Quick answer

Clean every toy before first use and after every use with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water, then dry completely before storing. Wash before and after each session, and store toys separately in a breathable pouch or case. Silicone, waterproof vibrators, and non-vibrating dildos follow the same basic routine, but check any motor or charging port for water exposure limits.

Why a consistent toy care routine matters

A simple routine protects your body and your investment. Body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone and 100% silicone are non-porous, which means they do not harbor bacteria the way porous materials can, but they still collect lubricant, bodily fluids, and dust. Cleaning removes residue that can irritate sensitive skin and keeps motors and surfaces working properly.

Storage matters just as much. Toys stored loose in a drawer can pick up lint, get scratched by keys or coins, or press against each other and damage silicone over time. A dedicated pouch or case keeps each item separate and ready to use.

How often to clean vibrators and dildos

Clean before first use, after every use, and before switching between partners or between vaginal and anal play. If you use a toy with a partner, wash it between uses on different bodies. For toys you use solo and store clean, a quick wash before each session is still a good habit because dust and storage residue can build up.

For waterproof toys, you can wash the full body under running water. For toys with a charging port or non-waterproof motor, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry immediately. Never submerge a toy unless the manufacturer states it is waterproof.

Choosing the right cleaner

Mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water work for most silicone toys. Avoid antibacterial soaps with harsh additives, scented body washes, and household cleaners, which can leave irritating residue on silicone. If you prefer a dedicated toy cleaner, choose one labeled safe for silicone and follow the instructions.

For silicone toy cleaning, never use silicone-based lubricant with silicone toys if you want to avoid surface degradation, and never boil or dishwasher-clean a toy unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is safe. Heat and harsh detergents can damage motors, coatings, and suction cups.

Your five-step toy care routine

  1. Step 1: Prep your cleaning station: Set out mild, fragrance-free soap, warm water, a clean towel, and a drying rack or clean cloth. Keep a dedicated small bin or tray for toys so they do not touch the sink or counter directly. Checkpoint: never use hot water or harsh cleaners, which can degrade silicone and irritate skin.
  2. Step 2: Wash each toy: Apply a small amount of soap to the toy and rub gently with your fingers or a soft cloth. For textured toys, work soap into ridges and crevices. For waterproof toys, rinse under running warm water. For non-waterproof toys, wipe with a damp soapy cloth and avoid submerging. Common mistake: forgetting the base, buttons, and charging port area, which collect residue too.
  3. Step 3: Rinse and check: Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains. Feel the surface for any slippery film, which means soap residue is still there. Pay attention to suction cup bases and any seams. Checkpoint: if the toy still feels slick after rinsing, wash and rinse again.
  4. Step 4: Dry completely: Pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel or let air dry on a clean rack. Make sure charging ports, battery compartments, and suction cup bases are fully dry before storage. Common mistake: storing a damp toy, which can encourage mold or damage electronics.
  5. Step 5: Store separately: Place each toy in its own pouch or compartment. Keep silicone toys away from other silicone toys if they might touch, and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Next step: label pouches or use a divided case so you can grab the right toy without digging.

Product facts to keep in mind

  • Spritz Vibrator: SPRITZ is a wand vibrator from the SODA line, available in pink. A wand shape has a broad head and often a textured surface, so use a soft cloth or your fingers to clean around any ridges, then dry the head thoroughly before storing.
  • Plump Compact Palm Vibrator: Plump is a palm-sized, egg-shaped vibrator with 10 vibration settings and medical-grade silicone, and it is waterproof. Because it is waterproof, you can rinse the full body under warm water, but still dry the charging area completely before putting it away.
  • Leel Non Vibrating Dildo - 6.6": Leel is a 6.6-inch non-vibrating dildo made of 100% silicone with a strong suction cup base. Non-vibrating silicone dildos have no motor or charging port, so they are the simplest to clean: wash with soap and water, dry, and store. The suction cup base can trap water, so dry it carefully.