How to Clean Sex Toys Properly (and How Often)

Quick answer: Clean every toy with warm water and mild unscented soap after every use. Non-porous toys (silicone, glass, steel) can handle deeper cleaning like boiling or the dishwasher. Porous toys (jelly, rubber, TPE) can’t undergo full sterilisation, so always use a condom on them as well.

Cleaning a sex toy isn't complicated but the method that actually works depends entirely on what the toy is made from. Using the wrong approach can either leave bacteria behind or damage the material itself.

This is the full guide. It covers every toy material, the right cleaning method for each, how often to clean, how to store toys safely, and what to do with motorised or electronic toys.

Step 1: Know your toy's material

Non-porous materials can be properly disinfected. Porous ones can’t. Microscopic gaps trap bacteria where soap and water can’t fully reach. That's always the first thing to check.

How to clean non-porous toys

After every use

1. Non-porous toys - silicone, glass, steel, and hard ABS plastic are the easiest to clean and keep hygienic. Here's the routine:

2. Rinse under warm running water straight after use

3. Apply a small amount of mild, unscented soap

4. Wash all surfaces including ridges, seams, and the base

5. Rinse thoroughly

6. Pat dry with a clean towel, then air dry fully before storing

Avoid fragranced soaps, alcohol-based antibacterial soaps, and harsh detergents as these can degrade silicone over time.

Deeper cleaning for non-porous toys

• 1. For non-motorised silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys, deeper cleaning options include:

• 2. Boiling - submerge in water for 3–5 minutes. Place a folded towel at the bottom of the pot. Cool fully before use.

• 3. Top rack of the dishwasher - no detergent. Non-motorised toys only.

• 4. 10% bleach solution - 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Apply briefly, then rinse extremely thoroughly.

Never boil or dishwash anything with a motor, battery, or charging port. Surface-clean only.

How to clean porous toys

Porous toys - jelly, rubber, TPE, and cyberskin can’t be fully sterilised. Cleaning reduces bacteria on the surface, but not inside the material itself.

The safest approach for porous toys:

• 1. Use a condom on the toy every time - solo or shared

• 2. Wash with warm water and mild unscented soap after each use

• 3. Dry fully before storing - damp storage speeds up bacterial growth

• 4. Inspect before each use for cracks, stickiness, or discolouration

If you notice those signs, replace the toy. Degraded porous materials can't be cleaned effectively and can cause irritation.

How to clean a vibrator or motorised toy

Only submerge a motorised toy if it's explicitly rated waterproof by the manufacturer. Otherwise:

• 1. Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and mild unscented soap

• 2. Keep water away from charging ports, battery compartments, and seams

• 3. Use a water-based toy cleaner spray for a quicker clean as most are safe across silicone, glass, steel, and hard ABS plastic

A sex toy cleaner spray is a practical option for motorised toys you can't submerge. They're widely available in Australia at adult wellness retailers.

How often should you clean your sex toys?

Storage tips

Store toys in a breathable pouch or their original packaging. Avoid sealed plastic bags as they trap moisture. Keep each toy separate to prevent materials reacting with each other, especially silicone toys stored together.

Always air dry your toy fully before storing. A damp toy stored away will develop bacterial growth between uses.

In this guide

• Should You Put a Condom on a Sex Toy? Yes - Here's When and Why

• No Condom? Safe Alternatives for Covering Sex Toys

• How to Clean Sex Toys Properly (and How Often)

FAQ

How do you clean a vibrator?

Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and mild unscented soap after every use. Only submerge if the manufacturer states it's waterproof. Keep water away from charging ports and seams. A toy cleaner spray is a good option for a quicker clean.

Can you clean sex toys with antibacterial soap?

Avoid alcohol-based antibacterial soaps since they can degrade silicone over time. Use mild, unscented soap instead.

How often should you clean sex toys?

Before and after every use without exceptions. This includes solo-use toys. New toys should be cleaned before first use. Toys stored for a while should be rinsed before use.

Can you boil silicone sex toys?

Yes, non-motorised, 100% silicone toys can be boiled for 3-5 minutes for a deeper clean. Place a folded towel at the bottom of the pot. Never boil anything with a motor, battery, or charging port. (Burnett Foundation Aotearoa)

What is the best sex toy cleaner in Australia?

Water-based toy cleaner sprays work across most materials like silicone, glass, steel, and hard ABS plastic. They're available at most adult wellness retailers in Australia. For non-motorised toys, warm soapy water is just as effective.

Can porous sex toys be fully cleaned?

No. Porous materials like jelly, rubber, TPE, and cyberskin harbour bacteria in microscopic gaps that soap and water can't reach. Always use a condom on porous toys, and replace them if they show signs of degradation.

What is proper sex toy hygiene?

Clean every toy before and after every use, air dry before storage, store in breathable pouches, use a condom on porous toys, and replace any toy showing stickiness, cracks, or discolouration.

Sources

• Burnett Foundation Aotearoa — Cleaning Your Sex Toys: https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/articles/sex/cleaning-your-toys/

• Women's Health Australia: https://womenshealth.com.au/how-to-properly-clean-your-sex-toys/

• Healthline — Safer Sex: https://www.healthline.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases/safe-sex