How to clean sex toys properly by material, why toy cleaner beats soap on silicone, and how to store them so they last. Plain-English care guide.
This takes about ten seconds per use and it is the difference between a toy that lasts years and one that becomes unusable. It is also a genuine health issue, not just housekeeping.
Porous versus non-porous
Non-porous materials, which means silicone, glass, stainless steel and hard ABS plastic, have no microscopic holes for bacteria to hide in. They can be properly cleaned and reused indefinitely.
Porous materials, which means jelly, soft PVC, TPE and TPR, cannot be fully sanitised no matter what you do. They can be used with a condom over them, and they should be replaced periodically. This is the main reason we steer people towards silicone.
How to clean, by material
- Silicone. Warm water and a dedicated toy cleaner. Toy cleaner is gentler than hand soap, which can dry the surface out over time. Rinse and air-dry.
- Glass and steel. Warm soapy water is fine. Both can be boiled if there are no electronics, and both should be inspected for damage before use.
- Anything with a motor. Never submerge unless it says it is waterproof. Wipe the body and rinse only the parts rated for it.
- Sleeves and strokers. Rinse thoroughly inside, let them dry completely, and use a renewing powder to keep the surface soft and non-tacky.
Drying and storage
Dry completely before storing. Damp is what causes problems. Store silicone toys separately from each other, because some formulations react and leave a sticky surface. A cloth bag is better than an airtight box.
Remove batteries from anything you are not using for a while.
Lubricant compatibility, briefly
- Water-based: safe with everything. The default.
- Silicone-based: never with silicone toys. Fine with glass and steel.
- Oil-based: not with latex condoms, and generally not worth the trouble.
When to replace something
Any tackiness that will not wash off, any tearing or cracking, any change in smell, or any discolouration. If a porous toy has been used without a condom, replace it sooner rather than later.
Any questions?
If you are still not sure, ask us. Call the shop or come in to 177 Unley Road, Unley, open seven days from 10am until midnight. We give straight, shame-free advice and we will happily talk you out of something that is wrong for you.
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