How to Clean Sex Toys: Your Complete Guide to Safe and Hygienic Care

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Cleaning sex toys is essential for keeping them hygienic and in good shape. If you don’t know what you are doing, you can damage a valuable product or void its warranty by cleaning it the wrong way. Today’s post is about cleaning adult toys the right way so they remain safe and fully functional. 

Understanding Sex Toy Construction

Sex toys are made of different materials and can be constructed in various ways. They all have one thing in common – after using them to explore yourself or your partner, you’re going to have to clean them.

To determine how to clean your sex toys safely and hygienically, you need to be sure of what material they are made of and how each toy handles exposure to water. This information can usually be found on the package or on the brand’s website. 

Toys are not all waterproof, depending on their construction. Check the packaging or the product website to see the IP rating of your toy before cleaning it. IP stands for ingress protection, and toys listed as IP4 or less should not be put underwater. IP5 toys are safe for splashing, and IP6 toys (and above) may be immersed in water. 

Before cleaning a new sex toy for the first time, refer to the toy’s instructions for details, tips, and cautions. 

How to Clean Sex Toys of Different Materials

Most adult products you order from online sex shops and boutiques are made of materials that are free of chemicals that could be harmful to the human body. These body-safe materials do not contain toxic chemicals, known carcinogens, or substances that may interfere with your metabolism or hormones. These include medical-grade silicone rubber, ABS plastic, TPE plastic, stainless steel, and glass. We will discuss cleaning adult toys made of these materials as well as cleaning leather and fabric products. 

How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys

Medical-grade silicone rubber is a popular material for sex toys and is easy to clean.

Multicolored adult toys

Silicone sex toys that have no moving parts may usually be cleaned by washing them in mild soap and warm water or using an adult toy cleaning solution designed for silicone rubber. Many solid silicone dildos can be boiled in water for 5-10 minutes or placed in a dishwasher without soap for cleaning. Air dry and sanitize with an antibacterial wipe, spray, or UV light before storing. 

Avoid isopropyl alcohol and abrasive pads and cleaners when cleaning silicone sex toys, or you may harm the finish.

How to Clean Sex Toys Made of Jelly Rubber

Jelly rubber is a super-soft form of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This material is porous and can melt, so you cannot boil these products. 

Use a cleaning solution or mild soap (such as Castile) and warm water when cleaning these adult toys, and follow up with an antiseptic wipe or spray and allow it to air dry. Avoid dishwashing detergent, shampoo, and body washes since they may contain chemicals that can break down the surface.

How to Clean ABS/TPE Sex Toys

ABS and TPE are popular forms of plastic that can be found in many products, household appliances, and quality sex toys. The safest way to clean this material is to use a compatible cleaning solution or mild soap and warm water. 

After cleaning sex toys made of non-porous ABS plastic, you should sanitize them. Use antiseptic wipes or isopropyl alcohol, and avoid UV light since it can degrade ABS plastic. Allow the sex toy to fully air dry before storing.

TPE toys may have a porous surface, so pat them dry. Avoid using isopropyl alcohol-based solutions or UV light when sanitizing, and store TPE toys in separate bags because TPE may react when placed next to some other plastics.

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How to Clean Sex Toys Made of Glass or Stainless Steel

Glass dildos and some stainless steel dildos are made of a single piece of solid material, so cleaning adult toys like this and disinfecting them is generally easy. You may use soap and a washcloth under hot running water, boil them, or put them in a dishwasher. Let them air dry or towel them off and disinfect them with alcohol wipes, antiseptic spray, or UV light before storing. Put them in a case, cover, or a thick sock to protect their surface during storage, especially in a crowded toy box.

Some stainless steel toys, like vibrators, for example, may contain plastic parts, batteries, motors, and electronic controls. These products have seams where different parts were put together during manufacturing. When cleaning sex toys like this, make sure to check the directions that came with them or the FAQ page on the store website for directions and tips.

How to Clean Sex Toys Made of Leather or Cloth

Leather is durable and great for harnesses and other toys and props. When cleaning adult toys with leather parts, start by wiping them down with a leather cleaner or a good antibacterial soap and warm water. A 70% isopropyl alcohol solution should also be safe on most items. Pat the item dry and use a leather conditioner occasionally to keep it flexible and in good shape. Avoid soaking leather or using too much water. 

Cleaning fabric sex toys, fetishwear, and costumes depends on the item. Many items can be washed by hand in gentle detergent and warm water, but it depends on the material. Check the original package for cleaning instructions. 

Explore VSekreets Sex Toys

Knowing how to clean sex toys is important for all toy owners, but it’s not half as fun as getting them dirty in the first place. If you’re ready for some hands-on practice, VSekreets has dozens of toys ready for action!
Explore our inclusive selection of adult toys for couples, satisfying men’s sex toys, and unique sex toys for women. You’ll find many items you won’t see in other stores. We use high-quality body-safe materials and advanced engineering in all of our adult toys, making cleaning chores simple. Shipping is fast, and packaging is always discreet. VSekreets’ products are quiet, elegant, healthy, and fun, and you’ll never wonder how to clean our sex toys because instructions are included. Shop now!

Meet the Author

VSekreets has been an online adult toys store for both men and women for over a decade and an expert in their industry. Selling high-tech adult toys at affordable prices, they excel at designing body-safe products made of fine, silicone materials with modern construction and even created patented molds for their products. As a leader in their industry, they offer educational advice on sexual wellness and tips for intimate experiences.