How to Clean and Care for Your Adult Toys
, by Paul Curran, 2 min reading time
Proper cleaning isn't just good hygiene — it extends the life of your toys, prevents infection, and keeps every experience safe. Here's the definitive guide to cleaning and caring for your adult toy collection.
Why Cleaning Your Toys Is Non-Negotiable
Adult toys come into contact with some of the most sensitive areas of your body. Bacteria, yeast, and viruses can linger on toy surfaces and cause infections if toys aren't cleaned properly — especially when sharing between partners or using across different body parts.
Cleaning by Material
How you clean a toy depends on what it's made of and whether it's motorised.
Medical-Grade Silicone (Non-Motorised)
The easiest to sterilise. You can:
- Boil for 3–5 minutes in water
- Run through the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent, no heated dry)
- Soak in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
- Wash with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap
Medical-Grade Silicone (Motorised / Rechargeable)
Do not submerge unless the toy is explicitly rated as waterproof. Instead:
- Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap
- Use a dedicated toy cleaner spray
- Pat dry and allow to air dry fully before storing
ABS Hard Plastic
- Wash with warm water and mild soap
- Wipe with a toy-safe antibacterial cleaner
- Do not boil or use bleach — it can damage the surface
Borosilicate Glass & Stainless Steel
These are the easiest to sterilise fully:
- Boil, dishwasher, bleach solution, or soap and water — all safe
- Inspect glass for chips or cracks before each use
Porous Materials (Jelly, PVC, Cyberskin)
These cannot be fully sterilised. If you own toys made from these materials, always use a condom over them, and replace them with body-safe alternatives when possible.
When to Clean Your Toys
- Before first use — always, even brand new out of the box
- After every use — don't leave it until later
- Before switching body parts or partners
- After storage if they've been sitting for a while
Toy Storage Tips
- Store toys in individual cloth pouches or their original packaging to prevent material degradation from contact with other toys
- Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Store silicone toys separately from other silicone toys (they can bond over time)
- Remove batteries from battery-operated toys before storing
- Ensure toys are completely dry before storing to prevent mould
Toy Cleaners: Do You Need One?
Dedicated toy cleaners are convenient — especially for travel or quick clean-ups between sessions. Look for pH-balanced, fragrance-free formulas. They won't replace a thorough soap-and-water clean for sterilisation purposes, but they're great for everyday maintenance.
Signs It's Time to Replace a Toy
- Visible cracks, chips, or peeling
- Persistent odour that doesn't wash out
- Change in texture or tackiness (common in degrading silicone blends)
- Malfunctioning motor or charging issues in vibrators
Investing in high-quality, body-safe toys means they'll last longer with proper care. Browse our full range at Adult Alley →