As a kid, you probably guarded your Polly Pocket dolls with your dear life, treated your Beanie Babies to a weekly bath, and always made sure your Furby had fresh batteries. Now that you're grown, your sex toys deserve the same TLC, particularly when it comes to keeping them clean.

Regularly cleaning your sex toys will keep the material and motors in shape, so that they last longer, says Claire Cavanah, co-founder of Babeland, a sex shop in New York City. Not to mention, your sex toys navigate sensitive terrain. While there's nothing "dirty" about genitals, bacteria can build up on your toys and spread, so it's essential to clean them regularly, she says. Check out out our MagicMen online adult shop page which has everything adult shop related that you might need..

If you're sharing sex toys, it's important to disinfect them, because there's a possibility that you could pass bodily fluids (and potentially an STI) to your partner via your toy. Cavanah says you might want to boil your toys to disinfect them if that's the case. Anything that's non-motorized and made of silicone, pyrex or stainless steel can be boiled for a few minutes, she says.

Nearly three years ago, I bought my first sex toy, and at the risk of sounding melodramatic, it kind of changed my life. It was a bullet vibrator, and the day I brought it home, I spent about two and a half hours having consecutive orgasms because of it. Ever since then, I've been a pretty big supporter of using sex toys. Sex toys can spice up sex between long-term partners, they're useful to make sure you get off during partnered sex, and they're also great for single people (like me) who are just too lazy to finger themselves. But if you're into using sex toys — whether you use them strictly when you're masturbating, or you use them during sex, too — you must learn how to clean your sex toys properly.

We all want to get down and dirty, but dirty is one thing your sex toys should never be. Bacterial infections and the spread of STDs is anything but sexy, but many may not know the proper steps to staying protected. So, let's talk about adult toy cleaners and how to keep our toys clean, and how to clean a vibrator, even when our minds are all about getting dirty. 

Most of us already know the importance of keeping our intimate toy collection sanitized. Hygiene can mean the difference between contracting an infection or staying healthy. But cleaning your vibrator, dildo or any of your adult toys, is not as simple as washing them in the sink with some detergent and hot water. There's a lot to consider when tackling sex toy hygiene: the material of your toy, whether it's got a motor, or twists, turns and crevices, and so forth.

 

A mind-blowing vibrator or toy can set you back quite a bit of money, so it's obviously important not to damage it with your cleaning regime. (And remember, having a better "O" can make you live longer!) Another thing to consider when choosing cleaning methods is whether you're using chemicals that are safe for your own body. After all, sex toys come in intimate contact with ourselves, and our partners – so we don't want to use cleaning agents, such as harsh chemicals, that we know they could do bodily damage. Check out out our Adult vibrator shop page which has everything adult shop related that you might need.

If you're overwhelmed by all the info out there on sex toy maintenance and hygiene, or you're not sure just exactly what your unique vibrator needs, then sit back and relax – because we've got your back.

In this article, we're going to cover the different options for cleaning your vibrator and discuss what bacteria and STDs you're really fighting against when you upkeep hygiene. Remember: knowing the risks is half the battle.

If some of these methods for cleaning your sex toys seem anything but sexy, and especially inaccessible when you just want to roll over in bed and fall right asleep, then don't worry. In essence, the tech world has answered our prayers, and we're going to introduce you to breakthrough toy cleaning technology that will save you time, and worry.

Lastly, for those of you with no time to waste, you can skip down to our TL;DR, handy-dandy list of the most commonly used vibrators, and how best to clean them.When you're revelling in post-climax bliss, how you're going to clean the sex toy that just sent you over the edge is probably the last thing on your mind. But it's actually a biggie.

"Cleaning your sex toys helps to prevent infections, as bacteria can linger if they aren't washed regularly," says Alexandra Fine, CEO and co-founder of Dame Products.

 

To ward off these infections, you should wash your sex toys regularly—as in every time you use them.

"When buying a toy, find out what it's made of since its material and the presence of a motor will determine how it's washed," says cleaning expert Jolie Kerr, author of My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag...and Other Things You Can't Ask Martha. "Usually, this info will be on the packaging, but if it's not, ask a sales associate or do a product search online," says Kerr.

 

Being an adult comes with many responsibilities, like paying your bills, tidying your home, and washing your dishes. It also means cleaning your sex toys, which is fortunately pretty easy as far as chores go.

I get it: Sex, whether solo or with a partner, is your time to let the stresses of daily life melt away. But if you want sex toys to be a part of that clear-your-mind time—and if you wish to those sex toys to have good life spans—you're going to have to clean them regularly and adequately. Plus, there's a chance that poor sex toy hygiene can actually cause infections; so, yes, safe solo sex is also a thing to consider. Here's the right way to clean those toys.

Why We Clean Our Sex Toys

All of these bacteria may sound scary, and trust us, they are. They are known for hanging out and breeding on un-properly cleaned toys, which could spell disaster for those who like to play dirty but keep things clean downstairs. These bacteria can cause both vaginal and anal health issues. If you're looking to have fun with your vibrator, without a painfully itchy or chafe drawback, then it's essential you thoroughly clean it immediately after use. Check out out our dildo shop page which has everything adult shop related that you might need.

These bacteria can grow on all sorts of toys, regardless of their shape, function, or material. Whether your vibe or dildo is made out of silicone, glass, plastic, or jelly rubber, these bacteria love to make a home out of it – no toy is exempt from collecting harmful bacteria.

 

A lot of us understandably just roll over and take a snooze after a fun session with a toy, and leave the clean-up for later. Unfortunately, moving your sex toy alone before cleaning it can result in the formation of a biofilm. That is, an ecosystem of bacteria over the entirety of the toy, especially in those hard to reach nooks and crannies – gross! This biofilm makes your toy even harder to clean between uses thoroughly and leaves you vulnerable to bacterial infection, even with common cleaning methods.

If you own them, you should know how to clean sex toys. But don't be so sure that soapy, hot water soak is rinsing away all the nasty bacteria and germs you left behind – especially if your toy(s) have a lot of grooves and crevices. So how do you clean your sex toys, you know, the right way?

But before I get to that, first things first. If you're looking to not only sanitize your vibes and dildos but keep them in pristine condition as well, then you'll need to know what they're made of. Knowledge of the materials used in your favourite toys and whether they're porous or non-porous is not only imperative for your own health, but for the longevity of your device as well.

So what do you do with your jelly dick(s)? I suggest throwing them out, as not even a condom can provide adequate protection from the harsh chemicals (like phthalates) it's loaded with. That being said, I'm also not one for policing what people do with their bodies, so if you find yourself too attached to the gadget to toss it, using it won't kill you. That said, not everybody knows that sex toys can encourage bacteria growth which leads to infections, and even transmit certain STIs – regardless of whether they're made of something porous or not.

P.S. if you're in the habit of sharing porous sex toys (or the squishy toys that are usually designed with an elastomer, TPR/TPE, PVC, jelly, rubber, vinyl or Cyberskin) you should be doing so with a condom. Since they're porous, they're nearly impossible to disinfect thoroughly. Which means if your toy has been exposed to harmful bacteria, there's still a risk that you could become infected even after you scrubbed it down.

 

In your post-orgasmic state, you might not feel like giving your toy a good scrub when you could just lay back and enjoy the afterglow. Fine, bask for a few minutes, but after that, it's time to do your post-playtime chore of cleaning your vibe, even if you're the only person using it. Here's the thing: While there is nothing "dirty" about self-pleasure or genitals, the fact is, according to health, the bacteria from bodily fluids that get left behind, if left to their own devices, can breed and grow. If this happens and you use your toy again, it can result in a future vaginal infection including bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. Not fun.

Keeping a tidy vibe is even more critical if you're sharing the toy with a partner. There is the potential of passing on an STI like Herpes or HPV if one partner has it and the other uses the shared sex toy that hasn't been cleaned.

How to clean sex toys the right way

Know What Material Your Toy Is Made Out Of

According to Women's Health, how you should clean your sex toy depends largely on what the toy is made of. Silicone sex toys are hard to beat, because they're pretty soft, non-porous, and generally not irritating to sensitive skin. You should be able to tell what your sex toy is made of just by checking out the box and the manual it came with, but if you've already lost or pitched those things, you can look your toy up online, too. As you do so, keep in mind that many sex toys (particularly the jelly rubber kind) can contain toxic materials, like phthalates.  Check out out our lube shop page which has everything adult shop related that you might need.

If your sex toy looks and feels like real skin, then it's probably made of Cyberskin. Since Cyberskin (also called "soft skin" or "ultra skin") is super porous, it's crucial only to use a little bit of mild soap and warm water to clean it. Additionally, if your toy is made of porous materials like Cyberskin, jelly rubber, or hard plastic, then getting it 100% clean isn't even possible, and you'll want to make sure to wrap it in a condom if you're sharing.

It's important to note that depending on the material of your toy, and it either is porous or non-porous. Porous toys, such as those made from plastics and jelly rubber, will more readily absorb bacteria, making them harder to clean. Alternatively, non-porous toys, such as those made from silicone, glass, or stainless steel, won't absorb bacteria past their surface.

 

For this reason, non-porous toys are usually safer to use, and more hygienic – but if your toy is porous, consider using a condom with it to help keep things clean, especially if you're sharing the toy with a partner (or partners!). If you're not sure what your toy is made of, check the packaging, or Google the product name. You absolutely must know the material of your toy in order to best effectively sanitize it.

Silicone, glass, stainless steel, or wood—and it's motorized: Use mild antibacterial soap you'd use on your body and a damp cloth to wipe the toy clean.

 

Silicone, pyrex, stainless steel, or stone—and it's not motorized: For a deeper clean, place it in boiling water for eight to 10 minutes, or run it through the dishwasher without soap (seriously, the hot steam will help sterilize it, says Kerr).

Cyberskin: Use a little bit of soap and warm water to clean it. Too much sudsing can damage the sensitive material.

Hard plastic, elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPR), or jelly rubber: These porous materials can still contain bacteria after washing with soap and water. So, use a condom if you're going to share with a partner, advises Kerr 

Is your toy made of elastomer or latex? These porous materials are more sensitive to temperature than non-porous toys, meaning they might get warped if they're exposed to too much heat. If your toy vibrates, wipe it down with a warm, damp, soapy washcloth. If it doesn't vibrate (or vibrates but is waterproof), run the toy under warm water and clean it with a soapy washcloth.

Is your elastomer toy specifically made of a skin-like blend? Do the same thing you'd do for the toys listed above, but don't expose it to too much soap. This can damage the material, leaving it without the nice skin-like texture it's known for.

Is your toy made of ABS plastic? Just like an elastomer or latex toy, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap if it vibrates, or wash it with water and mild soap if it doesn't. (Or if it vibrates but happens to be waterproof.)

Is your toy made of soda-lime glass? This kind of glass can be sensitive to temperature (which is part of why it can be so much fun during sexual play). Wash a soda-lime glass toy the same way you'd wash a latex or elastomer toy.

Is your toy made of borosilicate glass, silicone, or a metal? You can clean these toys using mild soap and warm water, or a damp, soapy washcloth, much like the toys above. As a bonus, if your borosilicate glass, silicone, or stainless steel toys don't vibrate, you can boil them for 3 to 4 minutes to fully disinfect them. Finn doesn't suggest boiling sex toys made of gold, since many of them are only gold-plated and may contain other materials. Also, though some people recommend you wash these toys in the dishwasher, Finn advises against it, because it can leave residue behind.

Borosilicate glass and stainless steel toys are the only ones safe for bleaching, Finn says, but you really don't have to take this extra step. Washing as directed above is absolutely enough. If you do decide to bleach a sex toy, though, you want a weak solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water, Finn says. Let the toy soak for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse it off thoroughly, then wash it with mild soap and water. Bleach is persona non grata for your vagina and related parts. You need to make sure there's not a trace left before using the toy.

 

No matter how you wash your toy, double-check that it's dry before storing it. "Porous or not, you don't want to have anything that could build mildew or mould, or make your toys smell weird," Finn says. Ensuring that your toy is fully dry also lessens the likelihood that any pathogens can cling on for dear life.

Make Sure You're Using Small Amounts Of Mild, Fragrance-Free Soap To Wash Your Toys

Truly a classic, and a pretty accessible form of sanitization for your toys, dumping dildos in the dishwasher can be a hassle-free way of getting them squeaky clean. Obviously, a lot of electronic toys, namely vibes and wands might not pull through an ordeal in a dishwasher, so it's important to check the fine print on your toys before throwing them in with your dishes.

 

Certain materials also don't do well in hot water and can melt or become malformed if subjected to a full machine wash cycle. Another bummer about cleaning toys in a dishwasher is how non-discrete it is if you're sharing a home with kids, or roommates.

It's very easy to 'set and forget' when it comes to the dishwasher. Unless you're watching it like a hawk as it goes through its final rinse cycle, it's very easy for an unsuspecting guest or family member to go in for a clean mug and come across your vibrator! This makes the dishwasher method less ideal for those with busy homes, forgetful minds, or frequent players who don't want to up their water bill by running the dishwasher all the time.

A no-brainer, hand washing your toys with warm water, and a gentle antibacterial soap (we recommend using either a hypoallergenic soap, or a sex-toy cleaner; guaranteed to not irritate your bits) is an accessible and easy way to clean your sex toys. Obviously, when dealing with non-waterproof vibrators, like the Magic Wand or Womanizer, you will want to forgo holding them under running water, or submerging them completely. Opt for using a damp cloth and a bit of soap instead.

Whilst this is the most accessible and easy way to clean your sex toys, there are some downsides. Hand washing isn't extensive, and for toys that can't be fully submerged in water, and have hard to reach crevices, bacteria and other nasties can generate in those missed places. Also, washing sex toys, or allowing them to soak, might not be super easy for those of us who share a house with nosey roommates, or even nosier family members. If you like to keep things private, washing your toys in a communal sink might not be ideal. But when it comes to using water and soap, we love how fast and easy this method is!

While alcohol and disinfectants are great at killing germs, they're also pretty harmful to both you, and your toys. Porous materials may melt, or become disfigured if doused in alcohol, and though you may rinse the alcohol off after cleaning, remnants of alcohol can wreak havoc on your most intimate body parts. It's safe to steer clear of alcohol or harsh disinfectants completely and opt for toy-friendly soaps, or other recommended cleaners. However, if you're cleaning intimate leather items, such as holsters, and whips, some watered down rubbing alcohol will do a good job of sanitizing them. Just make sure to follow up with mink oil, or another leather conditioner, to keep the leather from drying up or cracking.

Now that we're all on the same page about why washing your vibe after every use is so important, the question remains how to do it properly. The good news is, it's not very labour-intensive. If the vibe is made from a non-porous material like silicone, hard plastic, or metal, you can give it a quick scrub with antibacterial, non-irritating soap and cold water for about a minute and a half. However, if your vibe is made from a porous material like rubber, make sure to give it an extra detailed scrub in its nooks and crannies, including any that may have been created by wear and tear. Also, because vibrators made with porous materials are harder to disinfect, you may want to put a condom on it for future use, as Claire Cavanah, co-founder of Babeland, recommended to Refinery29.

It's also important to remember to be careful not to dunk or submerge any vibrator that is not waterproof, or you will damage the motor. That's an expensive mistake you'll only make once — or hopefully not at all.

"There are toy cleaners out there if you want to do the clean-up job from the comfort of your bed," says Fine. You'll want to focus on water-based cleaners. (Oil-based and silicone-based cleaners are no-nos since they're known to break down silicone, so steer clear of those to keep your fave intact.)

Woo-hoo, we made it to the good stuff! As I mentioned earlier in the piece, you can use a mild soap and hot water to clean most silicone, glass, stainless steel and wood accessories. But just dousing it in your choice of mild, fragrance-free soap and running it underwater isn't going to wash away bacteria, dust, lube or any other miscellaneous residues. The trick is to really lather up the soap before rinsing it off with hot water.

Additionally, it's really important to note that not all sex gizmos can be immersed in water. Motorized devices (like ones with batteries or an attached cord) and other non-waterproof toys can never be submerged, ever. So save yourself the heartbreak of unintentionally slaying a cherished friend, and keep these toys out of the water while you clean them. You can do this by grabbing a clean, damp washcloth, soaping it up and wiping down the toy. Or you could just invest in one of the many sprays or cleaning wipes designed for this very situation.

Store it safely for future playtime.

Once your vibrator is good and clean, make sure to dry it off thoroughly to avoid any mildew. Finally, you'll want to store it safely, so it's ready to go the next time you're in the mood for a little playtime. According to shape, it's best to keep your sex toy stored in a clean box or pouch to protect it from collecting dust. "Do your best to keep other objects — like your cell phone or clothes — away from it," they noted. "The less interaction it has with other germ-carrying things, the better."

See, it's not so hard after all! Trust me, it's totally worth taking just that little bit of effort to keep your vibrator clean. Your happy, healthy vagina will be oh-so-grateful.

Once your toy is squeaky clean, Kerr says to dry it off completely with a clean towel and store it in a case or silk bag to protect it from other bacteria-laden items.

If you didn't keep the box, case, or bag your toy came in, there are plenty of options you can shop for online. Just make sure it's something sealable, whether with a zipper, velcro, or a top. Something washable is an even better find to really keep the germs away.

 

Once it's closed in its case, store your toy wherever you choose—some popular spots include the nightstand, a bathroom cabinet, or underwear drawer. Just be sure to keep your vibrator away from areas that may have oils, powders, and perfumes around, Holly Richmond, PhD, a somatic psychologist and certified sex therapist previously told Women's Health.

 

This way, your vibrator won't pick up any irritants that can end up in your body, damage your device, or both.

Don't just toss them in your bedside drawer, where there's likely all kinds of dust and lint you don't want inside of you. Instead, you can keep your toys in the small bags or boxes they came in to protect them from the elements.

If you don't have this packaging—or if you just want to upgrade your situation—you can purchase a storage box, like the UVee from Clean Light Laboratories. The UVee is a box where you can safely store and charge compatible sex toys while exposing them to UV-C light. According to Dr. Leone, this light can kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other pathogens, though it should be used in addition to traditional cleaning methods, not in place of them. This is basically if you want to go the extra sex-toy-cleaning mile.

The UVee light costs $120-$180, which might be more than you're willing to spend on a glorified sex toy storage box. Fittingly, Dr. Streicher calls the UVee the "gift for the person who has everything."

If you don't have a toy's original packaging or the cash to drop on a UVee, Finn suggests purchasing a small plastic container or a small silk or satin bag. This may sound like a lot of care to undertake for an inanimate object, but doing so makes it more likely that you and your sex toys can have a long, happy life together.

This step may surprise you – hell, and you're probably surprised; it's even a step. But as it turns out, storing your vibrator lose in your bedside drawer isn't the greatest idea. Think about it: how often do you get in there and scrub that drawer? Probably never. So instead of just letting that bad boy freestyle in your nightstand, you can either keep it in its original packaging or get it its own robe.

How often you should be washing your sex toys

And finally, the question we should all know the answer to: "How often do my dildos need to be sanitized?" Ideally, before AND after each use. But we know just how spur of the moment passion can be, so if you only wash your toys after you use them, you'll probably live to see another orgasm.

 

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