Taking good care of your adult products (aka sex toys) is an essential part of owning them. Not only does regular cleaning keep your toys safe to use, it also helps them last longer. In this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean and maintain your toys with confidence – covering cleaning methods, hygiene best practices, and even how to know when it’s time to retire an old toy. OMIREA is committed to your safety and enjoyment, so we’re sharing our top tips to keep your pleasure products in tip-top shape for safe use.
Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Is Important
Let’s be honest – afterglow cleanup might not be the most glamorous part of playtime, but it’s incredibly important. A used toy can harbor bacteria and other microbes that you definitely don’t want near your sensitive areas. According to sexual health experts, dirty toys can introduce bacteria and even cause infections. They also tend to collect lint, dust, and pet hair – stuff you want nowhere near your intimate bits. In short, proper cleaning isn’t just about being tidy; it’s about protecting your health.
Beyond health, cleanliness affects how long your toys last. Bodily fluids, lubricants, and improper storage can degrade certain materials over time. By cleaning and storing your toys correctly, you’ll prevent material damage and keep them performing at their best. Think of it this way: a few minutes of cleaning now can save you from unwanted odors, weird sticky textures, or mechanical issues later. It’s a small effort for a big payoff – your body (and your wallet) will thank you!
How to Clean Your Toys: Basic Steps
Cleaning your sex toys is straightforward once you know the basics. Here’s a simple routine you can follow for most toys:
- Wash promptly: After use, clean the toy with warm water and mild soap (or toy cleaner). Gently scrub all surfaces, taking care to reach any crevices.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse off all soap residue with clean water. Leftover soap can irritate your skin or degrade the toy’s material.
- Dry completely: Pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or let it air dry fully. Moisture left on toys can encourage bacteria or mold.
- Store safely: Once dry, store the toy in a clean bag or container away from dust and direct sunlight.
Cleaning Methods by Material
Not all toys are created equal – different materials have different care needs. Always check what your toy is made of. Quality brands (like OMIREA) will list the material on the packaging or product info, so you know if it’s body-safe. If a toy’s package says “for novelty use only” instead of listing the material, that’s a red flag that it might not meet safety standards. Here’s how to clean common sex toy materials properly:
Silicone Toys
Silicone is a superstar material for sex toys. It’s nonporous and body-safe, so it doesn’t harbor germs and is easy to clean. Wash silicone toys with warm water and mild soap. For a deeper clean, you can boil pure silicone toys (that have no motor) for about 3 minutes to fully sanitize them. If your silicone toy has a motor or battery compartment, don’t boil or submerge it; instead, wipe it down carefully with a soapy cloth, keeping water out of any openings. Remove batteries before cleaning and drying to avoid any damage. Also, avoid using silicone-based lubes on silicone toys, as they can degrade the material over time – water-based lubes are a safer bet and wash off easily.
ABS Plastic Toys
ABS plastic is a hard, nonporous plastic commonly found in vibrators (like the exterior of a bullet or wand). It’s easy to clean with warm soapy water or toy cleaner. Since plastic toys have motors or electronics, don’t boil them or fully submerge them. Instead, wipe the surface with a soapy cloth, then rinse carefully, avoiding any openings. Dry the toy well afterward. ABS plastic is quite durable and doesn’t hold odors, but if you notice any cracks in the plastic, that means the toy’s compromised (cracks can hide bacteria) and it’s time to replace it.
Glass & Stainless Steel Toys
Glass and metal toys are nonporous and among the easiest to clean. Wash them with warm water and soap, just like silicone. For a deep sterilization, you can boil glass or stainless steel toys for 5–10 minutes (let glass cool naturally afterward to avoid thermal shock). Always inspect glass toys for any chips or cracks before use – if you find any, retire the toy immediately. Make sure metal toys are truly stainless steel so they won’t rust. After cleaning, dry these toys thoroughly to prevent any water spots or corrosion. Glass and steel are very durable, but still handle glass carefully to avoid accidents (they can break if dropped on a hard surface).
Porous Materials (Jelly, TPE, etc.)
Materials like jelly rubber, PVC, and TPE/TPR feel soft and lifelike, but they are porous. These toys have tiny pores that can trap bacteria even after washing. Clean them gently with warm water and mild soap (never boil them, as they could warp or release chemicals). Unfortunately, you can’t completely sterilize a porous toy at home. It’s best to keep these toys for solo use, or use a new condom on them if you’re sharing with a partner. Also avoid harsh cleaners (like bleach or alcohol) on these materials, since they can cause damage. After washing, let the toy air dry fully. If a soft toy develops a persistent odor, significant discoloration, or a sticky texture that won’t wash off, that’s a sign the material is breaking down – consider replacing it for safety.
Hygiene Best Practices and Storage
Beyond just washing your toys, consider these best practices to keep everything extra safe and hygienic:
- Always wash after use (and before, if needed): Make it a habit to clean toys after every session. If a toy has been sitting unused and exposed to dust, give it a quick wash before the next use too.
- Avoid cross-contamination: If you’re using toys on more than one person, or moving a toy from one part of the body to another, wash it in between or use a fresh condom on the toy. This prevents the spread of bacteria or STIs from one place (or person) to another.
- Choose gentle cleaners: Stick to mild, unscented soap or toy cleaners that are designed for intimate products. Harsh chemicals can irritate your body or ruin your toy’s material. If you use a spray-on toy cleaner, check whether it needs to be rinsed off or if it’s safe to air dry on the toy.
- Smart storage: Store toys in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Ideally, keep each toy in its own pouch or storage bag so they don’t touch each other. This prevents any chance of materials reacting together and keeps them clean. A lint-free fabric bag, a small box, or the pouch some toys come with works great to protect your toy from dust and damage.
Good storage not only keeps your toys clean and discreet, it also extends their life. When storing, especially remember to separate those soft jelly or TPE toys from others to avoid any melting mishaps. Keep your collection in a drawer, closet, or toy chest that stays relatively cool (excess heat can warp some toys or weaken their batteries). Remove batteries from toys before long storage to prevent leakage. Recharge any built-in batteries every few months to keep them in good shape.
When to Replace a Toy
Even with excellent care, every toy will eventually reach the end of its usable life. Here are some signs that it might be time to retire a toy and get a new one:
- Visible damage: Cracks, splits, or peeling on the toy’s surface are big no-nos. Damage can trap bacteria and also means the toy could break during use. If you see any cracks in plastic or tears in silicone, it’s time to replace the toy.
- Sticky or odd texture: The toy’s material has become sticky, tacky, or started “melting.” This often happens with older jelly or TPE toys as they degrade. If your toy feels gross or is literally changing shape, don’t keep using it.
- Persistent odor or discoloration: If a toy smells bad even after cleaning, or if its color has changed significantly, the material might be breaking down (or bacteria could be lingering). In either case, it’s safest to replace the toy.
- Outdated, porous materials: If you’ve owned a toy for years and it’s made from an older porous material – or it was ever labeled “novelty use only” – consider upgrading to a newer, body-safe toy. Modern toys made from medical-grade silicone, glass, or steel are safer and easier to clean.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace the toy. High-quality silicone and metal toys can last many years with good care, whereas cheaper rubber or jelly toys tend to degrade much faster. Your health and safety are worth more than clinging to an old, worn-out gadget. When in doubt, throw it out.
Conclusion: Play Safe and Clean
Keeping your adult toys clean and well-maintained is an easy habit to build, and it makes a huge difference in your safety and enjoyment. By cleaning, drying, and storing your toys properly, you protect your body from harm and extend the life of your favorite products. It’s truly a win-win situation – you get peace of mind and more pleasure in the long run.
Remember, investing in quality toys from a trusted provider like OMIREA sets you up for success. OMIREA’s products are made with body-safe, easy-to-clean materials, so maintenance is simple. With the essential tips in this guide, you can enjoy yourself fully knowing that you’re being safe and responsible. Take care of your toys, and they’ll take care of you!
