How To Clean & Care For Every Type Of Sex Toy, From Experts

Depending on the type of toy, these products are directly coming into contact with the skin of the vagina, penis, or anus—all sensitive-skin areas that are susceptible to infections—and many toys are actually inserted into the body, opening up the potential for introducing unwanted substances. Bacteria, dirt, sperm, and even the microscopic organisms responsible for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can all collect on the surface of a sex toy, says counselor and psychosexual health educator L.P. Watts, LCSW. So cleaning sex toys regularly is absolutely necessary. And once you know how to do it correctly, it's actually pretty easy. 

To find out what your sex toy is made of, go to the website of the sex toy company or look for the instruction booklet that came with your toy. 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. Otherwise, below is a catalog of all the most common materials used for sex toys and how to clean each of them.

Medical-grade silicone is nonporous, though other varieties may be porous. 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. If the silicone product is not motorized, it can also be placed in boiling water for a deeper clean.

Metals such as medical-grade stainless steel and gold are nonporous, as are borosilicate glass (aka Pyrex glass) and some other types of glass. For a regular wash, clean using a mild soap and warm water or a damp, soapy washcloth. If the product is labeled waterproof and is not motorized, you can boil underwater for three to four minutes to disinfect.

These materials are generally porous unless they're sealed in a specific way. 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.

Wood sex toys are often sealed with a medical-grade finish that makes them nonporous; however, always double-check with the specific manufacturer. 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. This keeps the material from becoming sticky or degrading quickly, Watts explains, but always check the instructions to verify this step. 

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPR), thermoplastic rubber (TPE), jelly rubber, and other plastics are all common materials used for sex toys, and they're all porous. Clean with warm water and mild soap. "To get into smaller areas and crevices, you may also want to use a toothbrush to help release any caught debris," White adds. All products should also be thoroughly dried with a clean towel before being stored.

PVC can be cleaned using a mild soap and water, similarly to the other materials. However, PVC—a material that is used to make plastics more flexible, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)—is a major source of phthalates. While more research is needed, the CDC says the group of chemicals may be harmful to human and reproductive health1.

Nylon can sometimes be used for sex products such as harnesses, impact toys, or wearable items. Durable nylon materials can be washed in the washing machine (as long as they aren't motorized) or hand-washed with mild detergent and warm water, then hung to dry.

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.

Notably, porous materials are inherently very hard to fully disinfect. "I'd probably recommend that people try not to use porous products internally if they're being used by others, given the difficulty in sanitizing them," functional medicine gynecologist Wendie Trubow, M.D., MBA, tells mbg. "External use should be fine of they're cleaned."

A few recommended brands and websites for buying cleansers: 

"Oftentimes, cleaning our products is the last thing we want to do—or think to do—and having a dedicated product just for this purpose can help to remind us that our products need special care and attention," White adds. 

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

Whether or not you want to use a condom with a sex toy is more of a personal choice than a professional recommendation, Watts says. However, here are a few situations where she says a condom may be warranted: 

People might also consider using condoms with porous sex toys since they are more likely to harbor bacteria than nonporous products. Additionally, "products like sleeves can degrade over time," White says. "If you see any tearing, it's best to replace the sleeve, and you can also additionally use a condom to ensure that there is less potential for bacteria to meet the product." 

Always keep them in a safe, hygienic place—that could be as simple as the box that your toys came in. Glass or Pyrex storage containers, as well as silk or satin bags, also work well. Some companies also make UV storage chambers that help to disinfect the toys after they've been cleaned, Watts explains.  

"Cleaning products can be a fun sensual ritual when you know what you're doing and a great way to extend the life of all of your favorite products," White says.