The right way to clean a sex toy depends on its material. Non-porous toys (platinum silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic) can be washed with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, and many can be fully sanitised. Porous toys like TPE, PVC and jelly can only ever be surface-cleaned, which is why they should be replaced more often and never shared. Here is exactly how to care for every toy in your collection.
The quick version
- Non-porous materials (platinum silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic) wash clean with warm water and mild soap
- Non-motorised silicone, glass and steel can be fully sanitised: boil 3-4 minutes or wipe with a 10% bleach solution and rinse well
- Porous materials (TPE, PVC, jelly) can only be surface-cleaned: never share them without a condom, replace every 6-12 months
- Never boil anything with a motor, battery or charging port; keep water away from ports on splash-proof toys
- Water-based lube only with silicone toys; silicone lube makes silicone surfaces tacky over time
- Store toys completely dry, each in its own pouch, away from heat and direct sunlight
Who this guide is for: Anyone who owns a toy and wants it to last. You want to know what actually needs cleaning, what can be properly sanitised, which materials have a use-by date, and what will quietly wreck your gear if you use it.
What Do You Need to Clean Sex Toys?
You need less than you might think: warm water, a mild unscented soap (or a dedicated toy cleaner), a clean lint-free towel and somewhere dust-free to air-dry. For deeper sanitising of non-porous, non-motorised toys, a pot of boiling water or a 10% bleach solution does the job. Avoid anything with alcohol as a routine cleaner on soft materials, and skip antibacterial dish soaps with harsh fragrances: they can irritate sensitive skin and degrade soft surfaces over time.
If you would rather keep it simple, a purpose-made toy cleaner spray takes the guesswork out. You will find cleaners and water-based lubricants in our lubricants and lotions collection.
How to Clean Silicone, Glass and Stainless Steel Toys
These are the easiest materials to own, and it is why we recommend them for anyone starting out. Wash with warm (not scalding) water and mild soap for 20-30 seconds, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. Because these materials are non-porous, bacteria cannot soak into the surface.
For a periodic deep clean, non-motorised platinum silicone, glass and stainless steel toys can be boiled for 3-4 minutes or wiped with a 10% bleach solution and rinsed very well afterwards. Never boil anything with a motor, battery compartment or charging port.
One important rule with silicone toys: use water-based lube only. Silicone lubricants can react with silicone toys and make the surface tacky or degraded. If you are unsure about a toy, patch-test silicone lube on the base first. For more on identifying what your toy is actually made of, see our sex toy materials guide.
Borosilicate glass: wash it, boil it, done. The easiest material you can own.
How to Clean Vibrators and Rechargeable Toys
Check the toy's water rating first. Fully waterproof (IPX7) vibrators can be washed under running water like any non-porous toy. Splash-proof toys should be wiped down with a soapy damp cloth, keeping water away from charging ports and seams. Remove batteries before cleaning and storage: leaving them in drains and corrodes them.
Always let charging ports dry completely before plugging in. A quick wipe after every use and a proper wash weekly keeps motors and seals in good shape for years.
Rechargeable toys: soapy cloth, mind the charging port, dry fully before plugging in.
How to Clean TPE, PVC and Jelly Toys
Porous materials (TPE, TPR, PVC, jelly and most budget strokers) have microscopic pores that soap cannot fully reach. Wash gently with warm water and mild soap, dry thoroughly, and accept that these toys can never be truly sterilised. That means: never share them without a condom, replace them every 6-12 months with regular use, and retire them immediately if they discolour, smell or feel tacky.
TPE strokers and masturbators need extra drying care: moisture trapped inside a sleeve is the fastest way to grow mould. Rinse inside-out where possible, dry with a lint-free cloth, air-dry fully, then dust with renewal powder (pure cornflour works) to keep the material soft.
Sleeves get rinsed, dried fully, then powdered. Mould loves a damp sleeve; do not give it the chance.
What You Should Never Use to Clean Sex Toys
Avoid boiling water on anything motorised, dishwashers for anything battery-powered, harsh alcohol or acetone on soft materials, scented soaps and body washes, and abrasive scrubbers. All of these either damage the toy or leave residues that do not belong anywhere near your body.
How to Store Sex Toys
Storage matters as much as cleaning. Store toys completely dry, ideally each in its own breathable cloth or satin pouch; many toys ship with one, and kits often include storage. Keep silicone toys from resting directly against other silicone or jelly toys, because some materials react and "melt" each other over time. A drawer, storage box or lockable case away from direct sunlight and heat is ideal in the Australian climate.
Cleaning Cheat Sheet by Material
The rule that outranks the rest: clean before first use, after every use, and again if the toy has been sitting in storage. No exceptions for anything that goes in the body.
Why Buy From Pleasing Strings
Every order ships from Australian stock in plain, unbranded packaging with a discreet billing name, same-day dispatch on most orders and free shipping over $99, with Afterpay available. If you are ever unsure how to care for something you have bought from us, email sales@pleasingstrings.com.au - we would rather you ask than wreck a good toy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean sex toys?
Before first use, after every use, and again before use if a toy has been sitting in storage. A toy that goes in the body or shares contact between partners should be cleaned every single time without exception.
Can you use alcohol wipes on sex toys?
A 70% isopropyl wipe is fine occasionally on non-porous hard surfaces like glass, steel and ABS plastic, but rinse afterwards. Avoid alcohol on silicone, TPE and jelly as routine practice - it dries and degrades soft materials.
Is it safe to boil silicone sex toys?
Yes, if the toy is 100% platinum silicone with no motor, battery or electronic parts. Boil for 3-4 minutes, then air-dry. Never boil vibrating toys, even waterproof ones.
What soap is best for cleaning sex toys?
A mild, unscented, non-antibacterial hand or castile soap is ideal. Fragranced body washes and harsh antibacterial soaps can leave irritating residue. A dedicated toy cleaner is the easiest option if you want certainty.
How do you dry a stroker or sleeve properly?
Rinse it inside and out, press (do not wring) with a lint-free towel, then stand it somewhere ventilated until completely dry inside - this can take several hours. Dust TPE sleeves with renewal powder once dry to restore the soft feel.
When should you throw a sex toy away?
Retire any toy that is discoloured, sticky, torn, smells odd, or has a failing seal around buttons or ports. Porous toys should be replaced every 6-12 months regardless; quality non-porous toys can last many years with proper care.
Ready to upgrade to easier-care materials? Browse our glass toys and body-safe vibrators - shipped from Australian stock in plain packaging with a discreet billing name, Afterpay available.
Related Guides
- Sex Toy Materials Guide: What's Safe and What to Avoid
- How to Maintain Your HiSmith Sex Machine: Complete Cleaning and Care Guide
- How to Use a Male Masturbator for the First Time: A Beginner's Guide
Last updated: 10 July 2026
