Ultimate Adult Toy Care & Cleaning Guide
Keep Your Products Safe, Hygienic & Long Lasting
Proper cleaning and storage are essential for maintaining the quality, safety, and lifespan of your intimate products and sex toys. Whether you've purchased a silicone dildo, realistic masturbator, metal plug, leather restraint, or vibrating toy, following the correct care routine will help keep your products hygienic and in excellent condition.
This guide covers the care and cleaning of virtually every adult toy material available.
Quick Click Index:
Why Cleaning Is So Important
Cleaning your products after every use helps:
Remove bacteria and bodily fluids
Prevent odors from developing
Extend the lifespan of your toy
Protect sensitive intimate areas
Maintain the appearance and feel of the material
Even sex toys that were only used externally should be cleaned before being stored. Keeping them clean and dry not only keeps then healthy to use but it also extends their lifespan and protects their finish.
Before You Begin
Always remember these important rules:
✓ Wash your hands before and after handling your toys.
✓ Clean toys before first use.
✓ Clean immediately after every use.
✓ Never share toys without thoroughly disinfecting them or using a new condom over the toy.
✓ Store toys completely dry.
✓ Always follow any manufacturer-specific instructions supplied with the product.
The Best Toy Cleaner
The safest cleaning method for almost all adult toys is:
Warm water
Mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap
Alternatively, you can use a dedicated toy cleaner specifically formulated for intimate products. They are designed to be body safe and also safe to use on your toys. Avoid household cleaners unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer as these can be harsh on your body and also damage your toys.
Silicone Toys
Examples of silicone adult toys are:
Fantasy dildos
Butt plugs
Vibrators
Prostate massagers
Suction cup dildos
Silicone is considered one of the safest and highest-quality materials available as it it long lasting and non-pourous.
Cleaning
Wash using:
Warm water
Mild soap
Toy cleaner
Lubricants
✔ Water-based lubricants (recommended)
Use silicone-based lubricants only if the manufacturer specifically states they are compatible. Some silicone lubricants can gradually damage certain silicone toys.
Storage
Store separately from other silicone toys whenever possible.
Avoid prolonged contact between different silicone products as some formulations may react over time.
TPE / TPR Toys
Examples:
Soft realistic dildos
Masturbators
Sleeves
Realistic body parts
TPE and TPR toys are soft, flexible materials that provide a realistic feel but do require extra care.
Cleaning
Wash gently using:
Warm water
Mild soap
Pat dry with a lint-free towel. Allow to air dry completely.
Important
Do NOT:
Boil
Put in dishwasher
Use alcohol
Use bleach
Many TPE toys benefit from a light dusting of renewal powder (such as cornstarch) once completely dry to restore their soft texture. Alwats make sure that they are completely dry.
Lubricants
Use water-based lubricants only.
Storage
Store individually.
Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Do not allow TPE toys to touch PVC, jelly rubber or other soft plastics.
PVC, Jelly Rubber & Soft Rubber
These are generally older or more budget-friendly safe toy materials. This material is not used as often as Silicone or TPE however it is still safe and looks very similar to silicone toys but often with a softer feel.
Cleaning
Wash using:
Warm water
Mild soap
Because these materials are porous, they are harder to completely sterilize. Many people prefer using condoms over porous toys for additional hygiene. Because they can be porous, extra care and cleaning is needed.
Storage
Keep dry.
Store separately.
Avoid high temperatures.
ABS Plastic
Examples:
Vibrators
Bullet vibrators
Egg vibrators
Remote controls
Chastity Cages
ABS plastic is non-porous, body safe and very easy to clean.
Cleaning
Wash using:
Warm water
Mild soap
Or wipe with toy cleaner.
Do not immerse battery compartments unless the product is waterproof. Store them is a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
Acrylic Toys
Acrylic toys have a beautiful crystal-like appearance.
Cleaning
Wash carefully with:
Warm water
Mild soap
Avoid dropping acrylic products, as they may crack.
Glass Toys
High-quality borosilicate glass toys are extremely hygienic as they are non-porous and very easy to clean.
Cleaning
Wash with:
Warm water
Mild soap
They may also be disinfected using boiling water, however avoid sudden temperature changes as this can lead to the toy cracking. If they contain electronic components keep those sections dry. Always inspect glass toys before every use. Do not use if chipped or cracked.
Stainless Steel Toys
Examples:
Butt plugs
Dilators
Chastity accessories
Urethral sounds
Medical-grade stainless steel is one of the easiest materials to sanitize. Other metal alloy toys are also safe and easy to clean.
Cleaning
Wash with:
Warm water
Mild soap
May also be:
Boiled
Sterilized
Cleaned with medical disinfectants where appropriate
Dry completely to prevent water spots.
Aluminum Toys
Anodized aluminum is lightweight and durable, very similar to stainless steel however lighter to the feel.
Cleaning
Use:
Warm water
Mild soap
Avoid harsh abrasives as this can scratch the finish on the product.
Silicone-Coated Toys
Some toys feature a silicone outer layer over an internal ABS plastic core. Examples include vibratintg bullets, handle of vibrators and others. It basically give the toy that nice matt finish and feel of silicone. Clean as you would a silicone toy. Never boil or submerge electronic products and always ensure the toys are fully dry before storing.
Vibrators & Rechargeable Toys
Always check whether your toy is:
Waterproof
Splashproof
Water-resistant
Waterproof
This basically means that the toy has highest level of water resistance. The toy can usually be washed under running water or used in the shower. Submerging toys in bath or jacuzzi is not ideal but can be done briefly.
Splashproof
Most toys when classified as waterproof are actually splash proof, meaning brief exposure to water will not cause any issues. To clean rather wipe carefully with a damp cloth, do not soak in the basin.
Charging Port
Ensure the charging port is dry before charging. Never charge a wet toy as water my still be sitting at the entrance to the charging port and will just be pushed into the unit if you connect the power cord. It could also resut is short circut or internal damage.
Battery Operated Toys
Always remove your batteries before long-term storage, never store toys with the battery feft inside. If the batteries leak, dispose of them immediately and clean the compartment carefully. Very often a battery leak can damage or distroy the internal components. If your toy is rechargeable, look at for any swelling or heating of the battery area before every use. If this occured discontinue use. As with cell phones rechargeable batteries do not last forever and do slowly degrade over time and multiple charging cycles.
Realistic Masturbators
Examples:
Sleeves
Cups
Strokers
Full-size masturbators, torso and sex dolls
These products require extra attention.
Cleaning
Rinse with warm water immediately after use.
Use mild soap or toy cleaner.
Ensure internal tunnels are thoroughly rinsed and clean after every use.
Allow to dry completely before storage.
Renew the material with renewal powder if recommended by the manufacturer.
Never store while damp and store in a cool, dry and dark location.
Inflatable Toys
Clean with:
Warm water
Mild soap
Avoid over-inflation.
Never use sharp objects near inflatable products.
Leather Products
Examples:
Collars
Restraints
Harnesses
Paddles
Do not soak leather.
Instead:
Wipe using a slightly damp cloth.
Use leather conditioner occasionally to keep the material soft.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Faux Leather (PU Leather)
Wipe clean with:
Damp cloth
Mild soap if necessary
Dry immediately.
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
Latex Products
Wash using:
Lukewarm water
Mild soap
Dry naturally.
Avoid oils and petroleum products.
Store away from sunlight.
Neoprene Products
Examples:
Restraints
Masks
Harnesses
Hand wash using mild soap.
Air dry completely.
Avoid machine drying.
Nylon Straps & Fabric Items
Hand wash using:
Mild detergent
Warm water
Air dry completely before storing.
Silicone Lubricant Residue
If you've used silicone lubricant, wash the toy thoroughly afterwards.
Residue left on toys for extended periods may shorten the lifespan of certain materials.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is almost as important as cleaning.
We recommend:
Always store each toy separately.
Use the supplied storage bag if included.
Keep away from dust.
Keep away from direct sunlight.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Avoid crushing toys under heavy objects.
Keep away from pets.
Keep out of reach of children.
Keeping your adult toys in a specific toy storage bag is always a good idea. If you do, just make sure each one is stored separately and not touching, best way is to place each sex toy in its own cotton sock.
Can You Use Alcohol?
70% isopropyl alcohol may be suitable for disinfecting certain hard non-porous materials like stainless steel or glass. However, alcohol may damage softer materials over time.
It is generally not recommended for:
TPE
TPR
PVC
Jelly rubber
Latex
Can You Use Bleach?
Bleach is also generally not recommended for adult toys. It may damage materials and leave harmful residues if not rinsed thoroughly. Mild soap and warm water remain the safest cleaning method for most products.
Can You Put Toys in the Dishwasher?
Only if ALL of the following apply:
The toy contains no electronics.
The manufacturer specifically approves it.
No detergent is used.
Top rack only.
This generally applies only to certain solid silicone, glass or stainless steel toys, it can be done but we do not recommend it.
Can Toys Be Boiled?
Some toys can but with proper cleaning it is not necessary, so where ever possible avoid this method as it can cause your product to fade in colour, warp or crack due too sudden temperature changes.
Safe candidates include:
Solid silicone
Stainless steel
Borosilicate glass
Never boil:
Vibrators
Rechargeable toys
Battery-operated toys
TPE
TPR
PVC
Inflatable toys
How Often Should Toys Be Cleaned?
Always:
Before first use
After every use
Before sharing (if sharing is recommended by the manufacturer)
Before long-term storage
After long-term storage before using again
When Should You Replace a Toy?
Replace your toy if you notice:
Tears
Cracks
Peeling
Sticky surfaces that cannot be restored
Change in internal colour such as dark spots
Persistent odors after cleaning
Exposed internal components
Charging or battery issues affecting safe operation
Swelling or overheating
Using damaged sex toys may increase the risk of irritation or injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hand sanitizer?
No. Most hand sanitizers contain strong alcohol and additives that may damage intimate toy materials or leave unwanted residues.
Can I use dishwashing liquid?
Yes, provided it is mild and fragrance-free. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Do I need a toy cleaner?
Not necessarily. Warm water and mild soap are sufficient for most products, although a dedicated toy cleaner can be convenient for quick cleaning or travel.
Should I use a condom on porous toys?
Using a condom can provide an additional hygiene barrier for porous materials such as TPE, TPR, PVC, and jelly rubber and also if you are sharing a toy.
Can I leave lubricant on my toy?
No. Wash off lubricant after use to help preserve the material and maintain hygiene. Silicone lube on a silicone toy can also damage the product surface.
Final Care Tips
A few minutes spent cleaning your products after each use will significantly extend their lifespan and help keep every experience safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
At MoodTime, we recommend purchasing quality body-safe products, using compatible lubricants, cleaning toys after every use, and storing them correctly so they remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Thank you for choosing MoodTime. We wish you many safe, enjoyable, and hygienic experiences with your products.
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