Quick Answer
Clean your silicone toys with mild soap and warm water after every use, dry them completely, and store them separately in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and other toys. This simple routine prevents damage and keeps your toys safe for years.
Why Cleaning and Storage Matter
Silicone is a non-porous material, which means it doesn't harbor bacteria like porous materials can. However, that doesn't mean you can skip cleaning. Body fluids, lubricants, and dust can accumulate on the surface, and if left uncleaned, they can degrade the material over time or cause irritation on your next use.
Proper storage is just as important. Silicone toys left touching each other can react and cause surface damage, especially if they're different firmnesses. Direct sunlight and high temperatures can also break down silicone, so a cool, dark place is ideal.
Choosing the Right Cleaner
The safest and most affordable option is plain mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, or acetone, which can damage silicone. If you prefer a dedicated toy cleaner, look for one that's specifically formulated for silicone and free of fragrances or dyes that could cause irritation.
For toys with intricate textures like ridges or teeth, a soft-bristled brush can help get into crevices. Just make sure the brush is clean and reserved for toy care only.
Drying and Storage Best Practices
After washing, pat your toy dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or let it air dry completely on a clean surface. Any remaining moisture can encourage mold growth, especially in textured areas.
Store each toy separately. You can use individual cotton bags, or simply place them in separate drawers or containers. Avoid storing them in airtight plastic bags, as trapped moisture can be a problem. If you have toys of different firmnesses, keep them apart to prevent surface transfer.
Step-by-Step Cleaning and Storage Routine
- Rinse with warm water: Hold the toy under warm running water to remove surface debris. Do not use hot water, as it can damage silicone over time. Checkpoint: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to protect the material.
- Wash with mild soap: Apply a small amount of mild, unscented soap to your hands or a soft cloth, and gently wash the entire surface. Pay extra attention to textured areas. Avoid using dish soap with degreasers or antibacterial soaps, which can be too harsh.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse off all soap residue under warm water. Leftover soap can cause irritation during next use. Checkpoint: There should be no slippery feeling left on the toy.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or let air dry on a clean towel. Make sure all moisture is gone, especially in crevices. A completely dry toy prevents mold and keeps the surface smooth.
- Store separately: Place each toy in its own cotton bag or separate compartment. Keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Checkpoint: If you have multiple toys, ensure they don't touch each other during storage.
Toy-Specific Care Notes
- Vibe Sleeve -- Medium silicone -- VS-1217: The Vibe Sleeve is made of medium firmness silicone and is designed for use with a small bullet vibrator. When cleaning, remove the bullet vibrator first and clean the sleeve separately. The medium firmness holds its shape well, but avoid twisting or pulling too hard during washing to prevent tearing.
- Small Parasite MISHAP -- Medium silicone -- PAR-52: The Small Parasite MISHAP has small teeth on the base that were snipped to make them easier to clean. Even with snipped teeth, use a soft brush to clean between the remaining details. The medium firmness is durable, but be gentle around the base to avoid catching or bending the teeth.
- Small Ohdan -- Super Soft silicone -- O-2140: The Small Ohdan is super soft silicone with a widest shaft diameter of 2 inches. Super soft silicone is more delicate than medium firmness. Wash it with extra care, avoid using brushes with stiff bristles, and store it away from firmer toys to prevent dents or deformation.
