quick clean without leaving your bed, Afterglow Toy Cleaning Tissues are body safe (so you don’t have to rinse) and work great at keeping nonporous toys clean.”

The beauty of nonporous toys is that, as long as they’re not motorized, can even be boiled or run through the dishwasher.

“If you have nonvibrating silicone toys (like dildos or butt plugs) you can take an added step and boil them in water for up to 3 minutes to sanitize them thoroughly,” Deysach explains.

“Be sure to not boil soft porous toys or anything that turns on,” she says. “I find a washcloth makes it easy to clean nonwaterproof toys safely.”

As for motorized toys, remember to take the batteries out before giving it a good clean.

“Then close the toy back up and take care to keep water out of the battery compartment,” she says. “After the toy is rinsed, open it up again and let it dry with the battery compartment open.”

How to safely store your items

There are some handy-dandy sex toy storage containers you can buy, but chances are you have something lying around the house that’ll work just fine, like:

• a lint-free fabric bag
• a makeup case
• a sock
• a different nonplastic container

Got a gaggle of sex toys and gear? Get creative, suggests Deysach.

“I’ve seen people use over-the-door shoe hangers, file drawers, or locking tool boxes,” she says. “A lot depends on how handy you need them to be and how much you have to hide them from prying eyes.”

Speaking of prying eyes, a discreet and lockable medication case, like this one, is perfect if you have curious little ones or nosy houseguests.

When storing your toys, keeping them separate is a good idea, especially when it comes to certain materials, according to Deysach.

“If you have jelly or other soft, nonsilicone toys, you want to be sure they are each stored separately, as they can melt together if they’re touching while stored,” she says.

Some final advice from Deysach about storing your sex toys: For the sake of longevity, store any battery-operated toys with the batteries outside the toy. Batteries can drain or corrode if left in toys too long.

If you have rechargeable toys, make sure you charge them periodically to keep them working best.

And always keep your toy’s manual. You never know when you may need it.

The bottom line

Putting in a little effort to properly clean and store your sex toys helps keep you and your partner(s) safe and your sex toys in tiptop shape.

Sticking with toys made from quality materials can help, too.

If in doubt, throw a condom over the toy before use, and wash it after with a warm, soapy washcloth.

The difference between materials

A quick lesson: sex toys are made of different materials, and some are made from a material that can harbor bacteria, oils, dirt, etc. These ones must be cleaned with specific products that don’t disrupt that and make that bacteria spread — or worse, give you an infection.  Nonporous materials include things like silicone (which are often found in typical vibrators), glass, metals, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic (a type of hard plastic).  Porous materials, the ones that can harbor bacteria and other generally gross things, include rubber, latex, and Sensafirm, and UR3 (which sometimes makes toys feel like skin). These toys need to be cleaned more thoroughly, and it’s more important that you clean them after every use.   

How often should I clean my sex toys?

You probably don’t want to hear this, but sex toys should be cleaned after every single use. Even if you’re only using it yourself, it is very easy for bacteria to attach themselves to your toys, and you don’t want that getting anywhere near your genitals! (Please forgive me for all the awkward language I’ve used thus far in this article.)  

How to clean

If you keep the packaging, there should be cleaning instructions. However, if you just couldn’t wait and tossed that packaging immediately (relatable), here are a few guidelines:

• If you’re using a sex toy made of a nonporous material . . . Use a mild soap-free of any micro-beads, exfoliants, or harsh ingredients. Make sure whatever soap you’re using is fragrance-free, as fragrances can irritate the vagina and the pH balance of your vulva.
• If it’s made of a porous material . . . You can try cleaning it with some mild soap and water, but that might not get it completely clean. If you’re using this kind of toy with a partner, we’d recommend trying it with a condom to make sure no bacteria or STIs are transferred.
• If it isn’t waterproof . . . Be careful about putting a non-waterproof toy (especially one that vibrates or is motorized) right into water. Just use a washcloth with a mild soap and a little bit of water, and then dry it with a paper towel.
• If you’re using a sex toy with a partner . . .  Clean your toys with boiling water. If it’s not made of silicone, Pyrex, or stainless steel, try the above.  Always dry your toys off completely — especially if the toy is made of silicone or isn’t waterproof, as the water can hurt the material.   

How to store them

Some people choose to keep their toys in a toy bag to make sure they’re not in a place where they could get bacteria on them. If you don’t want to go to this length, just make sure it’s tucked away in a box or bag of some sort. You don’t want your sex toys just rolling around your bedside drawer, as this can cause it to collect dust, lint, or other things rolling around in there. You don’t want to have to clean a toy before you use it — what a mood killer. (However, many doctors suggest cleaning your toys before you use them too to be safe!)  

Is it OK to just use a toy cleaner?

A toy cleaner is great to use when you’re in a pinch for time; however, this shouldn’t be your main source of keeping it clean. gratifiyer works super well for disinfecting and spot cleaning when you don’t feel like getting up to clean your toys right after sex with a partner. They’re also great for travel! 

What’s the best way to clean sex toys?

Proper cleaning of sex toys is essential to avoid bacterial infection or transmission of STIs. While some STIs die once the fluid they live in dries, others (such as hepatitis and scabies) can live for weeks or months outside of the body. If you want to prevent pregnancy, it is also important to be remove sperm that may be on the sex toy before using near or in the vagina. It’s important to keep the instructions for cleaning the sex toy and to follow them carefully. If you feel that cleaning the toy properly would be too time consuming or unrealistic for you, think about buying a different toy. The information provided below gives a general overview for cleaning different types of toys and isn’t meant to replace the manufacturer’s instructions.

For basic toy care, remove any batteries. Never submerge electrical components in water. Use a damp, soapy washcloth to clean your electric toys, preferably with anti-bacterial soap. Keep toys stored in a container or pouch (to keep them clean) and in a cool, dry place.

Cleaning non-porous materials: glass, stainless steel, hard plastic, and silicone

• Glass: Wash glass toys with soap and water. Pyrex toys are dishwasher safe. Do not expose glass to extreme temperatures.
• Stainless Steel: If attached to an electrical device, use warm soapy water, being careful not to submerge any electrical components. If there are no electrical components you have 3 options: Boil or soak in a 10% bleach-water solution for 10 minutes, or place it in the dishwasher.
• Hard Plastic: Clean with anti-bacterial soap and water. Do not boil.
• Silicone: You can choose from 3 options to clean a silicone toy. Either boil for 5-10 minutes, put it in your dishwasher (on top rack), or wash with anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Do not boil silicone vibrators because you will destroy the vibrator mechanism.

Cleaning porous materials: rubber, vinyl, cyberskin, nylon, and leather

• Rubber materials: Rubber materials are porous and difficult to clean. In addition, their composition is not always known or may contain phthalates, chemicals which have been shown to be harmful to your health. For these reasons, it is recommended to use condoms with these types of toys.
• Cyberskin and Vinyl: Cyberskin is soft and porous, often used for dildos. Wash cyberskin and vinyl toys delicately with warm water only. Air dry and powder a small amount with cornstarch to keep them from getting sticky.
• Nylon: Nylon harnesses and toys can be machine or hand washed with a mild anti-bacterial soap.
• Leather: Wipe leather products with a damp, soapy cloth or with leather cleaner. Do not soak leather. After cleaning, you may recondition your toy using a leather conditioner. Protect metal parts from tarnish by applying a coating of clear nail polish. 

If you’re Googling ‘how to clean your sex toys’, chances are, you’ve finally invested in one of the best sex toys and now have zero clue how – or how often – you need to be rinsing it in hot soapy water.

There’s another question – do you rinse them in hot, soapy water, or are they best wiped down, and what products are best to wipe down with to make sure you don’t irritate your skin next time you use your toy?

All good questions, which we’ve put to a sex-pert. Keep reading as Danyell Fima, co-founder of The Thruster, a build-your-own, self-thrusting vibrator, chats the shelf-life of lubes, condoms and so on (read our guides to the best lube and best condoms, here), with tips and tricks for cleaning and her go-to products.

Oh, and read up on our favourite sex positions, eco-friendly sex toys, and bondage for beginners, while you’re at it.

How to clean your sex toys: Your complete guide

So, why is it important to clean your sex toys?

First thing’s first – have you ever thought about how how much your sex toys might add up too, money wise? The answer is probably more than you’d care to admit. “Your adult pleasure collection is valuable—cleaning them should be a part of your routine to keep them in the best shape,” shares Fima.

Long story short, if you don’t clean your toys regularly, she explains that certain bacterias could build up, ultimately leading to infections. “Harm or infection are nearly certain if you are using degraded pleasure products,” she explains.

How often should I clean my sex toys?

In an ideal world – after every use.

While that may sound laborious, it makes sense. Every time you use, you’re risking getting bacteria on it, which ultimately, you don’t want anywhere near your genitals.

Also note here – it’s important to store them in a clean, dry, dust-free environment post-cleaning.

Your step-by-step cleaning guide

Not sure where to start with cleaning your sex toys or what products to use?

Let the expert help. “To clean most sex toys, you simply have to wash them with warm water and soap,” shares Fima.  Alternatively, you can opt for a quality sex toy cleaning fluid, she adds.

“As always, the best way to clean your sex toy is with an antibacterial agent, whether that be soap or spray,” she recommends.

Studies suggest that even if a sex toy is washed, some viruses can remain on them for up to 24 hours after cleaning. “Please exercise caution when using any intimate pleasure product”, Fima warns. “Be sure to clean new toys before using them, and clean them before and after each use.”

Still not sure? Let the below guidelines covering how to clean your sex toys help. It’s written specifically with the Thruster in mind, but applies to most toys.

How do you know which sex toys to throw away and which to keep?

Good question. In short, how do you know when a toy is too old and, ultimately, past its sell-by date?

“Quality sex toys should last for several years, so if you have one you love, keep it,” Fima recommends.

When considering what to throw away, look for the following:

Surface degradation

Any surface degradation is a no-no, she warns. “Those defects are where bacteria will settle and grow first,” she explains.

Old batteries

Similarly, battery operated toys that you’ve left the batteries in a long time must go, she reckons. “Most adult pleasure products have a battery and it’s important to remove batteries before storing them. 

Does your toy either need batteries or charging pre-use? Check for any orange rust colour in those areas, she advises. “It’s a sign of corrosion, and means water has got inside, or the toy has been left damp for too long,” she explains. In any case, it’s time to replace them.

If you’ve any doubt they might be a touch on the old side? “Don’t be afraid to throw them out and buy some new ones,” she shares.  Ultimately, she says that this will be doing you a favour, as it’s best to use sex toys that offer both medical grade materials and excellent product warranty.

If you want to invest in a sex toy that’s going to last the long run – Fima has two top tips for you. “Opt for steel or glass pleasure products,” she advises. “They always keep well, plus, they’re easy to both clean and store, making them a great investment.”  Shop our favourite eco-friendly sex toys or read our guide to pegging, now.

Do lubes and condoms have sell by dates?

They sure do. “These are limited life items, like milk,” shares Fima.

If your lube or condom is past its sell by date – which should be indicated on the packet – then you risk them being either harmful or ineffective.

As a rough guidelines, most lubes and condoms should be good for about three years, but do always check the sell by date on the packet pre-using.

3 simple hacks for cleaning your sex toys

1. Make a habit of it

Don’t wait, Fima stresses. “If you make a habit of cleaning it right away, it’ll become routine. It only takes a moment to clean and then you’re done,” she shares.

Top tip: if you have the luxury of privacy, keep a lint free towel handy to lay out your items to dry. “It’s a reminder to do the work and when you’re ready, to tuck them away in a clean dry place,” she explains.

2. Keep it simple

Warm water and soap are all that’s required for most products, shares the sex-pert. No excuses.

3. Remember to dry them off

Final tip: don’t do the hard work and wash your toy, only to leave it in a dirty box or by a window. Store in a clean, dry, dust-free environment, too.

Adulthood is great, except for pesky chores like paying bills and tidying up. Much the way you can’t ignore dirty dishes, you have to figure out how to clean sex toys in your possession too. If this last responsibility sounds a bit daunting, that’s understandable. Cleaning your sex toys is necessary, but it’s pretty easy as long as you know what you’re doing.

I get it—thinking about cleaning your sex toys might not be the most pleasant thought. Sex, whether solo or with a partner, is your time to let the stresses of daily life melt away. But if you want sex toys to be a part of that clear-your-mind time—and if you want those sex toys to have good life spans—you’re going to have to clean them properly and regularly. Plus, there’s a chance that poor sex toy hygiene can actually cause infections; so yes, safe sex is also a thing to consider even when toys are involved. Here’s the right way to clean those toys.

To figure out how to clean sex toys, you’ll need to know exactly what they’re made of.

You might think you can just dunk your sex toys in soap and water and be done with it. Please don’t do that. Instead, the first step in cleaning a sex toy is figuring out what material the toy is made of. You can divide most sex toys into two broad categories: porous materials and nonporous materials.

If the material is porous, it has tiny holes (like pores) that can harbor bacteria, fungi, and general gunk, Lisa Finn, a sex educator at the sex toy boutique Babeland, tells SELF.

According to Finn, porous materials include:

• Elastomer (rubber) varieties, like:
• Thermoplastic rubber, or TPR for short; sometimes called “skin-safe rubber”
• Thermoplastic elastomer, a.k.a. TRE; also sometimes called “skin-safe rubber”
• Jelly rubber; sometimes (not always) contains phthalates, a group of chemicals that have come under fire for their potential to affect human health (the scientific jury is still out, according to the National Library of Medicine)

-Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); also sometimes contains phthalates

• Materials like Sensafirm and UR3, which can help toys feel like skin
• Latex, which isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in sex toys the way it is in condoms

If your sex toy is made from nonporous materials, it doesn’t have those holes, so various microorganisms are less likely to stick around. And here are common nonporous sex-toy materials:

Most Popular

• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic (a kind of hard plastic)
• Borosilicate glass (as in Pyrex and similar varieties)
• Soda-lime glass (like the kind used for drinking glasses)
• Silicone
• Metals like stainless steel and gold

To find out what kind of material your toy is made of, check the box or look it up online. It’s worth noting right off the bat that even if you clean your porous sex toys, you might not be able to remove as many germs as you’d be able to with nonporous ones, so it’s best to save them for personal play or use them with condoms for partnered fun—more on that in a bit.

Regardless of your toy’s material, you should wash and dry it after each use so it’s as clean as possible.

Though porous toys are more likely to harbor bacteria or other microorganisms than nonporous ones, it’s a good idea to clean any toy you’ve used right after you’ve used it. I know, I know: What a buzzkill. But incorporating this crucial step into your routine will keep your toys as sanitary as possible.

Your vagina is home to myriad bacteria and fungi that help to keep it healthy. When you use a sex toy, odds are some of these microorganisms will attach themselves to the toy. Most of the time, this won’t be harmful, Lauren Streicher, M.D., an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. Your vagina is already used to dealing with these microorganisms, so they don’t really pose a threat.

That’s not always the case, though. Let’s say you have a sexually transmitted infection or a vaginal infection, and you decide to masturbate using a toy. It’s possible that some of the pathogens causing the infection will remain on the toy’s surface (if it’s nonporous) or get inside the tiny holes (if it’s porous) and continue to live there, Peter Leone, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at the UNC School of Medicine, tells SELF. If you don’t clean the toy before sharing it with a partner, it’s theoretically possible for you to spread the infection to them, he explains. You may even be able to reintroduce the microorganism in question into your system after you’ve already cleared an infection.

This risk of infection isn’t limited only to vaginal issues. Similar concerns exist with gastrointestinal (GI) bacteria, Leone says. The rectum is home to all kinds of bacteria your vagina isn’t used to, such as E. coli, and some of these bacteria could get transferred to a toy you use anally. If that bacteria comes in contact with your (or your partner’s) urinary tract, it could cause a urinary tract infection (UTI).

To clarify, you probably won’t get an infection every time you slack on thorough sex toy cleaning, but it’s important to know that this can happen depending on the type of bacteria or virus and the situation in which you’re using the toy. “It really depends on which organism you’re talking about,” Meghan A. May, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology at the University of New England College of Medicine, tells SELF.

Bacteria, for instance, generally can’t survive for long in or on a nonporous sex toy because they thrive in damp environments, Leone says. May estimates that bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis, which causes the infection bacterial vaginosis, usually don’t survive on hard surfaces more than a day or two. Similarly, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spreads gonorrhea, may last up to 24 hours on hard surfaces, she says. These already short timeframes decrease to just a few hours for Chlamydia trachomatis, which can cause chlamydia. Once your sex toy dries off, any bacteria aren’t likely to survive longer than a few hours.

Fungi like Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections, can last longer than bacteria, possibly for weeks depending on the circumstances involved, Leone says. “This is the one you could really worry about in terms of things that can hang around for quite some time,” May says, explaining that a sex toy could possibly reintroduce excess yeast into your vagina after you’ve already gotten rid of a yeast infection.

Some viruses usually die within hours when out in the open air, Leone explains. “HIV and herpes viruses aren’t awesome at living on surfaces for a long time, because they’re very susceptible to drying,” May says. Human papillomavirus, however, may survive longer, Leone says.

Keep in mind that these are general estimates for hard surfaces, not estimates for how long these pathogens can live in bodily fluids on those hard surfaces, which may be longer. Even more problems arise if the toy is porous, because those little holes can trap moisture and keep it from drying out as quickly, which allows pathogens to live longer, May explains. “Even if you’re only talking about a matter of hours, you’re extending that life span, which isn’t ideal,” she says.

Ultimately, you can’t really tell whether these microorganisms are still on or in your sex toys, so it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cleaning.

You might also want to wash your toy before every use too.

Even if you’re diligent about thoroughly cleaning your toy every time you use it, you should think about cleaning it before you use it too. Why? There’s a chance that it might have come into contact with dirt, lint, dust, and other materials since you last used it. We’re guessing you don’t want to expose yourself to those elements, so you should consider washing your toy beforehand.

If you want to skip this step, you can; cleaning toys after every use is a must, whereas cleaning them beforehand is a suggestion, Finn says.

Here’s exactly how to clean your sex toys before and after you use them.

Cleaning each of your sex toys properly is just as important as cleaning them regularly. If you don’t, you risk eroding a toy’s material, warping its shape, or breaking any battery-operated functions it may have.

First things first: You’ll want to find the right soap. Finn recommends a mild hand or dish soap—as long as it’s unscented. Your vagina has a natural pH that keeps your vaginal microflora in balance. The ingredients in scented soaps can throw your pH balance out of whack, which can make you more prone to infections. You also want to make sure the soap you use is light enough not to leave a residue on your toys.

Now that we’ve established that, things are about to get pretty specific. Here are Finn’s guidelines for cleaning your sex toys:

Is your toy made of elastomer or latex? These porous materials are more sensitive to temperature than nonporous toys, meaning they might get warped if they’re exposed to too much heat. If your toy vibrates, wipe it down with a warm, damp, soapy washcloth. If it doesn’t vibrate (or vibrates but is waterproof), run the toy under warm water and clean it with a soapy washcloth.

Is your elastomer toy specifically made of a skin-like blend? Do the same thing you’d do for the toys listed above, but don’t expose it to too much soap. This can damage the material, leaving it without the nice skin-like texture it’s known for.

Is your toy made of ABS plastic? Just like an elastomer or latex toy, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap if it vibrates, or wash it with water and mild soap if it doesn’t. (Or if it vibrates but happens to be waterproof.)

Is your toy made of soda-lime glass? This kind of glass can be sensitive to temperature (which is part of why it can be so much fun during sexual play). Wash a soda-lime glass toy the same way you’d wash a latex or elastomer toy.

Is your toy made of borosilicate glass, silicone, or a metal? You can clean these toys using mild soap and warm water, or a damp, soapy washcloth, much like the toys above. As an added bonus, if your borosilicate glass, silicone, or stainless-steel toys don’t vibrate, you can boil them for 3 to 4 minutes to fully disinfect them. Finn doesn’t suggest boiling sex toys made of gold, since many of them are only gold-plated and may contain other materials. Also, though some people recommend you wash these toys in the dishwasher, Finn advises against it, because the dishwasher can leave soap residue behind.

Borosilicate glass and stainless-steel toys are the only ones safe for bleaching, Finn says, but you really don’t have to take this extra step. Washing as directed above is absolutely enough. If you do decide to bleach a sex toy, though, you want a weak solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, Finn says. Let the toy soak for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse it off thoroughly, then wash it with mild soap and water. Bleach is persona non grata for your vagina and related parts. You need to make sure there’s not a trace left before using the toy.

No matter how you wash your toy, double-check that it’s dry before storing it. “Porous or not, you don’t want to have anything that could build mildew or mold, or make your toys smell weird,” Finn says. Ensuring that your toy is fully dry also lessens the likelihood that any pathogens can cling on for dear life.

If you’re feeling lazy, you can (occasionally) get away with using a sex toy cleaner.

You can keep a sex toy cleaner like the Babeland Toy Cleaner on hand. It’s a quick and discreet option that you can use to disinfect your toy without harming its material, Finn says, but it’s not for everyday use. “The cleaner is more like dry shampoo,” Finn says. “It’s better than nothing, but it can’t replace giving your hair a full wash.” If you have an orgasm so earth-shattering you simply cannot motivate yourself to move afterward, you can wipe your toy down with the cleaner and give it a deeper wash once you’re ready to get up.

You can also use condoms (especially if you’re sharing toys).

Here’s an easy fix: Just put a new condom on your sex toy every time you use it, depending on the toy’s shape. This can eliminate the need for cleaning altogether. This is a great hack for those of us who don’t love to clean, but it’s also a smart choice if you’re sharing sex toys (for all of the germy reasons we’ve mentioned above). If you do decide to use condoms, make sure any lube you use won’t erode the condom (oil-based lubes can).

And yes, how you store your sex toys matters.

We know it’s tempting, but after cleaning and drying your beloved sex toys, don’t just stuff them in your bedside drawer. Even if it’s your designated place for sex toys, there’s probably a bunch of lint and dust in your drawer, and (as we mentioned) you don’t want that stuff inside you. When it comes to storage, you have a few options:

• Use the original packaging: This is simple, right? To keep your toys safe from the elements, simply keep them in the small bags or boxes they came in to protect them from the elements.
• Get a plastic container: If you’re looking to keep your sex toys safe from dirt and relatively organized, you might opt for a simple plastic container, Finn suggests. The JoyBoxx ($44, Amazon) is a small plastic storage container that’s dishwasher safe and lockable.
• Grab a satin sack: Finn also suggests purchasing a small silk or satin bag. You can find travel bags that are large enough for your needs, or you can pick up bags designed specifically for sex toys. This may sound like a lot of care to undertake for an inanimate object, but doing so makes it more likely that you and your sex toys can have a long, happy life together.

What’s the first thing you want to do after hot, steamy, satisfying sex?

Cuddle? Roll over and go to sleep? Light a cigarette or a joint? Get something to eat?

Chances are good that “thoroughly cleaning the sex toys” isn’t on your list.

No one’s saying that taking your dildo or vibrator into the bathroom for a good wash should be the very first thing you do, immediately after it’s been put to very good use.

The problem is, though, that many people put aside their sex toys after a workout in bed. Then they forget all about the toys until the next time they’re needed.

That’s a real problem.

Dildos, vibrators or other sex toys which haven’t been cleaned can pose a much bigger risk to your health than that post-coital cigarette or pint of Chunky Monkey.

Here’s what you should know and what you should do with your dildo – after catching your breath, of course.

Why Dildos Need To Be Cleaned Regularly

For the rest of this article we’ll often be using “dildos” as an umbrella term for all sex toys including vibrators, butt plugs, strap-ons, cock rings and the like. There are a few details which distinguish dildos from some of the others when it comes to cleaning, though, and we’ll make sure to mention them as we go along.

The first reason to clean your dildo after each use is the obvious one: a sex toy loaded with crusted, dried lube and bodily fluids (and possibly some hair and lint from the nightstand drawer) isn’t very sexy. You, or your partner, may not be in the same amorous mood if you pull out a dildo that screams “clean me!”

There are more and potentially serious issues lurking underneath the dirt, though.

Old, gooey or crusty toys are the perfect places for fungi and bacteria to grow. Those are the culprits that cause candida infections, bacterial vaginosis (around one-quarter of vulva-havers have experienced that “pleasure”) and urinary tract infections (UTIs are even more common, with about half of vulva owners contracting them at some point). The millions of people who’ve been infected can tell you it ain’t fun – not to mention the fact that infections interfere with a healthy sex life.

Even worse, dirty dildos and vibes are notorious for transferring sexually-transmitted diseases and infections like HPV between the people who use them. That isn’t theory, it’s been proven by a major study which showed that people who share toys are much more likely to develop STIs and STDs.

Getting Ready to Clean a Dildo (or Vibrator, or Sex Toy)

The cleaning process isn’t difficult, but regularity is the key: clean your dildo after you use it, every single time.

It’s easy to forget about cleaning, if you put your dildo aside after satisfying sex – or even worse, drop it into the drawer with other dirty or possibly-infected toys. Unless you’re willing to risk the yeast infections and STDs we’ve mentioned, make cleaning your sex toys an unbreakable routine. It’s worth the effort.

Know Your Material(s)

This may seem silly, but it’s really important.

Many dildos and toys are made from porous materials, making them soft and comfortable. Unfortunately, that also means lots of bacteria can penetrate the materials and stay there even after cleaning. Careful and thorough cleaning is critical, to keep these dildos safe for further use. One more thing: most of them are particularly sensitive to heat, and some are also prone to soap damage.

Toys made from non-porous materials are not only “safer” because they don’t retain bacteria, but they’re easier to clean. They can withstand a more vigorous washing, and many of them (like glass toys) can even be cleaned in boiling water as a foolproof sanitizing method.

How do you tell the difference between porous and non-porous?

Silicone, glass, pyrex, stainless steel, stone (yes, they make those) and ABS plastic sex toys are all non-porous materials. Most can undergo a rigorous cleaning without being damaged. Be careful with soda-lime glass dildos and ABS plastic dildos, though, since they’re heat-sensitive; wash them the same way you’d clean a porous toy.

Porous materials commonly used to make dildos and vibrators include latex, elastomer, vinyl, cyberskin, leather and jelly/rubber. These all need to be cleaned thoroughly and carefully with warm water, since most are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, even though cyberskin and elastomer toys may feel great on your skin, they’re easily damaged by soap. Go easy with the soap when cleaning them. (Avoid buying jelly/rubber toys if you can, because some cheap brands contain dangerous phthalates.)

One final important note concerns vibrators or other powered sex toys. Unless you know that a toy is waterproof, don’t submerge it even if you’ve removed the batteries. Water can permanently damage the electronics inside. (Water-resistant isn’t the same as waterproof.) You use a non-motorized dildo? No worries.

Use the Right Soap

Your first instinct might be to use the strongest soap you can find. That would be a mistake.

Dildos and other toys may still retain soap residue after they’re cleaned, and powerful soap can alter the pH balance of the vulva and vagina. That, in turn, can leave you more susceptible to infection. The same goes for scented soaps; their ingredients can also change pH levels.

Instead choose a mild soap, which should also be a fragrance-free soap. Avoid antibacterial soaps, because some brands contain hormone-altering Triclosan. The ones you regularly use to wash your hands or dishes will do just fine; they’re less likely to leave residue on your toys than stronger ones and will still get the job done.

What about those sanitizing sex toy cleaners you see in sex shops and on Amazon? They can’t hurt, but you shouldn’t rely on them as a replacement for washing. They’re fine to use right after you finish in bed and just can’t get up, even for a quick wash. Just do a full toy cleanup later on.

How To Clean a Dildo (or Vibrator, or Sex Toy)

Porous Dildos

Gently clean these toys with soapy, warm water. You can use a soapy washcloth or your hands. Don’t rush when you clean sex toys made from porous materials; try to clean inside as many pores and crevices as you can, and remove as much soap residue as possible. Don’t flush them with water, though, since these toys love to absorb water. Remove the soapy water with a clean, damp cloth instead. It can’t hurt to spray them with sex toy cleaner afterward, if you have it, to further sanitize them.

When done, let them air dry. Never put them away wet, because they can mildew.

Non-Porous Dildos

These toys can all (with the exception of ones made from hard plastic or soda-lime glass) be washed more vigorously with soap and warm – or hot – water. Non-vibrating stainless steel, Pyrex and silicone toys can also be cleaned by boiling them, as long as the silicone ones don’t have plastic parts which could melt.

Some experts say that it’s safe to wash Pyrex and silicone dildos in the top shelf of a dishwasher. Many dishwashers leave soap residue on the surface of the toys, though, so watch for that if you try going the easy route.

If you want to be absolutely sure no bacteria survive, and you have a dildo made from stainless steel or borosilicate glass, you can bleach it. Soak the toy in a solution of 10 parts water to one part bleach for 5-10 minutes, and be sure to wash it thoroughly afterward. You do not want to get bleach into your genital area. The same holds true if you use isopropyl alcohol wipes to sanitize your toys, or a rubbing alcohol solution to clean leather toys.

Electronic Toys

You should clean a vibrator or other powered sex toy the same way you would clean a porous toy, with warm soapy water. Just cover the controls and battery compartment first, so no water can get in.

Cleaning dildos can be boring. However, it’s a lot less boring than having to take a forced vacation from sex after being infected by a dirty or contaminated toy. Cleaning is a lot less painful, too.

Can I wash sex toys with soap and water?

All of the experts agreed that most sex toys can be cleaned with mild antibacterial soap and warm water. (Be sure to wash them for at least 20 seconds, just like washing your hands! And remember to dry them with a clean towel.) Mintz recommends this for both a motorized or non-motorized silicone, stainless steel, or glass toy. Finn said this technique will usually do the trick for nonporous toys.

What about sex toy cleaners?

While a soapy washcloth and water works in many cases, you can also buy specialized sex toy cleaner. This is Mintz’s preferred method, and she advises people to look for a water-based cleaner that’s both alcohol and paraben-free. 

Also, do not put toy cleaners directly on genitals. Avoid bleaches and toxic cleaners. Remember, the vulva is extremely absorbent and you don’t want bleach anywhere near there.

Can I wash toys in the dishwasher? What about boiling water?

“Just like in Broad City, you’ll want to avoid putting anything in the dishwasher that isn’t dishwasher safe, which is all vibrators and many plastics,” said Fretz. “Same goes for boiling toys, which can melt and warm most materials.”

Some nonporous material, like a pure silicone toy, can be boiled — as long as it’s a waterproof toy and there’s not a motor inside that can be destroyed by the heat, according to Finn. “Boil these toys for 1-3 minutes, making sure that they’re completely submerged and you’re keeping an eye on ’em.”

If you’re considering washing your toys in the dishwasher, know that dish soap can leave a residue — which is why Finn doesn’t recommend it. Non-motorized toys made of silicone, glass, or stainless steel can be placed in the dishwasher without soap for 5 to 10 minutes, according to Mintz.

What about cleaning sex toys with UV light?

If you’re looking for a gadget to help you with your cleaning process, there are two UV sterilizers on the market: UV. Finn calls both products amazing, but here’s a caveat: While they disinfect, they don’t clean.

finn recommends you still wash or wipe down your toy with a damp cloth after use, because while UV light kills bacteria, it won’t get rid of, say, bodily fluids or dust.

Can I clean sex toys with wipes?

Yes, you can, but they’re really best used in combination with other methods. “Post play wipes are great intermediate cleaning if you don’t have a cleaner or running water on hand,” said Fretz, “but you’ll want to fully disinfect it with an anti-bacterial cleaner or soap and water as soon as you can.”

How often should I clean my sex toys?

After every use, without question. If you don’t do this, bacteria left behind can multiply exponentially, said Fretz. Since genital tissue is sensitive (and for those with a vulva and vagina, extremely absorbent), not routinely cleaning sex toys after every use could result in yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginosis flareups.

How should I store my sex toys?

How you store your sex toys is arguably just as important as how you clean them. If you clean your toy, but then stick it in a drawer with other dirty sex toys, it’s just going to pick up bacteria again. So it’s key to store your toy in a case, if it came with one. If it didn’t, you can use a clean container with a closure like a makeup bag with a zipper or Velcro closure works, according to Mintz. Store your sex toys with the same care you do other sensitive items, such as a menstrual cup.