How to Clean Sex Toys (Because Safety Is Sexy)
Isobel is a skincare obsessed Piscean hailing from Byron Bay. She studied law and journalism in Brisbane before moving to Sydney where she’s now living by the beach in Bondi. She’s worked as a Beauty Writer for BEAUTYcrew, a Digital Content Editor for Marie Claire and InStyle, and her words have appeared in Vogue, Gritty Pretty, ELLE, Women’s Health - and of course here - at Adore Beauty.
Previously thought of as an ‘unmentionable’ topic, the world of sexual wellness becomes less and less taboo as time moves forward (and rightfully so).
Yet there’s still one aspect that’s far too infrequently discussed: how to clean sex toys.
If you own or are considering buying a sexual wellness product, it’s important to know how to properly look after them.
Why?
Well, ensuring sex toys are properly cleaned and stored after use will keep them free from bacteria and help prevent infections from occurring.
Plus, practicing proper sex toy hygiene also goes a long way in protecting the longevity of your investments.
Considering high-quality sex toys aren’t usually cheap, we think that latter point is a pretty solid one.
Have we got you convinced? Let’s get into the best way to clean sex toys.
Firstly, Here's What Not to Use When Cleaning Your Vibrator
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to clean a vibrator—and any other sex toys for that matter —we first want to give a word of warning on what cleaning products *shouldn’t* be used.
Due to the usage nature of sex toys, anything that contains toxic chemicals or could be harmful to intimate areas should be avoided at all costs… and we can’t emphasise this enough.
That means your regular household cleaning products are absolutely off the cards.
Although that delightful-smelling eucalyptus multipurpose spray might be brilliant for cleaning the kitchen bench, it has no place near your sex toys.
How to Clean Sex Toys
Before cleaning your vibrator or other sex toys, check the product’s packaging to find out what it’s made from.
The materials will determine how the item should be cleaned.
The most common materials include silicone, plastic, and metal. Sometimes, even glass may be incorporated.
Silicone often features in high-end sex toys due to its comfortable texture and durable nature.
However, oils or oil-based products will break down silicone, so it’s vital to avoid any soaps or washes that contain oils.
If you’re cleaning a waterproof sex toy, it’s generally fine to submerge it in water.
Some can even be boiled for an extra thorough clean, but double-check your product information guide first.
For non-waterproof toys, wipe them down using a warm, soapy cloth or a purpose-designed sex toy cleaning product, ensuring you avoid the areas around electrical components.
The wipe-down method is also great for waterproof toys and fine for silicone, plastic, metal, and glass items.
If your toy has small, removable parts, it’s a good idea to remove these and clean them separately so you can get into any nooks and crannies.
A soft-bristled toothbrush also comes in handy for cleaning any ribbed or textured areas. Just be very gentle when using a brush so you don’t scratch or otherwise damage your product.
If you’re wondering what to clean a vibrator with, a specialised sex toy cleaning spray will be your best bet.
- Simply spritz the product across your sex toys
- Leave it on for the recommended time (usually a minute or two)
- Then wipe it off
It’s as easy as that, which is why sex toy cleaning sprays are one of the best ways to clean sex toys.
If you don’t have a sex toy cleaning spray on hand, an antibacterial hand or body soap is fine to use instead.
Again, just avoid any oily ingredients if you’re working with a silicone product.
The Best Sex Toy Cleaning Sprays
Looking for some product recommendations? Don’t worry, we wouldn’t leave you hanging.
Here are a couple of our faves...
Packaged in a chic silver bottle, this LELO sex toy cleaning spray wouldn’t look out of place among your favourite #shelfie-worthy skincare products. The antimicrobial, alcohol-free formula is incredibly user-friendly and takes just a couple of minutes to work its cleaning magic. It’s also free from parabens and proven to kill 99.9% of germs.
A fast-working option for those who don’t want to wait around.
This multipurpose sex toy cleaning spray is designed for use on not just sex toys but intimate products including menstruation cups too. Once sprayed on, INTIMINA Intimate Accessory Cleaner takes just 5 seconds to disinfect. It’s pH-balanced and body-safe for your peace of mind. It’s suitable for cleaning silicone sex toys as well as rubber and latex ones.
Storing Sex Toys
While we’re on the topic of safety, storing sex toys is just as important as knowing the best way to clean sex toys.
Many products come with storage pouches, but if yours didn’t, use a clean, soft fabric bag to keep your sex toys free from dust, bacteria, and damage.
Be sure to keep your storage pouch clean as well as wherever you’re storing sex toys.
If your toys are battery-powered, ensure you remove any batteries before putting them away. Leaving batteries in during storage can cause your device to become damaged or corroded.
If you previously had no idea how to clean a vibrator, we hope you’re feeling much more knowledgeable now!
Get into the habit of thoroughly cleaning your sex toys each time you use them. You’ll not only keep them hygienic and safe for use; you’ll also give them a longer lifespan.
If you’re looking for more sexual wellness products, check out the rest of the Adore Beauty sex range or read our guides below...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
Shop the Products Mentioned in this Article
LELO Toy Cleaning Spray 60ml$19.00
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