With proper care, sex toys can provide years of safe and satisfying use. The most important step in maintaining them is cleaning your toys before and after each use. This guide will walk you through general cleaning practices, how to care for specific toy types, and how to handle different materials.
There are two main cleaning methods:
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Warm Soapy Water
Wash the toy with mild, body-safe antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth.-
Not ideal for toys with motors, batteries, or textured surfaces.
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Only use this method if the toy is waterproof.
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Sex Toy Cleaners (Recommended)
Specially formulated to eliminate bacteria, odors, and residue without harming the toy or irritating sensitive skin.-
Just spray, wipe with a damp cloth, then dry.
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Safe for all materials and quick to use.
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Always follow the cleaner’s specific instructions.
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Special Cleaning Instructions by Toy Type
1. Anal Toys
Due to higher exposure to bacteria, anal toys require extra care:
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Always clean before and after use, even if the toy looks clean.
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Use antibacterial toy cleaner or hot water with antibacterial soap.
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Scrub thoroughly, especially around crevices.
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Never leave dirty toys lying around; clean immediately after use.
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Tip: Use a condom over the toy to simplify cleanup.
2. Masturbators & Strokers
These toys often have tight tunnels that can trap fluids and bacteria:
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Flush the interior with running water before washing.
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Clean inside and out using toy cleaner or soapy water.
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Let the toy dry completely before storage.
3. Realistic Toys (e.g., Cyberskin, UR3, PureSkin)
Designed to feel like real skin, these require gentle handling:
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Clean as normal, then allow to air dry fully.
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Apply renewal powder (or cornstarch as a backup) to preserve texture.
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Store in a sealed plastic bag with a small amount of powder.
4. Vibrators (Battery or Rechargeable)
Care must be taken to avoid damaging electrical components:
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Never submerge unless the toy is waterproof.
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Keep water away from battery compartments or charging ports.
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Remotes are usually not waterproof, clean with a damp cloth only.
Cleaning by Material Type
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Silicone / Glass / Stainless Steel (Non-Porous):
Easy to clean and sanitize. Can even be boiled (if no electronics). -
TPE / TPR / Jelly / Rubber (Porous):
More delicate; use mild facial soap or toy cleaner only. Dry thoroughly to avoid mold or mildew. -
ABS Plastic:
Use mild dish soap or toy cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals. -
Realistic "Skin-Like" Materials:
See above – dry thoroughly and use powder to preserve texture.
Note: Always check your toy’s manual or packaging for manufacturer-specific cleaning tips.
Final Tips
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Use lint-free cloths to avoid fuzz and debris.
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Store toys in clean, dry pouches to protect them from dust and contamination.
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Never share toys unless thoroughly sanitized or used with condoms.