How to Clean Sex Toys - Guide for Basic & Deep Cleaning

To figure out how to clean your sex toys Identify your toy’s material. Sex toys come in many materials that affect cleaning: non-porous (silicone, glass, metal, hard plastic) vs. porous (jelly, rubber, latex, leather). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or packaging labels if available. If in doubt, you can often tell by feel: non-porous toys feel smooth and firm, while porous ones (like jelly) feel more spongey or textured. PlusOne products, for example, are made of body-safe, non-porous silicone and are 100% waterproof, so you can clean them thoroughly with water and soap.

Non-porous toys are easiest to sanitize. You can generally use warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Gently scrub the toy’s entire surface, including any grooves. For vibrators and other motorized toys, make sure they are fully waterproof (like all PlusOne toys) before immersing in water. Otherwise, wipe non-waterproof electronics with a damp cloth instead.

Sometimes your toys need more than just a quick rinse, especially after intense sessions, if you’ve been sharing, or you’re recovering from an infection. For non-electronic toys made of silicone, glass or stainless steel (think dildos, butt plugs or metal BDSM gear), boiling is one of the safest and most effective ways to sterilize them.

Here’s how to do that:
Bring a pot of water to a full rolling boil (212°F / 100°C), then gently place the toy in using tongs. To protect more delicate materials like glass, line the bottom of the pot with a soft towel. Let it boil for 3 to 5 minutes, then carefully remove and place on a clean towel to air-dry. Don’t rinse with cold water. Sudden temperature changes can damage or crack certain materials.

Don’t love the idea of boiling? For fully non-porous, waterproof toys (especially silicone or stainless steel), you can also pop them on the top rack of your dishwasher. Just skip the soap and run the sanitize cycle. That’s it!

Tip: You don’t need to boil or dishwash your toys every single time. For regular use, soap and water is more than enough, especially for smooth, body-safe silicone toys like the PlusOne products, which are waterproof and easy to rinse clean after each use.

Porous toys, made from jelly rubber, latex, nylon, leather or wood, are trickier to clean. To provide a complete guide on how to clean sex toys it's important to consider this. These materials have tiny holes that can trap bodily fluids and bacteria, making full sterilization impossible.

To clean them safely:

• Wash the surface gently with warm water and mild soap.
• Never soak leather, wood or nylon. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• For rubber or jelly toys, pat them dry completely and consider dusting with cornstarch to prevent stickiness.

Because porous toys are harder to sanitize, many people use condoms over them, especially if sharing or switching between vaginal and anal play. You’ll also want to replace these toys more often. And if you’re prone to irritation or have latex allergies, it’s best to avoid these materials altogether. PlusOne’s pleasure devices are a good alternative. They’re latex-free and hypoallergenic, so they’re safer for sensitive skin.

Every once in a while, like monthly, after an illness or before sharing, you’ll want to do a deeper clean. Here’s how:

• Boiling: As mentioned, 3 to 5 minutes in boiling water is great for non-electronic silicone, glass or steel.

• Dishwasher: Top rack, no soap, sanitize cycle. Make sure the toy is dishwasher-safe and non-porous.

• Bleach Solution: For a powerful disinfectant, dilute about 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Soak your non-porous, waterproof toy for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Only do this with toys that can handle it. Never use on porous or motorized items.

What to Avoid: Steer clear of harsh chemicals like isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or dishwasher soap, unless specifically approved by the toy maker. These can break down silicone or leave toxic residues.

Alcohol wipes can dry out silicone and cause irritation. Instead, stick to mild, toy-friendly options like those above. And rinse and dry your toy after cleaning. Even toy-friendly cleaners should be washed off before use. Let toys air dry completely (pat dry with a clean towel first) and check that no moisture remains in crevices. This prevents mold and keeps the toy’s surface in top shape.

Sharing toys can be fun, but be sure to take precautions against cross-contamination. If you’re using a toy with multiple partners or switching between genital areas, use a new condom over the toy each time. 

A condom acts as a barrier against bacteria, viruses and bodily fluids. For extra safety, clean the toy (or swap condoms) between uses. Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, it’s a good habit.

After anal play, a good clean is a must before any vaginal use. Consider dedicating certain toys to anal play only. Always clean a toy after any use and especially when sharing with others. For worry free sharing, you can also use a fresh wipe or mini-clean between uses.

By cleaning before, between and after use (and using barriers), you greatly reduce infection risk. Keep spare condoms, toy wipes and sanitizing spray in your collection. And of course if you or your partner have any infections or sensitivities, clean with extra care or wait until fully healed.

Some people are sensitive to certain toy materials or cleaning products. Body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone, stainless steel and glass are least likely to cause reactions. 

PlusOne toys are made from hypoallergenic silicone free of phthalates, BPA and latex, so they are a good choice if you have allergies. Avoid toys made of unknown jelly or porous materials if you have sensitive skin.

For cleaning, avoid antibacterial soaps or cleaners with fragrances. Instead use pH-balanced, fragrance-free products. You can also try very gentle, unscented baby shampoo or castile soap for cleaning. Always rinse toys thoroughly after cleaning.

After cleaning, monitor your skin after use. If you notice any redness, itching or burning, stop using the toy and see a doctor. If you think a product caused irritation, switch to a milder cleaner or material. In general water-based lubricants are safest: PlusOne recommends using water-based lube (not silicone lube) with silicone toys since silicone lube can degrade a silicone toy’s surface.

Proper storage keeps clean toys clean and in good shape. Always dry each toy completely before putting it away. Any moisture can cause mold or degrade the material. Use a clean, lint-free cloth or towel to pat them dry, then air-dry fully.

Store toys separately in individual pouches or compartments, so materials don’t react to each other. For example, store silicone toys away from jelly or rubber ones. Some soft materials can stick to each other over time. PlusOne’s recommendation is to store each toy in its own storage bag or box to prevent damage. Many toys come with a satin or cotton pouch. Reuse that, or use breathable cloth bags.

Store toys in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Don’t store in bathrooms or damp areas. Heat and moisture can weaken materials or allow bacteria to grow. If you have many toys, label the storage (in the box or bag), so you know which is which. For rechargeable devices like the PlusOne bullet, disconnect the charger and leave the toy at room temperature when not in use. And remember: don’t store toys with batteries still inside (they can corrode over time).

In short, treat clean toys like clean laundry. Store them separately, dry, and in good conditions. When you next grab a toy, it’ll be ready for immediate, worry-free use.

• Using harsh chemicals (bleach/alcohol): Bleach or alcohol will kill germs but hurt the toy’s surface and your skin. For example, bleach can cloud clear plastics and alcohol can dry out silicone. Stick to toy safe cleaners or mild soap.

• Not pre-cleaning before use: Even brand new or unused toys can collect dust and lint. Always give a quick clean before first use. Anything that’s been sitting out (or unwrapped) can introduce impurities.

• Soaking non-waterproof toys: Never submerge toys that aren’t fully waterproof. Water in electronic or open parts can ruin the toy. If in doubt, clean non-waterproof or battery toys with a lightly dampened cloth.

• Using the wrong lube: Certain lube can ruin sex toys. For example silicone based lube can break down a silicone toy over time. Always match lube to toy: use water based lube with silicone or jelly toys to keep them safe and intact.

• Leaving toys damp or dirty: Storing a wet or dirty toy is a quick way to grow bacteria or mold. If you can’t dry it, fully lay it out on a clean towel or paper towel. Don’t store a toy after use without cleaning it, even a quick wipe is better than nothing.

• Mixing materials: Some toys should never touch each other in storage. For example jelly or PVC toys can melt if they touch silicone. Use individual bags. Also avoid microfiber cloths or dirty towels for storage (lint and debris).

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll keep your toys safer and longer. When in doubt refer to the manufacturer’s instructions (many are online) and err on the side of gentle.

Cleaning sex toys is easy to keep yourself and your devices healthy. By knowing your toy’s material and following best cleaning practices (from gentle soap washes to occasional boiling or disinfecting) you can get rid of germs and infections. PlusOne makes it even easier with 100% waterproof silicone products and convenient cleaners. 

Remember: clean before and after each use, use the right products for the material and dry your toys thoroughly before storing. These habits will keep your toys in great shape and you and your partners safe.