How to Clean Sex Toys: A Simple Routine That Works

Cleaning a toy takes a couple of minutes, and it's the part most people skip. It matters for two reasons. A clean toy is less likely to pass on bacteria or an infection, and a toy that's cleaned and stored properly lasts longer. The routine below comes from Quin, the sexual health service of Thorne Harbour Health, and the Australian Government's Beforeplay advice, checked on 30 October 2026, with notes from the toy makers' own instructions.

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The basic routine

Quin recommends the same steps for almost every toy:

1. Clean it before and after each use. Before matters too.
2. Wash it with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water, a toy cleaner or toy wipes.
3. Rinse it well, but only put it under water if it's waterproof.
4. Dry it completely before you store it.
5. Store it in a fabric pouch or its own compartment, away from heat.

The Australian Government's Beforeplay advice says the same in short form: wash sex toys thoroughly each time you use them.

Step by step, by type of toy

Toys with a motor or battery

Most vibrators and air pulse toys have electronics inside, so the key question is whether the toy is waterproof.

• Waterproof (often marked IPX7): wash it with soap and water and rinse it under the tap. Satisfyer's FAQ says its IPX7 devices can be rinsed with warm water, and lists two models that aren't waterproof.
• Splash-proof or not waterproof: don't submerge it. Wipe it with a soapy cloth, then a damp cloth, then dry it. Womanizer's FAQ says some of its models are splash-proof only and tells you to check the manual before submerging.
• Never boil a motorised toy. We-Vibe's FAQ says not to boil its products, put them in the dishwasher or expose them to temperatures above body temperature, because that can damage the battery or motor.

Keep the charging port or contacts dry. If a toy won't charge after cleaning, Satisfyer suggests wiping the metal contacts with a lint-free cloth.

Non-motor silicone, glass and steel toys

These are non-porous, so they're the easiest to clean. Quin says some non-motor toys can be boiled for 1 to 3 minutes. Check the maker's instructions first, because not every toy is made to take heat.

Porous toys (TPE, jelly rubber, PVC, vinyl)

Quin says porous materials have tiny holes that can absorb bacteria, so they can't be cleaned as thoroughly. Its advice:

• Wash gently with mild soap and water.
• Never boil them or use harsh cleaners.
• Keep them for solo use, or use a condom over them if they're shared.
• Replace them if they change colour or start to smell.

Our body-safe materials guide explains which materials are porous.

Does soap and water kill everything?

Not necessarily. Quin says soap and water won't always remove all bacteria or viruses linked to STIs. For extra cleaning it lists:

• isopropyl alcohol
• chlorinated sanitiser
• antibacterial toy cleaners

We-Vibe's FAQ says a 10% bleach solution can be used on its products if you want to. Always check what the maker allows, because a strong cleaner can damage some materials.

Cleaning when you share a toy

Beforeplay advises avoiding sharing sex toys. If you do share one:

• Clean it between partners, as well as at the end.
• Use a condom over it. Sexual Health Victoria says condoms can go on a sex toy, and to use a new condom when switching from one kind of sex to another.
• Choose non-porous toys for sharing. They're easier to clean properly.

Our couples guide covers sharing in more detail.

Lube and cleaning

The lube you use affects both cleaning and the life of the toy. Quin says water-based lube washes off easily in water, while silicone lube lasts longer, takes more washing and can degrade silicone toys over time. Oil-based lube can linger and, Quin says, can increase the risk of irritation. We-Vibe's warranty page also warns that oils and creams, including coconut oil, essential oils and sunscreen, can damage its toys. Our lube guide explains which lube to pair with which toy.

Quick guide by situation

Choosing a cleaner

You don't need a special product. Quin lists mild, fragrance-free soap and water alongside toy cleaners and wipes, so plain soap is fine for everyday cleaning. Some brands sell their own cleaner. We-Vibe's FAQ, for example, mentions We-Vibe Clean, made by pjur, as an alternative to soap and water. If you have sensitive skin, a fragrance-free option is a sensible choice, in line with Quin's advice on lube for sensitive skin.

Whatever you use, check it's suitable for the toy's material. We-Vibe's warranty page warns that some products, including oils and creams, can damage its toys.

Drying and storage

Quin's storage advice:

• Dry completely before putting a toy away.
• Use a fabric pouch or separate compartments.
• Keep porous toys apart from other toys, because some materials react with each other.
• Keep toys away from heat.

If a toy came with a pouch or box, that's usually the simplest option. A clean, dry drawer with toys kept separate works too.

When to replace a toy

Replace a toy if:

• a porous toy has changed colour or started to smell (Quin's advice)
• the surface has cracked, split or changed texture, so it can no longer be cleaned properly
• it has stopped working and it's out of warranty

If a toy fails within the warranty, keep your proof of purchase handy. We-Vibe's warranty page says the receipt is required when requesting a warranty replacement, and Satisfyer's FAQ says it can't process a replacement without one. For a toy bought in Australia, start with the retailer.

What not to do

• Don't boil anything with a motor or battery.
• Don't boil porous toys.
• Don't put toys in the dishwasher. We-Vibe says so for its products.
• Don't submerge a toy that isn't waterproof.
• Don't use oils or creams on toys whose maker warns against them.
• Don't store toys damp.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my sex toy?

Before and after every use, according to Quin.

What's the best way to clean a vibrator?

Wash it with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water or a toy cleaner. Rinse it under the tap only if it's waterproof, then dry it completely.

Can I boil a vibrator?

No. Anything with a motor or battery shouldn't be boiled. Quin says only some non-motor toys can be boiled, for 1 to 3 minutes.

Can I put sex toys in the dishwasher?

We-Vibe says not to put its products in the dishwasher. Follow the maker's instructions for your toy.

Is toy cleaner better than soap?

Quin lists both mild soap and water and toy cleaners as options. It also says soap and water won't necessarily remove all STI-related bacteria or viruses, and lists isopropyl alcohol, chlorinated sanitiser and antibacterial toy cleaners for extra cleaning.

How should I store sex toys?

Dry them completely, then keep them in a fabric pouch or separate compartments, away from heat. Keep porous toys apart from others.

Do I need to clean a brand-new toy?

Yes. Quin advises cleaning toys before and after each use, which includes the first time you use a new one. Check the instructions in the box for anything specific to that toy.