How to Properly Clean, Sanitize and Store Your Adult Toys for Long-Lasting Hygiene
Learning how to clean sex toys properly is one of the most important habits you can build as a toy owner. Correct toy care keeps your toys hygienic, protects your body from irritation and infection, and extends the life of your investment. From choosing the right sex toy cleaner to storing toys in a dedicated toy storage bag, this guide covers everything you need to clean, sanitize and store your adult toys the right way.
Why Proper Toy Hygiene Matters
Adult toys come into contact with sensitive skin and delicate areas, so hygiene is non-negotiable. Body-safe silicone, glass and metal are non-porous, but toys still collect body fluids, lubricant and bacteria during use. Without proper cleaning, that buildup can cause irritation, thrush or bacterial infections. Cleaning before and after every single use, not just occasionally, is the gold standard of toy care and hygiene.
How to Clean Your Toys by Material
Different materials need different care. Here is a quick reference table:
| Material | Daily Clean | Deep Sanitize | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Warm water + toy cleaner | Boiling (if boil-safe) or 10% bleach soak | Non-porous; very easy to care for |
| Glass | Warm water + mild soap | Boiling or dishwasher (top rack) | Highly hygienic and durable |
| Metal | Warm water + toy cleaner | Boiling or sterilising solution | Non-porous; avoid abrasive scrubs |
| Rubber / TPE | Warm water + toy cleaner | Surface wipe only | Porous; use a condom for easier care |
| Vibrators | Wipe surface + toy cleaner | Never submerge. Wipe only | Keep motors away from water |
Choose the Right Sex Toy Cleaner
Plain soap can leave residue and strip some toy materials, so a purpose-made sex toy cleaner is always the safer choice. Cleaners like Loving Joy Cleanse sex toy cleaner are gentle, pH-balanced and designed specifically for intimate surfaces, killing bacteria without damaging silicone, glass or metal. For electronics and vibrators, a spray cleaner on a soft cloth is the perfect non-drip solution.
How to Sanitize Toys Between Partners or After Long Gaps
Beyond daily cleaning, occasional deep sanitising keeps things fresh, especially when sharing toys between partners or after a toy has been stored for a while. Boil-safe silicone, glass and metal toys can be placed in boiling water for a few minutes (check the manufacturer first). Alternatively, a diluted bleach soak of one part bleach to nine parts water for around ten minutes, followed by a thorough rinse, is an effective non-boiling option. Always dry toys completely before storage.
How to Store Adult Toys Properly
Storage protects both your toys and their materials. Keep these rules in mind:
- Store toys in a cool, dry, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Keep silicone toys separate from other materials; some materials can react and degrade.
- Use a dedicated bag. Anti-bacterial toy storage bags keep toys dust-free, discreet and protected.
- Remove batteries from toys not used for a while to prevent corrosion.
- Never store toys touching each other without protection.
Explore the full toy care and hygiene range for cleaners, washes and storage solutions that make maintenance simple.
How Often Should You Clean Your Toys?
The rule is simple: clean before every use and after every use. Wash your hands too, and consider a fresh condom on porous toys. With regular care, using a proper sex toy cleaner, drying fully and storing in a bag, and your toys will stay hygienic and last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular soap to clean sex toys?
Mild, fragrance-free soap is okay for silicone, glass and metal in a pinch, but a dedicated sex toy cleaner is gentler and safer for all materials.
How do I clean a vibrator without damaging it?
Never submerge vibrators. Wipe the surface with a toy cleaner on a soft cloth, keeping moisture away from seams and buttons.
Can I boil silicone sex toys?
Only if the manufacturer states they are boil-safe. For everything else, use a mild toy cleaner or a diluted bleach soak followed by a thorough rinse.
How should I store toys made from different materials?
Store materials separately to prevent reactions. Use individual toy storage bags to keep everything protected.
How often should I deep sanitize my toys?
Daily cleaning after every use is essential. Deep sanitising monthly, or whenever sharing between partners, keeps everything fresh and safe.
Stock Up on Toy Care Essentials
Great toys deserve great care. Browse our toy care and hygiene collection for cleaners, washes and anti-bacterial storage bags, and pair them with our full range of lubricants for a complete, hygienic play routine.
