The moment is over, the sex toy is set aside… and one question often arises: how exactly do I clean it?
Good news: proper maintenance is not complicated. You just need to know the material of your accessory, its waterproof rating, and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Because no, not all sex toys are cleaned the same way. A fully waterproof model is not treated like a rechargeable device that should never be submerged. A specific soft sleeve may also require more precautions than an accessory with a hard surface.
In this guide, we'll keep it simple: clean, dry, store — without damaging your accessory and without turning post-play into a chore.
And if you're also wondering what product to use during your intimate moments, our guide Which intimate lubricant to choose? perfectly complements this one.
The 30-second takeaway
1. Check the material and manufacturer's instructions.
2. Remove residue after each use.
3. Use only a compatible cleaning method.
4. Let it dry completely.
5. Store it clean and dry.
After each use: yes, really
Cleaning a sex toy after use is not a perfectionist's obsession. Bodily fluids, lubricant, and other residues can remain on its surface.
The right reflex is therefore to clean it after each use. And if your accessory has been in a drawer for a long time, gathered dust, or been handled since its last cleaning, a wipe down before use can also be a good idea.
For shared sex toys, even more rigorous attention is required: clean between each person and between different body areas, using a new condom on the sex toy when protection is used.
Waterproof or not: that's the first thing to check
Before even choosing your cleaner, look for your sex toy's waterproof rating.
Waterproof generally means the product has been designed to withstand significant contact with water under the conditions specified by its manufacturer. But if this is not clearly indicated, never assume that a rechargeable sex toy can be immersed in a sink.
For a non-submersible electronic product, prioritize surface cleaning according to its instructions, keeping connectors, charging ports, and electrical parts away from water.
When you hesitate between your intuition and the instructions: the instructions win.
The material matters as much as the cleaning product
Silicone, glass, metal, plastic, latex, rubber, proprietary soft materials... the word "sex toy" encompasses very different objects.
A general recommendation often given is to use water and mild soap when the product allows it. But this rule never replaces the manufacturer's instructions: the presence of a motor, waterproof rating, seals, and material can change the cleaning method.
| Before cleaning | What you check |
|---|---|
| Electronic sex toy | Waterproof or just splash-resistant? |
| Silicone / latex / rubber | Cleaner compatibility with the material |
| Specific soft sleeve | Brand and material specific instructions |
| Glass / metal / hard surface | Manufacturer-approved method and potential presence of electronic components |
The most powerful product is not necessarily the best. The best one is that which cleans correctly without being unsuitable for the material.
The simple 5-step method
1. Remove visible residue
Start by removing lubricant and any residue on the surface. The longer you wait, the more difficult cleaning can become.
2. Clean with a compatible method
Water and mild soap if allowed by the manufacturer, or a specific sex toy cleaner suitable for the material. Avoid improvising with household disinfectant, bleach, or alcohol on a material whose compatibility you don't know.
3. Rinse if the product requires it
Some cleaners require rinsing, others can be wiped off. Follow the instructions of the product used: there isn't one rule for all formulas.
4. Dry completely
A clean accessory stored while still damp is not a well-maintained accessory. Let it dry completely before closing its box, pouch, or case.
5. Store it properly
Dry and clean storage prevents finding dust, lint, or moisture during the next use. When possible, also avoid leaving different soft materials stuck together for long periods.
Specific cleaner or mild soap: what to choose?
You don't necessarily need a whole cabinet of cleaning products.
Mild soap and water can be suitable for many accessories when allowed by their manufacturer. A sex toy specific cleaner mainly offers a practical advantage: it's designed for this routine and its compatibilities are generally easier to identify.
In our selection, not all formulas address the same need.
Which cleaner to choose?
For a simple and versatile routine:
Intimichic Toy Clear 150 ml — spray compatible with latex, silicone, and gel according to its product sheet.
For a gentle formula:
Shunga Gentle Cleaner 115 ml — designed to remove lubricant and impurities with simple use.
For alcohol-sensitive materials:
We-Vibe Clean 100 ml by pjur — alcohol-free formula suitable for latex, rubber, and silicone.
For the Fleshlight universe:
Fleshlight Wash 100 ml — alcohol-free formula specifically designed for SuperSkin.
To add a UV step after cleaning:
Stertoy + Stergel 100 ml Pack — a complementary step, not a replacement for physical cleaning.
And alcohol wipes? Not for everything
An alcohol wipe can be perfectly relevant in one specific context and totally unsuitable in another.
ElectraStim wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol, for example, are intended for cleaning electrodes and compatible electrostimulation accessories.
So that's not a reason to use alcohol on all your sex toys. Some materials are sensitive to this type of product.
The rule remains the same: compatibility first.
Does a UV sterilizer replace cleaning?
No. A UV device like the Stertoy can complement a cleaning routine for compatible items, but it does not remove lubricant, dust, or visible residue.
The logic is simple: first clean, then optionally add the UV step.
Presenting UV as an excuse to skip cleaning would be the exact opposite of a good routine.
Sharing your sex toys? The reflex changes slightly
When a sex toy passes from one person to another, cleaning also takes on a dimension of reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Sexual health recommendations are simple: clean the sex toy between uses, and when a condom is used on it, change it between partners or between different body areas.
This precaution also applies when moving from anal to vaginal or oral use.
It's not very complicated. It's just the kind of detail that's better to know before rather than after.
Drying: the step we most often rush
We think a lot about the cleaning product and much less about the moment that comes right after.
Yet, a sex toy must be perfectly dry before storage. Let it dry in a clean environment, then put it back in its case, box, or an appropriate pouch.
For a rechargeable device, also ensure that the port or charging area is completely dry before reconnecting the cable.
A few minutes of patience is better than damp storage.
The 6 easiest maintenance mistakes to avoid
1. Submerging a sex toy without checking its waterproof rating.
Rechargeable does not mean waterproof.
2. Randomly using a household product.
An aggressive formula may be unsuitable for the material or intimate use.
3. Thinking that alcohol is suitable for all surfaces.
Some alcohol-free cleaners exist precisely for sensitive materials.
4. Storing the accessory while it's still damp.
Proper cleaning also implies letting it dry.
5. Going from anal to vaginal or oral without cleaning.
Clean the sex toy or change the condom covering it before changing areas.
6. Believing that a UV device removes residue.
UV complements cleaning; it does not replace the step that physically removes dirt.
Should a new sex toy be cleaned before the first use?
It's a good habit. A new product has been manufactured, packaged, stored, and handled before reaching you. A first cleaning according to its instructions allows you to start on a clean slate.
It's also the ideal time to read the few lines we tend to ignore: waterproof rating, recommended product, particular restrictions, and drying method.
How often should a deeper cleaning be done?
There is no universal schedule. For everyday use, the most important thing remains cleaning after each use according to the instructions.
If your accessory has grooves, removable parts, or hard-to-reach areas, regularly check that no residue is trapped and follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for any disassembly.
Good maintenance is not a big monthly operation. It's mainly a small, regular reflex.
The best routine is the one you'll actually do
You don't need fifteen steps.
Know your sex toy, use a compatible method, clean it after use, let it dry, then store it properly. That's already the essential part.
And if you don't know its material or waterproof rating, don't guess: find its product sheet or instructions before getting out the soap, alcohol, or sink.
Clean. Dry. Store. Then forget all about it until the next urge.
Still discovering the world of intimate accessories? Start with our guide First intimate product: how to choose well?.
