How to Clean Sex Toys the Right Way

( how to clean sex toys Safe, simple, science-based — the SlayTease way)

When you keep your personal wellness devices clean, they last longer, feel better, and keep your body safe. This guide gives you clear, material-specific steps for everyday cleaning and deeper disinfection — plus the big do’s and don’ts most people miss.

At a Glance: What “Clean” Actually Means

• Clean = remove visible residue (soap + water).
• Sanitize = reduce germs to safer levels (good everyday goal).
• Disinfect/Sterilize = kill most/all microbes (for non-porous, non-electronic items when needed: post-illness, sharing, anal-to-vaginal switch).

Golden rule: Non-porous materials (100% silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, ABS) can be fully disinfected. Porous materials (TPE/TPR, elastomers, jelly rubber, some “silicone blends”) cannot be reliably sterilized — clean thoroughly and use barriers (condoms) if sharing.

Your Quick-Clean Kit

• Mild, unscented liquid soap (no moisturizers, no triclosan)
• Warm water
• Soft cloth or dedicated soft brush
• 70% isopropyl alcohol (for non-porous, non-electronic parts only)
• Optional: dedicated toy cleaner (nice to have, not required)
• Clean, breathable storage pouch (cotton/microfiber)

Universal Steps: Everyday Clean (Most Devices)

1. Power off & unplug. Remove batteries/attachments where possible.
2. Rinse the surface with warm water (skip rinsing if the item isn’t water-resistant).
3. Wash with a pea-sized amount of mild, unscented soap. Use fingers/soft cloth to reach grooves.
4. Mind the ports. Keep water away from charging jacks, seams, and buttons on non-waterproof items — use a damp cloth instead.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
6. Air-dry completely (lint-free area).
7. Store separately from other materials in a breathable pouch.

When to Disinfect (Not Every Time)

• After illness or if there’s blood/visible bodily fluids
• If sharing with a partner (or switching anal → vaginal use)
• Before first use or after long storage
• When the device accidentally contacts unclean surfaces

Safe Disinfect Options (Choose One — for Non-Porous, Non-Electronic Items)

• Boil 3 minutes (100% silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass).
• 10% unscented bleach solution (1 part household bleach : 9 parts water). Soak ≤10 minutes, rinse extremely well, and air-dry.
• 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe-down. Keep wet for 30 seconds+, then rinse and dry.

Material-by-Material: Exactly What to Do

1) 100% Silicone (Non-Electronic)

• Clean: Warm water + mild soap; rinse well.
• Disinfect: Boil 3 minutes or 10% bleach or 70% alcohol.
• Lube note: Use water-based lube (many silicone lubes can bond and cloud).

2) Silicone Vibrators / Motorized Devices

• Clean: Damp-cloth wash with mild soap. Avoid submersion unless rated IPX7+ waterproof.
• Disinfect: Surface with 70% alcohol wipe; avoid liquid ingress.
• Dry: Tip device so water runs away from ports.

3) Stainless Steel & Borosilicate Glass

• Clean: Soap + warm water; check for chips/micro-cracks (glass).
• Disinfect: Boil 3 minutes, 10% bleach, or 70% alcohol.
• Note: If cracked/chipped, retire it.

4) ABS Plastic, Hard Acrylic

• Clean: Soap + warm water.
• Disinfect: 70% alcohol wipe; avoid soaking.
• Avoid: Boiling/bleach—can stress plastics or cloud finishes.

5) TPE/TPR, “Jelly,” Elastomers (e.g., many masturbator sleeves)

• Clean: Rinse inside & out, soap wash, rinse until squeaky; air-dry fully.
• Finish: Light dusting of cornstarch (not talc) to maintain feel.
• Disinfect: Cannot fully sterilize. Do not use alcohol/bleach (can crack/weaken).
• Sharing: Use barriers (condoms) and consider non-porous alternatives long-term.

6) Pumps, Suction Devices & Air-Pulse Toys

• Clean: Detach removable heads/caps; wash those parts with soap + warm water.
• Body/Handle: Wipe with a damp cloth; keep water away from valves and motors.
• Disinfect: Only removable non-porous tips can be boiled/bleached; motor housing = wipe-only.

7) Pelvic-Floor Trainers, Kegel Weights, Menstrual Cups

• Clean: Soap + warm water before/after use.
• Disinfect (non-electronic, silicone or medical-grade materials): Boil 3 minutes between cycles or after illness.
• Strings/Cords: Rinse thoroughly; avoid fraying.

Drying & Storage (Where Most People Slip Up)

• Air-dry completely — moisture invites odor and microbes.
• Separate materials (don’t let silicone rest on TPE/TPR).
• Cool, dark, dry spot — avoid direct sun and extreme heat.
• Breathable pouch — cotton or microfiber; skip airtight plastic bags.
• Traveling? Pack a few alcohol wipes and a spare pouch; clean again after you get home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submerging non-waterproof electronics (even for “just a second”).
• Using harsh cleaners (acetone, ammonia, scented soaps, peroxide on porous materials).
• Dishwasher “hack.” Detergents + heat can damage finishes and gaskets; boiling is safer for non-electronic, non-porous items.
• Mixing bleach with anything except water (never with ammonia or acids).
• Storing while damp or touching other materials.
• Switching anal → vaginal without disinfecting or changing a barrier.

Quick Troubleshooting

• Lingering smell (non-porous): Wash → 70% alcohol wipe → rinse → air-dry in open air 24h.
• Cloudy silicone after silicone lube: Wash with mild soap repeatedly; switch to water-based lube going forward.
• Sticky TPE sleeve: Wash, dry fully, then dust with cornstarch.
• Black spots/mold (porous item): Discard and replace.

Safety & Sharing

• For partners or toy-sharing, use condoms/dental dams — especially on porous items or when switching body sites.
• Sensitive skin? Choose unscented soap, rinse longer, and patch-test on your forearm first.
• Irritation or recurrent infections? Pause use and consult a clinician.

FAQ