Quick answer

Clean every toy before first use and after every session with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner. Silicone, metal, and glass all tolerate this basic routine; the differences show up in drying, storage, and which products you should never use on them. Wash, rinse, dry completely, then store separately.

Toys are an investment, and cleaning is the part of ownership that decides whether they last for years or get replaced in months. The good news: silicone, metal, and glass are the three easiest materials to keep hygienic, and none of them require special equipment. You need warm water, a mild cleanser, and a way to dry them fully.

The mistakes that cause problems are usually small ones: soaking a toy you should have wiped, storing silicone against silicone, or grabbing a household cleaner because it was within reach. This guide walks through the process in order, then covers the material-specific details that matter most.

Why material matters more than the cleaner you choose

Silicone, metal, and glass are non-porous, which means they do not hold onto bacteria the way porous materials like TPR or jelly can. That is why the same basic wash works for all three. What changes is how each material reacts to heat, abrasion, and chemicals. Metal and glass can handle hotter water and more thorough cleaning; silicone prefers gentler handling to avoid surface damage.

Porous toys, by contrast, need more caution and often cannot be fully sanitized. If a toy is porous, use a condom on it and replace it when the surface gets tacky or retains odor. For non-porous toys, the routine below is enough for everyday use.

  • Check the material before you clean. If you are unsure, treat it as porous and use a condom.
  • Never share a porous toy without a fresh condom, even after cleaning.

What you need before you start

You do not need a cabinet full of products. A mild, fragrance-free liquid soap works for most sessions, and a dedicated toy cleaner is convenient when you want a spray-and-wipe option. Avoid antibacterial hand soaps, dish soaps with heavy degreasers, and anything containing alcohol, bleach, or fragrance on silicone.

Have two towels or microfiber cloths ready: one for the initial wipe and one for drying. A small drying rack or a clean, lint-free surface helps toys air out fully. If your toy is rechargeable, check the charging port cover before any water touches it.

  • Fragrance-free and dye-free is the safest default for all three materials.
  • Keep a dedicated toy cleaner near your storage spot so cleaning is not a chore you skip.

Cleaning silicone toys without damaging the surface

Silicone is durable but not indestructible. Wash it with warm, not scalding, water and a small amount of mild soap. Rub the surface with your fingers or a soft cloth, paying attention to ridges, textures, and the base where lubricant tends to collect. Rinse thoroughly, because leftover soap film can irritate sensitive skin.

Silicone toys with motors, buttons, or charging ports are not fully waterproof unless the manufacturer says so. For those, wipe with a damp cloth and a little toy cleaner rather than submerging them. If the toy is waterproof, you can rinse it under running water, but still avoid getting water into any opening.

  • Do not boil silicone unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is boil-safe.
  • Silicone can be damaged by silicone-based lubricant over time; water-based lube is the safer pairing.

Cleaning metal toys and keeping the finish intact

Metal toys, including stainless steel plugs and rings, are the most forgiving. Warm water and mild soap remove residue easily, and the non-porous surface does not absorb anything. Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots, especially on polished or crystal-adorned pieces. A quick buff with a dry cloth keeps the finish looking new.

Metal can be sanitized more aggressively than silicone if you need to, but always check whether the toy has coatings, crystals, or glued components that could be damaged by heat or soaking. For everyday cleaning, soap and water are enough. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch the surface and create places for residue to hide.

  • Dry metal fully before storage; trapped moisture can dull the finish over time.
  • Skip abrasive pads and gritty cleaners on any polished or decorated metal toy.

Cleaning glass toys and checking for chips

Glass toys are non-porous and easy to clean with warm water and mild soap. Because glass is smooth, residue comes off quickly, and you can rinse thoroughly without worrying about surface absorption. Dry with a soft cloth and store it so it does not knock against other toys.

Before and after every use, run your fingers over the surface to check for chips, cracks, or rough spots. Glass is strong, but a dropped toy can develop a small flaw that you will not notice until it matters. If you find any damage, stop using that toy. A damaged edge is not something cleaning can fix.

  • Inspect glass toys before every use, not just after cleaning.
  • Store glass separately or in a padded pouch to prevent accidental contact with harder items.

Drying, storing, and the habits that prevent problems

Drying is the step most people rush, and it is the one that causes the most issues. Moisture left in crevices or inside a storage bag can encourage odor and surface degradation. Pat the toy dry, let it air out for a few minutes, then put it away. If your toy has a case, make sure it is fully dry before closing it.

Store toys separately when you can. Silicone can react with other silicone or with TPR if they touch for long periods, leaving a tacky or melted spot. A cloth pouch or a divided drawer solves this. Keep toys away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, which can degrade materials over time.

  • Never store a damp toy in a sealed bag.
  • Separate silicone from other soft materials to avoid surface reactions.

The cleaning routine, step by step

  1. Step 1: Read the toy first: Check the material and whether the toy is waterproof, rechargeable, or has a motor. This single step decides whether you can rinse it under water or need to wipe it down. If you cannot confirm it is waterproof, treat it as wipe-only.
  2. Step 2: Wipe off residue before washing: Use a soft cloth or unscented wipe to remove lubricant and body fluids before you introduce water. This keeps the wash water cleaner and makes the soap step faster. Skipping this step is why some toys still feel slick after washing.
  3. Step 3: Wash with warm water and mild soap: Apply a small amount of fragrance-free soap or toy cleaner and work it over the entire surface with your fingers or a soft cloth. Pay attention to ridges, textures, and the base. Avoid antibacterial, heavily fragranced, or alcohol-based cleaners on silicone.
  4. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under warm running water if the toy is waterproof, or wipe with a clean damp cloth if it is not. Soap film left behind can cause irritation and attracts lint. Rinse until the surface no longer feels slippery.
  5. Step 5: Dry completely: Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and let the toy air out for a few minutes, especially around buttons, seams, and charging ports. If you can feel any moisture in a crevice, it is not dry yet.
  6. Step 6: Store separately: Place the toy in a cloth pouch or a divided drawer, away from other soft materials and direct sunlight. Keep silicone from touching other silicone or TPR for long periods. A dry, separated toy is the one that stays ready for next time.

Products where these cleaning rules apply

  • Ribbed Ring: Made with PF Blend, a mixture of silicone and TPR, and safe with water-based lubes but not compatible with latex products. Because it is a silicone-TPR blend rather than pure silicone, wash it with mild soap and water, dry it fully, and store it away from other soft toys to avoid surface reactions.
  • Lovense Diamo Bluetooth Remote-Controlled Vibrating Cockring: A Bluetooth remote-controlled vibrating cock ring compatible with all Lovense apps and software. Electronics change the routine: wipe the body with a damp cloth or toy cleaner instead of submerging it, and keep the charging area dry.
  • Magic Wand Plus: Variable-speed, plug-in power with a soft silicone head. The silicone head can be wiped clean with mild soap and a damp cloth, but because the unit is plug-in, never rinse the body or cord under water.
  • VeDO Earth Quaker Anal Vibe - Just Black: Silicone body, rechargeable, with a curved tip and graduated beads. Silicone and rechargeable means surface-wash the body, clean carefully around the charging port, and dry fully before storing.

Cleaning is not the glamorous part of owning toys, but it is the part that keeps them comfortable, hygienic, and worth keeping. Match the routine to the material, dry everything fully, and store toys apart. Do that consistently, and you will get far more use out of every piece you own.