How to Clean Sex Toys: The Complete Hygiene Guide

Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be real — most of us are great at buying new toys but not so great at looking after them. If you’ve ever tossed a vibrator back in a drawer without a second thought, you’re not alone. But knowing how to clean sex toys properly isn’t just about being tidy — it’s about protecting your body, extending the life of your toys, and getting the best experience every single time you use them.

Bacteria, body fluids, and lubricant residue can all build up on your toys between uses. Without proper cleaning, this can lead to irritation, infections, and even damage to the toy itself. The good news? Cleaning your toys is quick and easy once you know the basics. This guide covers everything — from silicone vibrators to glass plugs to TPE masturbators — so you can keep your collection in perfect condition.

How to Clean Sex Toys by Material

The most important thing to understand is that different materials require different care. What works perfectly for a silicone vibrator could ruin a TPE sleeve. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials and how to clean each one.

Silicone, Stainless Steel, and Glass: The Easy Ones

These are non-porous materials, meaning bacteria can’t penetrate the surface. That makes them the easiest to clean and the most hygienic toys you can own.

• Wash with warm water and mild soap after every use
• For a deeper clean, non-motorised silicone, steel, and glass toys can be boiled for 3-5 minutes or run through the top rack of a dishwasher (no detergent)
• For motorised toys (anything with a motor or battery), stick to soap and water — never submerge the charging port
• A dedicated toy cleaner spray is the fastest option for a quick, thorough clean

A premium silicone toy like the LELO Soraya vågvibrator is a perfect example of how good materials pay for themselves. Medical-grade silicone is completely non-porous, body-safe, and incredibly easy to maintain — a quick wash after use is all it takes.

Glass toys are another hygiene winner. The Nebula Series Glass Anal Plug is made from borosilicate glass — the same material used in lab equipment. You can boil it, bleach it, or simply wash it with soap and water. Glass is virtually indestructible when it comes to cleaning, and it never retains odours or stains.

TPE and Cyberskin: The High-Maintenance Ones

Materials like TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and Cyberskin are porous, meaning they have tiny surface pores that can trap bacteria. They require more careful and consistent cleaning. This is especially important for masturbator sleeves like Fleshlights.

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water after every use — turn the sleeve inside out if possible
• Never use soap on TPE — it can break down the material over time
• Use a dedicated toy cleaner designed for porous materials
• After washing, pat dry completely with a lint-free cloth and let it air dry before storing
• Apply renewing powder (cornstarch-based) periodically to keep the material feeling soft and prevent it from becoming sticky

If you own a Fleshlight like the Fleshlight Girls Kendra Sunderland, proper cleaning is non-negotiable. The SuperSkin material feels incredibly realistic, but it needs dedicated care. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water after every single session, spray with toy cleaner, and let it dry completely before putting the case back on.

The Best Way to Clean Sex Toys: A Dedicated Toy Cleaner

While soap and water work fine for non-porous toys, a dedicated toy cleaner is the safest option across all materials. Toy cleaners are specifically formulated to be body-safe, antibacterial, and gentle on delicate toy surfaces.

Den Fleshlight Wash Toy Cleaner is our top recommendation. Despite the Fleshlight branding, it works brilliantly on all toy materials — silicone, glass, metal, TPE, and more. Just spray it on, let it sit for a few seconds, and rinse or wipe off. It’s fast, effective, and specifically designed not to damage sensitive materials.

Cleaning Tips for Anal Toys

Anal toys deserve extra attention when it comes to hygiene. The number one rule: always clean anal toys separately from toys used vaginally, and clean them before and after every use.

• Wash with warm water and toy cleaner before and after use
• If the toy is non-porous (silicone, glass, steel), consider boiling it periodically for complete sterilisation
• Never share anal toys between partners without cleaning in between — or use a condom over the toy
• Pay attention to textured areas and crevices where residue can hide

A set like the Addicted Toys Silicone Anal Plug Set is a great choice for easy maintenance. The smooth silicone surface wipes clean effortlessly, and the graduated sizes mean you can progress at your own pace while keeping hygiene simple.

How to Store Your Toys After Cleaning

Cleaning is only half the equation — proper storage keeps your toys hygienic between uses. Here are the golden rules:

1. Always store toys completely dry — moisture breeds bacteria and can damage motors
2. Keep each toy in its own bag or pouch — different materials can react with each other when touching (especially silicone-on-silicone)
3. Use the original storage case if the toy came with one — brands like LELO and Fleshlight include cases for a reason
4. Avoid plastic bags — they trap moisture. Use breathable fabric pouches instead
5. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can degrade certain materials over time

Lubricant and Cleaning: What You Should Know

The lubricant you use directly affects how easy your toys are to clean. Water-based lubricants are the safest universal choice — they’re compatible with every toy material and wash off effortlessly with water.

Silicone-based lubes should never be used with silicone toys, as they can degrade the surface. Oil-based lubes are difficult to clean off and can damage TPE materials. Stick with a quality water-based option like the Fleshlight Fleshlube Water-Based Lube and you’ll never have a compatibility issue.

Quick-Reference Cleaning Cheat Sheet

• Silicone (motorised): Warm water + toy cleaner or mild soap. Don’t submerge.
• Silicone (non-motorised): Boil, dishwasher, or soap and water.
• Glass and steel: Boil, dishwasher, bleach solution, or soap and water.
• TPE / Cyberskin / SuperSkin: Warm water + toy cleaner only. No soap. Dry completely. Powder periodically.
• Hard plastic / ABS: Warm water + mild soap or toy cleaner.

Take Care of Your Toys, and They’ll Take Care of You

Lärande how to clean sex toys properly is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your health and get more out of your collection. It takes less than a minute per toy, and the payoff — in terms of hygiene, longevity, and peace of mind — is well worth it.

Ready to stock up on everything you need? Browse our accessories collection for toy cleaners and lubricants, or explore our full range of body-safe toys in the women’s, men’s, och couples’ categories. And if you have any questions about toy care, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.