← Read
How to Clean Sex Toys (It Depends on the Material)
How To
7 min read
Porous or non-porous changes everything about how you clean it.
← Read
Cleaning a sex toy is not complicated, but it is also not one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends almost entirely on what the toy is made of and whether it contains electronic components. Using the wrong method can degrade a toy, leave behind residues that irritate delicate tissue, or give you false confidence that a toy is clean when it is not. This guide breaks down the cleaning method for each body-safe material category, explains what to avoid and why, and covers storage.
The core distinction that determines how a sex toy should be cleaned is whether its surface material is porous or non-porous. A porous material has microscopic openings in its surface. Even when a porous toy looks smooth and feels clean after washing, bacteria, body fluids, and lubricant residue can remain trapped in those surface pores where soap and water cannot effectively reach. Over repeated use, this means contamination accumulates in the material itself, not just on the surface.
Research by Braun and colleagues, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2012, examined bacteria found on sex toys and found that pathogens including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were present on used toys, with higher contamination levels on toys made from porous materials. The study highlighted that standard washing was insufficient to decontaminate porous toy surfaces and recommended using condoms on porous toys to prevent direct tissue contact.
Non-porous materials, by contrast, have solid, smooth surfaces that can be fully cleaned and, for some materials, sterilised. This is why material choice matters not only for comfort and safety during use but also for hygiene between uses. If you are using a porous toy, cleaning removes surface contamination but does not sterilise the material. If you want a toy you can fully clean, choose a non-porous material.
Medical-grade silicone (without electronics). This is the most common material for quality sex toys, covering vibrators without rechargeable components (if they have removable batteries in a separate compartment sealed from the silicone exterior), dildos, plugs, and sleeves. Non-motorised silicone toys are the easiest to clean thoroughly because the material is heat-stable and non-reactive to bleach in dilute concentrations.
Cleaning options, in order of thoroughness: (1) Boiling - place the toy in a pot of boiling water for three minutes, then allow to cool completely before storing. This is the most thorough sterilisation method available for home use. (2) Top-rack dishwasher without detergent - the heat cycle sterilises without the need for boiling in a pot. Run without detergent to avoid leaving residue. (3) 10% bleach solution - mix one part household bleach with nine parts water, soak the toy for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. (4) Soap and water - adequate for routine cleaning between uses with the same partner. Use mild, fragrance-free soap, wash thoroughly including any textured areas, and rinse well.
Borosilicate glass. Glass toys that are made from borosilicate (the same type used in laboratory glassware and high-quality cookware) are non-porous, non-reactive, and extremely durable. They can be cleaned by all the same methods as non-motorised silicone: boiling, dishwasher, bleach solution, or soap and water. Check the toy for any chips or cracks before each use; a damaged glass toy should not be used as sharp edges can cause injury. Glass toys can also be refrigerated or gently warmed (in warm water, not microwave) for temperature play.
Stainless steel. Medical-grade stainless steel toys, identifiable by their weight and mirror-like finish, are fully non-porous and among the most hygienic toy materials available. They can be boiled, run through a dishwasher, wiped with isopropyl alcohol, treated with bleach solution, or cleaned with soap and water. Stainless steel is also compatible with all lubricant types. Like glass, check for any surface damage before use and ensure any seams or joins are smooth and intact.
ABS hard plastic. Hard rigid plastic toys marked as ABS are non-porous and body-safe for surface contact. They cannot be sterilised by boiling because the plastic may warp or off-gas at high temperatures. Clean with soap and water, or wipe down with isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry fully before use or storage. Do not use bleach solution on ABS plastic as it can discolour or degrade the surface coating over time.
The majority of vibrators sold today contain rechargeable motors and charging ports, which means they cannot be submerged in water regardless of what the silicone body is made from. Even toys labelled "waterproof" typically mean splash-proof or submersible to a shallow depth for a short time; they are not designed to be boiled or soaked.
For motorised silicone toys, the correct cleaning method is soap and water applied to the surface with a damp cloth or your hands, ensuring thorough coverage of all areas that contacted the body, then rinsing or wiping off the soap residue. Do not run these toys under a tap that allows water to pool near the charging port. Some manufacturers specify their toys as IPX7 waterproof, which means they can be fully submerged to one metre for up to 30 minutes; check your toy's specification before immersing it.
Velvet Rituals silicone toys can be cleaned with mild soap and water after each use. For non-motorised silicone pieces, brief boiling is also an option for full sterilisation. Always check the product page for the specific waterproofing rating of your toy before using any method involving water submersion.
After cleaning motorised toys, allow them to air dry completely before storing. Storing a toy while still damp, especially in a sealed case, encourages bacterial growth on any remaining moisture.
Do not use strongly scented cleaning sprays or wipes. Products with fragrance, alcohol-based sprays, or antibacterial agents formulated for surfaces can leave residues on the toy that then contact mucous membranes during use. These residues can irritate the vagina or anal area and may disrupt the natural bacterial balance. Plain soap and water is more appropriate than a multi-surface cleaner.
Do not share toys between partners without cleaning or using a condom. This applies even between regular partners who do not use barrier methods with each other. The vaginal and anal microbiomes vary between individuals, and introducing one person's bacterial environment into another's without a clean surface in between has been associated in research with increased rates of bacterial vaginosis and other infections.
Do not store toys touching each other. Some silicone toy formulations will chemically interact and bond to each other on prolonged contact, or the softer material of one toy will transfer to another. This is not universal but is common enough that storing each toy separately is the recommended practice. Toys made of different materials, such as a glass dildo stored against a silicone vibrator, can also transfer plasticisers or other compounds over time in some cases.
Do not leave toys uncleaned for later. The longer a used toy sits uncleaned, the more bacterial growth accumulates. Even if you plan to clean the toy properly later, rinse it with water immediately after use to remove the bulk of body fluids and lubricant.
Clean toys should be dried completely before storage. Store in a breathable cotton or microfibre pouch rather than a sealed airtight container. Airtight containers can trap residual moisture and create conditions for mould growth, especially in humid climates. The original packaging from reputable manufacturers typically meets this criterion; a simple cotton drawstring bag per toy is equally effective.
Keep toys away from direct sunlight, which degrades silicone over time, and away from heat sources. A drawer or cupboard at room temperature is appropriate for most toys. For glass toys specifically, store in a padded pouch to prevent contact with hard surfaces that could chip the material.
The frequency is simple: clean after every use, without exception. There is no threshold of "light use" after which a toy does not need cleaning. Even if use was brief, body fluids and lubricant are present on the surface immediately and create the conditions for bacterial growth within hours. Post-use cleaning takes under two minutes with soap and water for most toys, and the investment in doing it consistently is much smaller than the cost of not doing it.