Cleaning your sex toys after each use (and sometimes before) is recommended for overall health and safety.

It may not be the sexiest part of using them, but it is definitely necessary.

So cleaning sex toys regularly is absolutely necessary.

Abby Moore

And once you know how to do it correctly, it’s actually pretty easy.

Where to start: Find out what your sex toy is made of.

Nonporous materials generally include silicone, metal, and glass and are typically easier to clean thoroughly.

Wendie Trubow, M.D., MBA

Many products will also come with specific instructions on how to clean your toy.

In general, follow the steps given by the company for that specific product.

Double-check the manufacturer’s website if you’re unsure.

For nonporous silicone, clean using a mild soap and warm water or a damp, soapy washcloth.

“If there are removable parts, be sure to wash those separately,” White says.

For a regular wash, clean using a mild soap and warm water or a damp, soapy washcloth.

Clean using a mild soap and warm water or a damp, soapy washcloth.

Crystal and non-Pyrex glass are also more delicate to heat and should not be placed in boiling water.

Clean using a mild soap and warm water or a damp, soapy washcloth.

Think about cleaning a wooden cutting board.

Both cyberskin and vinyl are porous.

After they’re washed, both cyberskin and vinyl may need a dusting of cornstarch.

Clean with warm water and mild soap.

All products should also be thoroughly dried with a clean towel before being stored.

Leather

Leather is also often used for products like harnesses, impact toys, and wearable items.

Leather is an extremely porous material and can be difficult to clean.

Using a damp, soapy washcloth, wipe down the material thoroughly and leave it out to air dry.

Be sure to clean every nook and cranny, including the stitching.

Sex toy cleaning FAQs:

How often do sex toys need a deep clean?

For further precaution, you may also want to clean them before each use.

To disinfect heatproof, waterproof, and nonmotorized materials, boil them in water.

To disinfect any other materials, consider using a purpose-made sex toy disinfectant (more on that below).

Notably, porous materials are inherently very hard to fully disinfect.

“External use should be fine of they’re cleaned.”

What about purpose-made sex toy cleaners?

According to Watts, there are plenty of cruelty-free, paraben-free products for cleaning sex toys and products.

“You want to select from a thoughtfully curated collection of products,” she says.

What about wipes?

Can I put my sex toy in the dishwasher?

“I would not recommend putting your sexual pleasure machine in the dishwasher.

They are incredibly durable and will do just fine in the dishwasher.”

Just be sure to warn your roommates if you have any.

Should you use condoms with sex toys?

Additionally, “products like sleeves can degrade over time,” White says.

How should you store sex toys?

Properly storing your sex toys is just as important as properly cleaning them.

“Treat your toys with the respect you would treat your retainer,” Watts says.

“You wouldn’t just throw your retainer or your toothbrush in your makeup bag.”

Glass or Pyrex storage containers, as well as silk or satin bags, also work well.

Common mistakes.

The bottom line.

Sex toys can quickly turn from pleasure to pain if they’re not properly cleaned and stored.