Your Ultimate Guide On How To Clean Your Sex Toys
By Andi Breitowich
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By Andi Breitowich
Now you may be thinking, ugh, do I have to wash my sex toys every time?! We hate to be a buzzkill, but the answer is a resounding yes! In fact, you should get in the habit of washing your sex toys before *and* after each use for optimal cleanliness and functioning.
Just like anything in life, your sex toys deserve proper care and attention. When it comes to your satisfaction, personal health and the longevity of the toys, thoroughly cleaning your beloved sex toys is a must. Keep scrolling for exactly why cleaning your sex toys is so important, followed by a disinfecting cheat sheet for how to clean sex toys.
Hear us out, not only will regular cleaning help keep your sex toys in tip-top shape to last longer, but it is also crucial for health reasons to kill bacteria. If left unkempt and/or dirty, sex toys can be breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic germs, which is the last thing you want near, in, or on you.
Using unclean sex toys can introduce unwanted bacteria to your genitalia causing bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and even sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To reduce the risk and unpleasant discomfort of an infection, wash your toys every. single. time.
Not to mention, if your toy is a multi-hit wonder and you use it vaginally and anally, you most-definitely do not want to cross-contaminate without a thorough cleaning. Again, not doing so can cause infection.
Sex toys come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, so before you give them a bath, it's important to know what your specific toy is made from. Most toys are made of either rubber, silicone, latex, plastic, metal, or glass, but always read the care instructions to know your material.
Knowing exactly what your toy is made from will determine the best course of action for cleaning and disinfecting. If your toy is made from silicone, glass, or stainless steel and has a motor or battery, you can use mild soap and a damp washcloth to wipe and clean. If the toy is made from silicone, glass, stainless steel, or wood and is not motorized, you can submerge them into hot water with mild soap for a deeper clean without risking damage. Just double check to make sure nothing has a motor or battery before taking a dip!
Helpful rule of thumb? If your toy is battery powered - A.K.A they buzz or need to be charged - proceed with caution when using water. A washcloth with warm water and soap is the safest bet.
To make your cleaning journey smooth and seamless, use this cheat sheet as your go-to for cleaning sex toys.
A UV sterilizer like the b-Vibe UV Sterilizer Pouch can be a super effective way to clean your sex toys since the ultraviolet (UV) rays destroy all bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic germs. It's quick, easy, and efficient, because all you have to do is click a button, wait three minutes, and wala!
At Pepper, we love clean sex toys, which is why we crafted the perfect sex toy cleaner. Not only does it extend the life of your little friend, but it prevents infection and kills bacteria. The gentle formula is body-safe and compatible with nearly every toy surface, including rubber, silicone, latex, plastic, metal, glass, and more. The cleaner is alcohol-free and non-greasy, so you can clean your toys before and after each use without hassle.
How to use:
1. Remove toy batteries, if applicable.
2. Generously apply cleanser to the entire toy surface, wait 10 seconds, then wipe with a damp cloth.
3. Rinse with warm water (careful not to get battery compartments wet).
4. Let air dry and enjoy!
Most silicone sex toys can be cleaned with soapy water, but it's best to avoid fragranced soaps which could cause irritation or infection. If the toy is battery-free, you can submerge the entire toy into soapy water before rinsing. If the toy has a motor and/or battery, it's best to use a washcloth to prevent toy damage.
Either way, always thoroughly rinse your silicone sex toys after each clean to remove any soap residue. Last step? Fully dry with a clean (!) paper towel.
Glass is a non-porous material, so it's best to clean glass sex toys with warm water and a mild soap, or a sex toy cleaner. Some glass toys can also be cleaned in the dishwasher on the top shelf, but always read the individual care instructions to avoid exposing glass to extremely hot temperatures (it's typically best to wash on a cool cycle when appropriate).
Hard plastic toys can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, sex toy cleaner, or UV light. Just avoid extremely hot temperatures to prevent the toy from melting.
First and foremost, you want to avoid only occasionally cleaning your sex toys. Yes, no one wants to clean up after a mind-blowing orgasm, but disinfecting your toy should be a priority, not a once-a-month type of deal.
When it comes to the actual cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals or soaps. Never clean with bleach, Clorox, or cleansers not intended specifically for sex toys. Cleaning with chemicals can ruin the integrity of your toy, and cause skin infection, inflammation, or irritation. Instead, opt for a mild, unscented, and gentle soap.
Another no-no? NEVER EVER submerge electrical toys in the water. This means anything that rumbles, buzzes, or shakes. If you have to replace the toy's batteries or charge the device with an outlet, minimize its contact with water and use a washcloth instead.
Last but not least, refrain from putting your sex toys in the dishwasher. Some glass dildos and glass plugs may be okay, but the extreme heat from the dishwasher can damage the toy itself and typically leaves behind a soapy residue.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate of Emory University where she majored in Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Sociology. She also recently graduation with her master's from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. In addition to Pepper, her work has appeared in Women's Health, POPSUGAR, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere. She is a mass consumer of social media and cares about holistic wellness and non-stigmatizing reproductive care.
