How do I clean my toy properly? The complete hygiene guide for more safety and pleasure.
Time to read 5 min
Sex toys are fun, enhance pleasure, and add variety to your love life – but only if they are hygienically clean. Many people underestimate how important proper cleaning really is. Dirt, bodily fluids, lubricant residue, and bacteria can quickly accumulate – especially on materials with microscopic pores.
If you take proper care of your toy , it will not only remain hygienic, but also durable, soft, and safe. Most damage is caused by improper cleaning – not by use itself.
To prevent this from happening to you, here is the comprehensive guide: understandable, practical for everyday use and 100 percent toy-friendly.
Why toy hygiene is non-negotiable
Sex toys come into contact with the most intimate parts of your body. That's precisely why they must be clean – always. Even if a toy appears clean on the outside, bacteria, germs, or lubricant residue can remain invisibly attached.
Toys that have been cleaned improperly can:
cause skin irritation
Promotes infections
develop unpleasant odors
damage the material
become porous faster
Cleanliness is therefore not just a matter of hygiene, but also a factor in safety and pleasure . A well-maintained toy feels better, smells neutral, and lasts longer.
Basic rule: Every toy is cleaned before and after use.
Many people only clean their sex toys after use. However, dust, textile fibers, or hand sweat accumulate on the surface even before the first contact.
Therefore:
Clean before use : briefly rinse or disinfect.
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Clean thoroughly after use : depending on the material, use water, soap or toy cleaner.
A toy that has been freshly cleaned immediately feels more pleasant and "new" – a nice ritual before play.
What is your toy made of? The material determines how it should be cared for.
Not every material can withstand the same type of cleaning. To keep your toy in good condition for a long time, you need to know what it's made of.
Here are the most important materials:
Silicone (medical-grade silicone)
Non-porous, high-quality, safe – but sensitive to heat. Do not use in a dishwasher or boil, unless explicitly permitted by the manufacturer.
ABS plastic
Hard, smooth, easy to clean. Tolerates soap and toy cleaner , but not boiling.
Glass & Metal
Very hygienic, as it is completely non-porous. It can often even be boiled – but only if the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
Jelly, TPE or soft plastic
Porous and delicate. Cleaning agents must be mild; complete disinfection is more difficult. Condom use is recommended.
Material information is always available on the packaging or product page – clearly visible at loveiu.ch.
Step-by-step: How to properly clean your toy
Here is the basic routine that works for most toys.
Step 1: Rinse immediately after use
Use lukewarm water. Hot water can damage silicone, motors, or coatings. Make sure no water gets into charging ports or motor chambers.
Step 2: Use mild, fragrance-free soap or toy cleaner.
Gentle soap is often sufficient. However, a toy cleaner is ideal because it:
antibacterial effect
is gentle on materials
leaves no residue
Step 3: Clean thoroughly – especially grooves and edges
Many toys have textures, bumps, waves, or seams. Dirt accumulates quickly in these areas. Take your time: let it soak in briefly, rub gently, then rinse.
Step 4: Dry thoroughly
Do not rub, but pat dry. Microfiber cloths are particularly suitable as they are lint-free.
Step 5: Allow to dry completely
The toy must be completely dry before being stored. Residual moisture can promote bacterial growth.
The no-gos of toy care – these mistakes will ruin your toy
Some cleaning methods seem practical at first glance, but are extremely dangerous for the toy.
Typical mistakes:
Putting toys in the dishwasher
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Clean with alcohol or disinfectant gel
Pour boiling water over a silicone toy
Use soap with fragrances or dyes
to clean or "maintain" with oils
Store the toy while it is still damp.
These mistakes drastically shorten the product's lifespan and can cause skin irritation. Alcohol is particularly harmful – it makes silicone porous and brittle.
Special case: Toys with motor or electronics
Electric toys require special attention – they should never be completely submerged in water unless they are explicitly labelled as waterproof.
Here's how to properly clean vibrating toys:
Do not immerse the motor part in water.
Wash only the silicone or plastic part.
Clean the transition to the electronics with a damp cloth.
Do not use aggressive cleaners
Keep the charging port closed and wipe dry.
If the toy is IPX7 or IPX8 certified, it can be submerged in water for a limited time. Nevertheless, caution is better than carelessness.
How do I clean anal toys particularly thoroughly?
Anal toys have higher hygiene requirements because they come into contact with bacteria from the intestines. Cleaning must be particularly thorough.
Here's how to clean anal toys :
always immediately after use
thoroughly with warm water and soap
additionally with Toy Cleaner
Allow to dry completely
Use a condom with porous materials.
For even more hygiene, you could consider a second, separate toy for vaginal use.
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Glass & metal – shiny, hygienic and easy to clean
Toys made of glass or stainless steel are particularly hygienic because they are completely non-porous. This makes cleaning much easier.
You can:
boiled (if the manufacturer allows it)
be cleaned with soap
Disinfect with toy cleaner
One advantage: They never smell, do not become porous, and retain their smooth surface practically indefinitely.
How do I store my toys properly?
Proper storage protects your toys just as much as thorough cleaning. Many damages actually occur after use, when the toy is left unprotected in a drawer or stored in damp rooms like the bathroom.
Ideally, store it in a dry, dust-free place where the material does not come into contact with other objects that could damage it. Silicone, in particular, is sensitive to soft plastics or jelly materials and should therefore be stored separately.
A cotton cloth bag or the pouch that often comes with the toy is perfect. It's important that the toy is completely dry before you pack it away – this way it stays hygienic and in its original condition.
Why Toy Cleaner is a worthwhile investment
Many people wonder if a toy cleaner is really necessary. Strictly speaking, it's not essential – but it's more hygienic, easier, and safer than regular soap.
A good toy cleaner is:
antibacterial
pH-neutral
material-friendly
quick to use
ideal for electric toys
It leaves no residue that could irritate the sensitive skin in the intimate area.
Conclusion: A clean toy is a safe toy – and provides longer-lasting enjoyment.
Caring for your sex toy is an important part of your sexual routine and ensures that you feel comfortable and safe during play. Cleanliness not only protects against germs but also preserves the material and the pleasurable sensation you've come to expect from your toy.
Careful cleaning after use, gentle drying, and proper storage are all it takes to keep your toy in top condition for the long term. This way, you can rely on a hygienic, well-maintained toy every time, one that will reliably bring you pleasure.
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