How Often Should You Clean Your Toys?
Knowing how often to clean your toys is one of the simplest and most important habits in the world of pleasure. The short answer is that you should clean your toys before every use and after every use, every single time, no exceptions. It takes less than a minute, and it protects your health, keeps your toys in great condition and makes every session feel fresh and enjoyable.
Beyond that simple rule, there is a little more to know. Different situations, such as sharing toys or using them internally, call for a little extra care, and a deeper clean now and then keeps your collection in top shape. In this guide we explain the routine, why it matters and when to go the extra mile.
The Simple Answer: Before and After Every Use
Clean your toys after every single use. This removes body fluids, lubricant and the bacteria that naturally live on our skin before they have a chance to build up or dry on the surface. Cleaning afterwards means your toy is stored clean and ready, so there is no awkward scrubbing later and no risk of using a dirty toy because you were in a hurry.
You should also give the toy a quick clean just before you use it, even if it has been sitting in a drawer or bag. Stored toys pick up dust, lint and the occasional microscopic hitchhiker, so a quick rinse or wipe with a dedicated toy cleaner makes sure you are always starting fresh. Between the before and after clean, your toys are safe and pleasant every single time.
Why After Every Use Matters
Bacteria and yeast multiply quickly, especially in warm, moist conditions. A toy left dirty after use gives those microbes a perfect home, and when you use that toy again, they can be transferred straight to your body. For anyone prone to irritation, thrush or urinary tract infections, a dirty toy is one of the easiest problems to fix, and a clean one is one of the simplest ways to stay comfortable.
Cleaning after every use also protects the toy itself. Body fluids and lubricant can leave residues that attract dust and degrade materials over time, especially softer materials. A quick clean with warm water and a dedicated cleaner such as the Loving Joy Cleanse Sex Toy Cleaner 250ml keeps the surface smooth and the toy in great condition for years.
Extra Care for Shared and Internal Toys
When a toy is shared between partners, or moves between different parts of the body, go a step further than a basic clean. Sanitise the toy between users using boiling, a dishwasher cycle or an antibacterial cleaner, since a simple wash does not reliably kill all microbes. It is a small extra step that keeps everyone safe and relaxed.
Toys used internally also deserve a little extra attention, because they come into contact with the most sensitive and absorbent tissue. Wash them thoroughly after every internal use, and consider a deeper clean more often. The same applies after anal play, where thorough cleaning and sanitising is essential before the toy touches any other part of the body. Our article on how to clean, sanitise and store adult toys covers the full routine in detail.
Deep Cleans and Ongoing Maintenance
Alongside the everyday clean, schedule a deeper clean every so often. Boil 100% silicone, glass and metal toys for a few minutes, or run them through the dishwasher, to give them a proper sanitise. For electronic toys, a thorough wipe with an antibacterial toy cleaner does the job without risking the motor. A dedicated cleaner like the Loving Joy Cleanse Sex Toy Cleaner 100ml is perfect for this kind of routine maintenance.
Your hands deserve a mention too. Washing your hands before and after handling toys is a tiny habit that adds real protection, since our hands pick up bacteria from everything we touch throughout the day. Similarly, changing condoms and washing up between partners and between different types of play keeps everyone comfortable and reduces the risk of passing anything along. These small steps work together with regular toy cleaning to keep your whole routine safe and simple, and they take almost no extra time once they become second nature.
If you are new to toy care, do not overthink it. Start with the golden rule of cleaning before and after every use, add a monthly deep clean for the toys that need it, and build the habit gradually. Before long it will feel completely automatic, and you will barely notice the few extra seconds it takes while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is clean, ready and safe whenever the mood strikes. That peace of mind is worth far more than the effort it costs.
Also take a moment now and then to check your toys for signs of wear. Torn, sticky or damaged surfaces are a sign it is time to replace the toy, since damaged materials cannot be cleaned properly. Store everything clean and dry in individual bags, keep lube and cleaner close at hand, and your collection will stay hygienic, organised and ready whenever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to clean toys after every use?
Yes. Cleaning after every use takes seconds and prevents bacteria and yeast from building up. It is the single most important habit for safe, comfortable play.
How often should I do a deep clean of my toys?
A monthly deep clean is a good habit, and you should also deep clean before sharing a toy or after internal or anal use. Boiling works for silicone, glass and metal.
Can I get an infection from a dirty toy?
Yes. Bacteria, yeast and other microbes on a dirty toy can cause irritation, thrush and infections. Regular cleaning with a dedicated toy cleaner greatly reduces this risk.
Make Cleaning Part of the Routine
A few seconds of cleaning keeps your toys safe and your body happy. Stock up on the essentials from our toy care and hygiene range, including cleaners in every size, and make the habit automatic. We deliver across the UK in discreet packaging.
