Why Cleaning Matters by Material
Knowing how to clean sex toys correctly starts with understanding that the right method is entirely dependent on what the toy is made of. Boiling a TPE masturbator damages it. Running a silicone plug through the dishwasher is perfectly fine. Spraying bleach solution on a steel cock ring is effective sterilisation. The same spray on a glass dildo is safe; on a vibrating silicone toy with a charging port, it is a bad idea. Material determines method.
Silicone: The Most Forgiving Material
Silicone is non-porous, which means it does not harbour bacteria in the material itself. Cleaning silicone is straightforward:
Non-motorised silicone toys (butt plugs, dildos, solid cock rings): rinse with warm water, wash with mild soap, rinse again. For full sterilisation: boil for 3-5 minutes, or run through the dishwasher top shelf without detergent. Allow to dry fully before storage.
Motorised silicone toys (vibrating plugs, vibrating cock rings): do NOT boil or dishwasher. Check the IP waterproof rating. For toys rated IPX4 or higher, rinse under warm running water with a small amount of soap. For toys not rated waterproof, wipe down with a damp cloth and toy-safe antibacterial spray.
TPE: Porous Material, Higher Maintenance
TPE is porous, which means it cannot be fully sterilised. Every cleaning removes surface contamination but cannot address bacteria inside the material structure. This is a real limitation, not a minor caveat.
How to clean TPE: warm water and mild unscented soap. Rinse thoroughly, paying attention to any ridges, channels, or tight internal textures. Squeeze excess water out gently and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Allow to air-dry completely in a ventilated space. Do NOT boil. Do NOT put in the dishwasher. Do NOT use bleach solutions.
Once completely dry, some TPE toys benefit from a light dusting of cornstarch or toy renewal powder to prevent the surface from becoming tacky.
Replace TPE toys when they begin to change texture, develop a persistent smell after cleaning, or become sticky. These are signs the material is degrading.
Metal: Fully Sterilisable
Stainless steel and aluminium toys are non-porous and chemically stable. Clean with warm soapy water, dry immediately to prevent water spots. For full sterilisation: boil for 5 minutes, or wipe down with isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration). Metal ball stretchers and sounds can be boiled between every use without any degradation.
Store dry. Moisture on steel over time can cause surface discolouration, though this does not affect function.
Glass: Simple and Sterilisable
Borosilicate glass is non-porous and sterilisable the same way as silicone: warm soapy water for routine cleaning, boiling or dishwasher for sterilisation. Handle carefully during and after boiling as thermal shock from rapid temperature change can stress glass (allow to cool gradually in the water rather than running cold water over hot glass immediately).
Store glass toys in a padded pouch or wrapped in a cloth to protect against chips. A chipped glass toy should be retired.
Cleaning After Anal Use
For any toy used anally, clean immediately after use before anything has a chance to dry. Rinsing first under running water removes the bulk of material before soap is applied. For closed-end masturbators or toys with complex channels used anally, a soft brush or shower attachment helps reach inside.
For toys shared between partners, a condom on the toy is the simplest approach. This does not replace cleaning between uses, but it significantly reduces cross-contamination.
Storage Basics
Store toys away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep silicone toys away from other silicone toys if possible, as sustained contact can cause surface bonding over time. Keep TPE away from silicone. Individual pouches or the original packaging work well for most toys.
Motorised toys with rechargeable batteries: charge to around 50% before storing for extended periods, and do not leave on the charger indefinitely.
Related guides: Sex Toy Materials Guide: Silicone, TPE, Metal, Glass and More • Safe Anal Sex: A Practical Guide for Gay MenSex Toy Materials Guide: Silicone TPE, Metal, Glass and More
Shop the range: silicone toys