How to Clean and Sanitize Sex Toys Properly
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Editorial note: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you experience infections, irritation, or any health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
Cleaning your sex toys isn’t glamorous. Nobody’s excited about the five minutes after the good part. But those five minutes are the difference between a safe, hygienic experience and an avoidable UTI, yeast infection, or worse.
I’ll be direct: after testing over 200 products, I’ve seen what happens when toys aren’t cleaned properly. Silicone that develops a permanent odor. TPE that turns tacky and discolored. Products that look fine on the surface but — when tested — harbor bacteria that no one wants near their most sensitive tissue.
This guide covers everything: the right method for every material, the difference between cleaning and sterilizing, the mistakes most people make, and a quick-reference chart you can bookmark.
Why Cleaning Matters: What the Research Says
This isn’t just about being tidy. There’s real clinical evidence behind proper toy hygiene.
A study published in Sexually Transmitted Infections examined whether HPV (human papillomavirus) could survive on sex toys after use and cleaning. Researchers provided women with two vibrators made from different materials — one thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), one silicone. After use by women who tested positive for vaginal HPV, the virus was detected on 89% of TPE vibrator shafts and 67% of silicone vibrator shafts. After cleaning with a commercially available toy cleaner, HPV was still present on 56% of the TPE toys and 44% of the silicone toys. Even 24 hours later, 40% of the TPE toys still carried detectable HPV DNA, while the silicone toys tested clean (Anderson et al., Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2014).
The takeaway: material matters for cleaning effectiveness, and commercial toy cleaners alone may not be enough for full sterilization — especially on porous materials. This is why non-porous materials (silicone, glass, steel) are the gold standard: they can actually be sterilized completely.
A Canadian survey of sex toy users found that those who shared toys were significantly more likely to report diagnoses of bacterial vaginosis and candida infections compared to those who didn’t share (Wood et al., Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 2017). The same study found that nearly 14% of women had never cleaned their vibrators — and many who did clean them were not using methods adequate to remove pathogens from porous materials.
Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Sterilizing: Know the Difference
These terms are not interchangeable, and understanding the difference changes how you think about toy care.
Cleaning means removing visible dirt, body fluids, lubricant residue, and most surface bacteria using soap and water. This is the baseline — every toy, every time, immediately after use. Cleaning removes the majority of contaminants but does not kill all microorganisms.
Sanitizing reduces the number of bacteria and pathogens to a level considered safe by public health standards. Commercial toy cleaners, a 10% bleach solution, or a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe fall into this category. Sanitizing is a meaningful upgrade over soap and water alone.
Sterilizing eliminates essentially all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. For sex toys, the practical sterilization methods are boiling (3–5 minutes in rolling boil), running through a dishwasher on a hot cycle (no detergent), or using a UV-C sterilizer designed for the purpose. Only non-porous, non-motorized toys can be sterilized — you can’t boil a rechargeable vibrator without destroying it.
Rule of thumb: Clean every toy after every use. Sanitize when sharing between partners or switching between body areas (especially anal to vaginal). Sterilize periodically for non-motorized non-porous toys, and always before sharing with a new partner.
Material-by-Material Cleaning Guide
Silicone (Non-Motorized: Dildos, Plugs)
After every use: Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Rinse thoroughly — soap residue can cause irritation.
To sanitize: Wipe with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water). Let sit 2 minutes, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
To sterilize: Boil in water for 3–5 minutes. Alternatively, place on the top rack of a dishwasher (no detergent, heated dry cycle).
Drying: Air-dry completely on a clean towel. Never store damp.
Storage: Individual fabric pouch or dedicated storage bag. Keep separate from other toys to prevent material reactions.
Silicone (Motorized: Vibrators, Rechargeable Toys)
After every use: Wash with warm water and mild soap. If rated IPX7 (fully submersible), you can rinse freely under running water. If splash-resistant only (IPX4 or lower), use a damp cloth with soap and wipe down — don’t submerge.
To sanitize: Spray with a dedicated toy cleaner or wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth. Let air-dry. For IPX7-rated toys, the 10% bleach soak method works — just rinse thoroughly after.
To sterilize: You cannot boil or dishwasher motorized toys. For IPX7-rated toys, the bleach soak is the closest you can get. For non-waterproof vibrators, a UV-C sterilizer is the best option.
Important: Make sure charging ports are completely dry before charging. Moisture in charging ports is the most common cause of premature toy failure.
Stainless Steel and Glass
After every use: Warm water and mild soap.
To sterilize: Boil 3–5 minutes, or dishwasher top rack. These are the easiest materials to fully sterilize — they’re impervious to heat, bleach, and alcohol.
Compatible with all cleaning agents: Bleach, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, boiling, UV-C — nothing damages these materials. You can even autoclave stainless steel if you have access to one.
Glass inspection: Before each use, check for chips, cracks, or rough spots. Damaged glass should be replaced immediately — it can no longer be considered body-safe.
Storage: Wrap in a soft cloth or padded pouch to prevent scratches (steel) or chips (glass).
ABS Plastic
After every use: Warm water and mild soap.
To sanitize: Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol or toy cleaner spray.
Do not boil. ABS is non-porous but not heat-resistant — boiling can warp it.
Do not use bleach on colored ABS — it can cause discoloration. Clear or white ABS handles bleach fine.
TPE / TPR (Porous Materials)
After every use (immediately — don’t wait): Wash with warm water and mild soap. Use your fingers to gently clean all surfaces, crevices, and textures. Rinse thoroughly.
You cannot sterilize TPE. Boiling will melt it. Bleach will degrade it. Isopropyl alcohol can damage the surface. Commercial toy cleaners provide some additional sanitization but cannot reach bacteria trapped in pores.
Drying is critical: Pat with a lint-free towel, then air-dry completely before storing. TPE that stays damp will develop mold or bacterial colonies inside the pores.
Cornstarch (not talcum powder): After drying, lightly dust with cornstarch to prevent the surface from becoming tacky.
Replacement schedule: Replace TPE toys every 3–6 months with regular use. If the surface becomes permanently tacky, discolored, or develops an odor that doesn’t wash away — it’s time.
Never share TPE toys between partners without a condom barrier. The Anderson et al. (2014) study showed HPV persisted on TPE materials even 24 hours after cleaning.
Quick Reference: Cleaning Chart
| Material | Soap & Water | Toy Cleaner | Bleach Soak | Alcohol Wipe | Boil | Dishwasher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone (no motor) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Silicone (motorized, IPX7) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Silicone (motorized, not waterproof) | ⚠️ Wipe only | ✅ Spray | ❌ | ✅ Wipe | ❌ | ❌ |
| Stainless steel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Borosilicate glass | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ABS plastic | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ White only | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| TPE / TPR | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| PVC / Jelly | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting to clean. The longer you wait, the harder residue is to remove and the more time bacteria have to multiply. Clean within 15 minutes of use — ideally immediately.
Using scented soap. Fragrances and dyes leave residue that can cause irritation on sensitive tissue. Use only mild, unscented, unfragranced soap. Antibacterial soap is unnecessary and may contain triclosan or other harsh chemicals.
Storing damp toys in closed containers. This creates a warm, moist environment — ideal for bacterial and mold growth. Always air-dry completely before storing. If you use a storage pouch, choose breathable fabric, not sealed plastic.
Sharing without sterilizing or using a barrier. If you share toys between partners, either sterilize between uses (for non-porous toys) or use a condom over the toy. Simply wiping down is not sufficient — as the HPV study demonstrated.
Going anal-to-vaginal without cleaning. This introduces intestinal bacteria (including E. coli) into the vaginal canal and is a common cause of bacterial vaginosis and UTIs. Always clean thoroughly — or use a fresh condom — when switching between anal and vaginal use, even on the same person.
Relying on UV-C sterilizers alone. UV light only sterilizes surfaces it directly reaches. Crevices, seams, textured surfaces, and the underside of toys may not be exposed. UV-C is a useful supplement to soap-and-water cleaning, not a replacement.
Using silicone lube with silicone toys and not cleaning immediately. Silicone lubricant left on silicone toys over time can bond with and degrade the surface. If you accidentally use silicone lube on a silicone toy, clean it immediately with soap and water — the damage happens over prolonged contact, not instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a specialized toy cleaner?
No. Warm water and mild unscented soap is effective for routine cleaning of all materials. Commercial toy cleaners are convenient (especially spray-on versions for quick post-use cleaning), but they’re not necessary. If you do buy one, look for alcohol-free, fragrance-free formulations.
Can I just use hand sanitizer?
No. Hand sanitizer contains alcohol plus moisturizing agents, fragrances, and other additives that can degrade toy materials (especially silicone and TPE) and leave residue on surfaces that then contact mucous membranes. Stick to soap and water or dedicated toy cleaners.
How often should I replace my toys?
Non-porous toys (silicone, glass, steel) can last years — even a decade — with proper care. Replace them if you notice damage: cracks, sticky spots, discoloration, or a motor that runs unevenly. Porous toys (TPE, jelly, rubber) should be replaced every 3–6 months with regular use, or sooner if the texture changes or an odor develops.
Should I clean a brand-new toy before first use?
Always. New toys may carry manufacturing residue, packaging dust, or contaminants from shipping and handling. Give every new toy a thorough wash with warm water and soap before its first use.
Is it safe to share toys if we’re both STI-negative?
Sharing non-porous toys between mutually tested partners carries low risk, provided you clean between uses. For porous toys, using a condom barrier is still advisable because bacteria (not just STIs) can be transferred — including normal vaginal and rectal flora that may cause infections in a different partner’s body.
For a deeper dive into which materials are porous vs. non-porous and why that matters, see my complete materials safety guide. And if you’re just starting your collection, my beginner’s guide and first vibrator buying guide include cleaning considerations in every product recommendation.
Last Updated: March 2026
Reviewed by: Lauren Hayes, Certified Sexual Health Educator (About Lauren · Our Testing Process)
Sources
Anderson, T. A., Schick, V., Herbenick, D., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2014). A Study of Human Papillomavirus on Vaginally Inserted Sex Toys, Before and After Cleaning, Among Women Who Have Sex With Women and Men. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 90(7), 529–531. doi:10.1136/sextrans-2014-051558
Wood, J. R., Crann, S. E., Cunningham, S., Money, D., & O’Doherty, K. (2017). A Cross-Sectional Survey of Sex Toy Use, Characteristics of Sex Toy Use Hygiene Behaviours, and Vulvovaginal Health Outcomes in Canada. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 26(3), 196–204. doi:10.3138/cjhs.2017-0016
Rullo, J. E., Lorenz, T., Ziegelmann, M. J., Meihofer, L., Herbenick, D., & Faubion, S. S. (2018). Genital Vibration for Sexual Function and Enhancement: A Review of Evidence. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 33(3), 263–274. doi:10.1080/14681994.2017.1419557
Lauren Hayes is a certified sexual health educator and the founder of IntimateProductLab. With over 5 years of hands-on experience testing intimate wellness products, she’s on a mission to help people make informed, confident choices about their sexual wellbeing. Lauren believes everyone deserves access to honest, judgment-free product information — no marketing fluff, just real reviews from real testing.