How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys Properly: Step-by-Step Care & Hygiene Guide

Knowing how to clean silicone sex toys takes about two minutes and a bit of mild soap. Wash the toy with warm water and fragrance-free soap, rinse off every trace of soap, and dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry. Do this before and after every use. Non-electronic, 100% silicone toys can also be boiled for a deeper clean.

Silicone is the most popular body-safe material in adult toys, and for good reason. It's smooth, flexible, long-lasting and non-porous, which means bacteria have fewer places to hide. But "easy to clean" doesn't mean "clean by itself." Cleaning silicone adult toys properly protects your health, keeps the material in good shape and helps a quality toy last for years. This guide walks through each step, the methods that work for different kinds of toys, the mistakes that damage them, and how to store them. If you're still building your collection, our latest silicone toy arrivals are a good place to start.

Why Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys Matters

Any toy that touches your body can carry bacteria, body fluids and lubricant residue. If it isn't cleaned, that can lead to irritation or infections such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. Sexual health organizations, including Planned Parenthood, recommend cleaning toys after every use. Cleaning also helps lower the risk of passing on sexually transmitted infections when toys are shared.

There's a practical side too. Dried-on lube and residue can leave a sticky film, a dull surface and sometimes a smell. A toy that's cleaned and stored well keeps its smooth finish and lasts much longer, which matters when you've invested in a quality piece.

Why Silicone Is Easier to Clean Than Other Materials

Silicone is non-porous. Its surface doesn't absorb fluids the way jelly rubber, TPE or some soft "skin-feel" materials do. That makes it easier to wash thoroughly and, for non-electronic versions, safe to sanitize with heat. It also holds up better to repeated cleaning, which is why many people choose it as their go-to material.

What You Need Before You Start

You don't need special equipment. Gather:

• Warm running water

• Mild, fragrance-free soap (unscented hand soap or a dedicated toy cleaner)

• A clean, lint-free towel or fresh paper towels

• A soft cloth or your clean hands (avoid rough scrubbers)

• A clean storage pouch or bag

• Optional: a pot for boiling non-electronic silicone toys

Skip anything with strong fragrance, antibacterial additives, alcohol or harsh chemicals, since they can irritate sensitive skin and, in some cases, wear down the toy's surface.

How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys: Step-by-Step

This is the core method for most silicone toys, including a silicone vibrator that is fully waterproof.

Step 1: Check the Toy's Material and Waterproof Rating

Look at the packaging or manual. Confirm it's 100% silicone and check whether it's waterproof, splash-proof or not water-safe at all. Waterproof (often listed as IPX7 or similar) means it can usually be submerged. If it's only "splashproof" or has exposed charging ports, don't submerge it.

Step 2: Turn Off the Toy and Remove Any Batteries

Switch the device off. If it uses removable batteries, take them out before cleaning. If it has a charging port or a charging cable, disconnect it.

Step 3: Wash With Warm Water and Mild Soap

Run warm (not scalding) water over the toy. Add a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap and rub gently with your hands or a soft cloth. Pay attention to ridges, seams, grooves and the base, where residue likes to collect.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse until all the soap is gone. Leftover soap can irritate sensitive skin and leave a film on the toy.

Step 5: Dry Completely

Pat the toy dry with a clean towel or a fresh paper towel, then let it air dry fully before storing. Moisture trapped in folds or crevices can encourage mould, so make sure the toy is fully dry, including at the base and around buttons.

Step 6: Store It Properly

Put the clean, dry toy in its own pouch or bag, away from other toys. We cover storage in detail below.

How to Clean a Silicone Vibrator

A silicone vibrator needs a bit more care because of the motor and electronics. If you're shopping for one, look for a clear waterproof rating, since it makes cleaning much easier. You can see new waterproof silicone vibrators and other fresh drops in our shop.

Waterproof vibrators: Wash as above. Many can be fully submerged, but check the rating first. Dry well around buttons and charging points.

Splashproof or non-waterproof vibrators: Don't submerge them. Wipe the toy down with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then go over it with a clean damp cloth to remove soap, and dry it thoroughly. Keep water away from the charging port and controls.

Rechargeable toys: Disconnect the charger before washing, and make sure the charging port is fully dry before plugging in again.

If you're unsure, the manufacturer's instructions always win.

How to Sanitize Silicone Sex Toys (Boiling and Dishwasher)

Washing cleans a toy. Sanitizing goes one step further. For toys that are 100% silicone with no motor, battery or electronics, heat is an option.

Boiling Method

1. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

2. Turn the heat down slightly and carefully lower the toy in.

3. Boil for about three to five minutes.

4. Remove the toy with tongs and let it cool on a clean towel.

5. Make sure it has cooled fully before use.

Don't let the toy sit against the bottom of the pot, as direct contact with hot metal can damage it. Never boil a toy with a motor, battery, charging port or any electronics. A toy like the Love to Love Dildolls Utopia, which is made entirely of silicone and has no electronics, is the kind of non-electronic piece that suits this routine. Always check the care instructions that come with your toy first.

Dishwasher Method

Some non-electronic silicone toys can go on the top rack of a dishwasher, but not all manufacturers recommend it, and high heat can damage some designs. Check the care instructions first, and never put electronic toys in the dishwasher.

Silicone Toy Cleaning Methods Compared

Silicone vs. Other Materials: Quick Cleaning Notes

Not every toy in your collection is silicone. Here's how others compare.

• Glass and stainless steel: Non-porous, wash with warm soapy water. Check for chips or cracks in glass.

• Hard plastic (ABS): Warm soapy water. Avoid boiling.

• TPE, jelly rubber and "skin-feel" materials: Porous, harder to clean fully and more likely to hold bacteria. Wash gently, dry well and consider using a condom.

• Silicone-coated or mixed-material toys: Only the outer layer is silicone, so avoid boiling and follow the manual.

If you're not sure, a simple test is to ask the retailer or check the product page for "100% body-safe silicone."

Which Lubricant Is Safe for Silicone Toys?

Lubricant matters more than people expect. Silicone-based lubes can break down the surface of silicone toys over time, leaving them sticky, rough or pitted, and a damaged surface is harder to clean. For silicone toys, use water-based lube. If you want to use silicone lube, test a small hidden spot first or put a condom over the toy.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys

Even careful people slip up. Watch out for these:

1. Skipping cleaning before use. Dust, lint and storage residue can sit on a toy between uses.

2. Using harsh soaps, bleach or strong alcohol. They can irritate skin and damage some toys.

3. Submerging a non-waterproof toy. This can ruin the motor.

4. Boiling a vibrator. Heat damages electronics and batteries.

5. Drying with a linty towel. Silicone attracts lint and dust, so use a clean, lint-free towel.

6. Storing toys while damp. Trapped moisture causes odors and mould.

7. Using silicone lube on silicone toys. It can degrade the surface.

8. Letting toys touch in storage. Different materials can react with each other.

How to Store Silicone Sex Toys Safely

Storage is half the job. A perfectly clean toy tossed into a drawer will pick up lint and dust right away.

• Keep each toy in its own cotton or satin pouch, or a clean zip bag.

• Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Don't let toys of different materials touch.

• Remove batteries before long-term storage.

• Wash the storage pouch regularly too.

Sharing Toys, Condoms and Switching Between Uses

If you share a toy with a partner, wash it between users, or use a fresh condom for each person. If you use a toy for anal play, never move it to vaginal use without cleaning it thoroughly, or better, without changing the condom. Bacteria from the anus can cause infections elsewhere. Using a condom on a toy also makes cleanup easier, though you should still wash it afterward.

When to Replace a Silicone Toy

Even with perfect care, toys don't last forever. Replace yours if it:

• Feels sticky, tacky or oily even after cleaning

• Has cracks, tears or pitting on the surface

• Smells strongly after washing

• Has changed color or texture

• Has a motor that rattles, overheats or smells of burning

A damaged surface can trap bacteria that no amount of washing will remove, so it's better to replace a worn toy than to keep using it.

Quick Cleaning Checklist

• Wash before and after every use

• Use warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap

• Rinse completely

• Dry fully with a clean towel

• Use water-based lube with silicone toys

• Boil only non-electronic, 100% silicone toys

• Store each toy separately in a clean pouch

• Replace toys that are damaged or sticky

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys

What is the best way to clean silicone sex toys?

The best way to clean silicone sex toys is warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Wash all surfaces, rinse away every trace of soap and dry the toy completely with a clean towel. Do this before and after each use. For a deeper clean, non-electronic 100% silicone toys can be boiled for a few minutes.

Can you boil silicone sex toys?

Yes, if the toy is 100% silicone and has no motor, battery or electronics. Boil for about three to five minutes, keep the toy off the bottom of the pot and let it cool before use. Never boil vibrators, rechargeable toys or toys with mixed materials.

Can I use rubbing alcohol or wipes to clean silicone toys?

It's best to avoid them for routine cleaning. Strong alcohol and scented wipes can irritate sensitive skin and leave residue. Mild soap and water, or a fragrance-free toy cleaner made for adult toys, is safer. If you do use alcohol, rinse and dry the toy thoroughly afterward.

How often should I clean silicone sex toys?

Clean them before and after every use. If a toy has been in storage for a while, a quick wash before use removes dust and lint. A deeper sanitizing boil can be added now and then for non-electronic toys.

Why does my silicone toy feel sticky?

A sticky or tacky feel usually means the surface is breaking down, often from silicone-based lube, heat or contact with other materials during storage. Wash it well and see if the feel changes. If it stays sticky or looks damaged, replace it.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to clean silicone sex toys is simple once it's a habit: check the material, wash with warm water and mild soap, rinse, dry fully and store the toy somewhere clean. Add boiling for non-electronic silicone toys when you want extra peace of mind, stick with water-based lube, and replace anything that looks worn. A few minutes of care protects your health and keeps your favorite toys feeling good for a long time.

Ready to refresh your collection? Browse our new arrivals for body-safe silicone toys.

If you have ongoing irritation, unusual discharge, pain or symptoms of infection, speak to a doctor. This guide is for general hygiene information and isn't medical advice.