Toy Care & Cleaning
Clear, practical guides to choosing, using and caring for sex toys, lubricants and accessories. Every guide is written to answer the questions shoppers actually ask, with no jargon and no judgement.
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Questions these guides answer
Can I clean sex toys with regular hand soap?
Yes, as long as it's mild and fragrance-free. Plain, unscented soap and warm water clean most toys well. Avoid antibacterial, heavily scented or moisturizing soaps, which can leave residue that irritates sensitive skin or degrades soft materials. Rinse thoroughly so no soap film is left behind, and dry the toy completely before storing it.
How often should I clean my sex toys?
Clean them after every use, ideally soon after so fluids and lube don't dry on. It's also a good idea to give toys a quick rinse before use if they've been in storage for a while, since dust and lint can settle on them. Toys used for anal play always need a thorough wash before any other use.
Can you put sex toys in the dishwasher?
Generally, no. Dishwasher detergents are harsh, and the heat can warp plastics, damage seals and ruin electronics. A few non-motorized silicone, glass or steel toys are labeled dishwasher-safe by their makers, but if the instructions don't explicitly say so, stick to warm water and mild soap or a dedicated toy cleaner instead.
Is it safe to boil silicone sex toys?
Boiling is a reliable way to sanitize 100% silicone toys that have no motor, battery or electronic parts. A few minutes in boiling water is enough, then let the toy cool on a clean towel. Never boil vibrators, ABS plastic or porous materials like TPE or jelly, and check the manufacturer's guidance first.
Why has my sex toy gone sticky?
Stickiness usually means the material is breaking down. It's common with porous materials like jelly or TPE, especially if they were stored touching other toys, kept somewhere warm, or used with an incompatible lube. Silicone lube can also make some silicone toys tacky. If washing doesn't fix it, it's time to replace the toy.
Can I use alcohol wipes to clean sex toys?
It's best not to. Alcohol can dry out, crack or degrade many toy materials, especially soft and porous ones, and any residue can irritate delicate tissue. Personal body wipes aren't designed for toys either. Warm water with mild, fragrance-free soap or a toy cleaner made for the purpose is the safer, gentler choice.