Quick answer

Clean every toy right after use with a mild, fragrance-free soap or a dedicated toy cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storing it in a breathable pouch or box away from heat and direct sunlight. For silicone toys, stick to water-based or hybrid lubricants, and never boil or dishwash a toy unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is safe.

Match the cleaning method to the material

Not all toys tolerate the same care. Non-porous materials like medical-grade silicone, glass, and stainless steel can usually be washed with mild soap and warm water, and some can be boiled or wiped with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution if the maker allows it. Porous materials such as TPE, TPR, jelly, and realistic skin blends trap moisture and bacteria more easily, so they need a gentler, more frequent clean and should never be boiled. Motorized toys, no matter the material, must keep water away from the battery compartment and charging port unless they are explicitly waterproof. If a product page does not list the material or waterproof rating, treat the toy as porous and splash-resistant until you can confirm otherwise.

Choose between toy cleaner and soap

A dedicated toy cleaner is convenient because it is formulated to be residue-free and safe for most materials, and it often does not need rinsing. Mild, unscented, antibacterial-free hand soap works just as well for non-porous toys and costs less, but it must be rinsed off completely. Avoid harsh bar soaps, dish detergents, scented body washes, and anything containing alcohol or essential oils on silicone, TPE, or rubber, because they can degrade the surface, cause micro-tears, and leave irritating residue. Whichever you pick, the mechanical action of rubbing with your fingers or a soft cloth matters more than the product itself.

Dry, store, and rotate your toys

Moisture is the main enemy of toy longevity. After washing, pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free towel and let it air-dry completely before putting it away. Store toys individually in cotton pouches, satin bags, or a dedicated toy box with a breathable lid; silicone toys can react with each other and with TPE or jelly toys, causing them to become tacky or melt, so keep different materials separated. Keep the storage spot cool, dark, and out of reach of pets and children. If you use batteries, remove them before long-term storage to prevent corrosion, and check rechargeable toys every few months so the battery does not fully drain.

Your step-by-step toy care routine

  1. Step 1: Read the manufacturer's care instructions first: Check the material, waterproof rating, and any cleaning restrictions before the toy touches water. Common mistake: assuming every silicone toy is boilable or dishwasher-safe when some have motors or coatings that cannot take heat. Checkpoint: if the instructions are missing, treat the toy as porous and hand-wash only.
  2. Step 2: Clean immediately after every use: Wash with mild unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner and warm water, rubbing all surfaces including ridges and bases for at least 20 seconds. Common mistake: letting toys sit dirty overnight, which lets bacteria and mold settle into crevices. Checkpoint: no visible lubricant or body fluid should remain after rinsing.
  3. Step 3: Rinse and dry completely: Rinse off all soap residue, then pat dry with a clean lint-free towel and air-dry before storage. Common mistake: putting a damp toy into a sealed bag, which traps moisture and encourages mildew. Checkpoint: the toy should feel completely dry, including any seams or button recesses.
  4. Step 4: Store separately by material: Place each toy in its own breathable pouch or compartment, keeping silicone away from TPE, jelly, and other silicone toys. Common mistake: tossing everything into one bin, which can cause material reactions and surface damage. Checkpoint: no toys should be touching each other directly in storage.
  5. Step 5: Do a monthly condition check: Inspect toys for tackiness, cracks, discoloration, or battery corrosion, and remove batteries from toys you are not using. Common mistake: ignoring small surface changes until the toy becomes unusable or unsafe. Next step: replace any toy with deep cracks or persistent odor, since those areas cannot be fully cleaned.

Products that support a clean routine

  • Pro Water Works System - Advanced Shower Douche: Pro Water Works System - Advanced Shower Douche is a 6-piece shower douche system designed for anal cleanliness before play. If your routine includes anal toys or anal sex, cleaning the body beforehand reduces mess and lets you focus on the toy care steps above without interruption.
  • Wicked Simply Hybrid Jelle Lubricant 4 oz (120 mL): Wicked Simply Hybrid Jelle Lubricant is a thick hybrid formula free from propylene glycol, glycerin, parabens, and de-sensitizers, and it is described as great for anal play. A hybrid lubricant gives you the glide of silicone with the easy cleanup of water-based, so it rinses off toys more readily than pure silicone and helps you avoid sticky residue that can trap bacteria.
  • Good Head Oral Delight Gel - Cherry 4 oz (113g): Good Head Oral Delight Gel - Cherry is a water-based, non-sticky flavored gel with no parabens or sugar, made for oral sex. Because it is water-based and sugar-free, it rinses off skin and toys without leaving a film that could encourage microbial growth, making it a better choice than sugary flavored products if you want to keep your toy care simple.