How to Clean and Disinfect Sex Toys?

Even the best-made sex toy can become a source of infection if it is not properly cleaned after use. What looks clean to the eye may in fact harbor bacteria, fungi, or viruses. That’s why it is so important to wash your toy thoroughly after every session – ideally with warm water and special cleaning products for sex toys.

Why is sex toy hygiene so important?

Sex toys come into direct contact with highly sensitive areas such as mucous membranes, genital skin, and sometimes the anus. After each use, traces of lubricant, sweat, saliva, semen, or blood can remain on the surface, creating ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, and fungi to grow.

Neglecting proper hygiene can lead to:

• vaginal or urinary tract infections
• inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes
• unpleasant odor and discomfort during the next use
• permanent material damage, especially with silicone and gel toys

Cleaning your toy after every use – and sometimes even before – reduces the risk of infections and extends the toy’s lifespan.

How to clean sex toys properly?

Basic rule: always clean the toy immediately after use. Don’t put it off – dried residue is harder to remove, and the toy’s surface may wear out faster.

Here’s a proven routine:

• Rinse the toy with warm water (if it’s waterproof)
• Wash it with mild soap or a specialized sex toy cleaner
• Let it sit if the cleaner requires some time to work (check the label)
• Rinse or wipe it with a clean, dry cloth (e.g., disposable or microfiber)
• Store it in a dry, clean place, ideally in a separate pouch or box

What material is your toy made of? That matters

Not all materials can be cleaned the same way. The type of material determines how and with what products you can safely clean your toy.

Silicone, glass, stainless steel

These are the easiest materials to clean because they are non-porous. They don’t absorb fluids, and bacteria have nowhere to hide.

• Can be cleaned with water and mild soap
• Silicone toys without electronics can even be scalded with boiling water or boiled for a few minutes
• For thorough disinfection, sprays or foams are recommended, e.g. Fleshjack Cleaner 100 ml, suitable for both silicone and plastic surfaces

TPE, TPR, jelly, rubber

These are porous materials that absorb moisture and are more difficult to keep clean.

• Require careful cleaning after every use
• Not suitable for boiling or pouring with hot water
• pH-neutral cleaning products in spray or foam form work best, as they don’t damage the structure

With these types of toys, it’s worth checking them regularly – if the surface becomes sticky, changes color, or develops an unpleasant smell, it’s best to replace the toy with a new one.

Vibrating toys and electronics – how to clean safely?

Vibrators, massagers, and other electronic toys require a slightly different approach. Submerging them in water could permanently damage them, so follow these rules:

• Clean only the usable part, avoiding contact of water with buttons and charging ports
• Use a damp cloth with a bit of cleaner
• Ready-to-use sex toy cleaning wipes are perfect, as they remove dirt quickly and don’t require rinsing

If your toy is labeled waterproof or water-resistant, you can wash it more thoroughly under the tap – but always double-check the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to disinfect sex toys?

Daily cleaning after use is sufficient in most cases, but there are situations where disinfection is recommended:

• if you share a toy with a partner (even with a condom)
• if you use the same toy in different body areas (vagina – anus)
• after illness, infection, or intimate medical treatment

In such cases, it’s best to use a product that not only cleans but also disinfects. A spray is particularly convenient, allowing you to prepare the toy quickly for its next use.

How to store sex toys after cleaning?

Even a well-cleaned toy can get dirty again if you leave it loose in a drawer or bag. Store it:

• in a separate fabric pouch (preferably microfiber)
• in a box or drawer with a lid
• away from direct sunlight and moisture

Avoid storing multiple toys together, especially if they are made from different materials. Contact between certain materials (e.g., silicone) can cause damage.