If you’ve invested in quality sex toys—and yes, they are an investment in your pleasure and sexual wellness—then taking proper care of them isn’t just about making them last longer. It’s genuinely about your health and safety.
Proper toy care prevents bacterial infections, keeps materials from degrading, and ensures your toys continue working safely and effectively. And honestly? It’s not complicated. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your sex toys properly.
Always Buy New, Body-Safe Toys
Let’s start with the most important rule: always buy new sex toys from reputable retailers. Never purchase used sex toys, no matter how good the deal seems or how thoroughly the seller claims they’ve been cleaned.
Sex toys are intimate products that come into contact with mucous membranes and bodily fluids. Even with thorough cleaning, there’s no way to guarantee a used toy is completely safe from bacteria, viruses, or material degradation that could be harmful to your body.
When buying new toys, prioritize body-safe materials:
Medical-grade silicone: Non-porous, hypoallergenic, easy to clean
Stainless steel: Non-porous, can be sterilized, temperature-play friendly
Borosilicate glass: Non-porous, body-safe, easy to clean
ABS plastic (hard plastic): Non-porous, common in vibrators
Sealed wood or ceramic: Must be properly sealed and non-porous
Avoid these materials:
Jelly rubber, “skin-safe rubber,” PVC, or anything that smells strongly of chemicals
Porous materials that can harbor bacteria even after cleaning
Toys with unknown materials or that don’t list their composition
Before First Use: Inspect and Clean
When your new toy arrives, resist the urge to use it immediately (we know it’s tempting). Take a few minutes to properly prepare it first.
Inspect for defects:
Look for any cracks, tears, rough edges, or manufacturing defects
Check battery compartments for secure closures
Test buttons and controls to make sure everything functions properly
Make sure any moving parts are secure and working smoothly
If you notice any defects or damage, don’t use the toy. Contact the retailer for a replacement—reputable companies will absolutely replace defective products.
Clean before first use:
Even brand-new toys need to be washed before use. They’ve been handled during manufacturing and shipping, and may have dust or residue on them. Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap, or use a dedicated sex toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
For electronic toys: Make sure the battery compartment is securely closed before washing to prevent water damage. If your toy is rechargeable, check if it’s fully waterproof or just splash-proof—this determines how you can clean it.
Cleaning After Each Use
This is the most important part of toy care and the one you absolutely cannot skip. Every single time you use a sex toy, you need to clean it properly afterward.
Basic cleaning method (for most toys):
Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap
Clean all textured areas, crevices, and seams thoroughly
Rinse completely to remove all soap residue
Pat dry with a clean towel or let air dry completely
For electronic toys, be careful around charging ports or battery compartments
Deep cleaning (for non-electronic, non-porous toys):
Silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys can be sterilized if needed:
Boiling: Submerge in boiling water for 3-5 minutes (only for 100% silicone, glass, or steel without motors)
Dishwasher: Top rack, no soap (only for non-electronic toys)
10% bleach solution: Mix 1 part bleach with 9 parts water, soak for 10 minutes, rinse extremely thoroughly
Sex toy cleaners:
Dedicated sex toy cleaning sprays or wipes are convenient and effective for quick cleaning, especially when traveling. They’re safe for all toy materials and don’t require rinsing (though you can rinse if you prefer).
Proper Storage
How you store your toys matters almost as much as how you clean them. Poor storage can lead to material degradation, dust accumulation, or bacterial growth.
General storage rules:
Make sure toys are completely dry before storing (moisture promotes bacterial growth)
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
Keep toys separated – don’t let silicone toys touch each other or other materials, as this can cause chemical reactions that degrade the silicone
Use individual storage bags or pouches – soft fabric bags, satin pouches, or the original packaging work great
Remove batteries from battery-operated toys if you won’t use them for a while (prevents corrosion and battery leakage)
Storage options:
Original packaging (if it’s discrete and protective)
Individual fabric or satin pouches
Dedicated storage boxes or cases
Lockable storage if privacy is a concern
A nightstand drawer (clean and organized works fine)
Using Lubricant Safely
The type of lubricant you use with your toys actually matters for both your body and the toy’s longevity.
Silicone toys: Use only water-based lubricant. Silicone lube will degrade silicone toys over time.
Glass, steel, or hard plastic toys: Can use any type of lube (water-based, silicone-based, or hybrid)
Avoid oil-based lubricants with latex condoms (they break down latex) and most sex toys
If you’re unsure what material your toy is made from, stick with water-based lube—it’s safe for everything.
When to Replace Your Toys
Even with perfect care, sex toys don’t last forever. Replace your toys if you notice:
Cracks, tears, or holes in the material
Discoloration or unusual odors that don’t wash away
Sticky or tacky texture (especially with silicone toys)
Motor or mechanical failures
Battery compartments that won’t seal properly
Any structural damage that could cause injury
When in doubt, throw it out. Your health and safety are worth more than trying to extend the life of a damaged toy.
Keep Smiling
Taking proper care of your sex toys isn’t complicated, but it is important. Clean them thoroughly after every use, store them properly, use the right lubricants, and replace them when they show signs of wear.
Good toy care protects your investment, yes—but more importantly, it protects your health. Bacterial infections, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections can all result from using dirty or poorly maintained sex toys.
When you invest in quality toys and take care of them properly, they’ll serve you well for years. And that’s worth the few extra minutes of maintenance
