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Best Products for Cleaning Sex Toys – Keep Your Toys Safe & Hygienic

Cleaning might not be something we initially associate with sex or play time, but it is a task that should be priortized after using vibrators, dildos, and anal toys.
The reasons for cleaning your toys are because sex toys come into contact with our bodily fluids, and cleaning them is imperative for the safety of your body as well as the longevity of the toy.
Most toys can be surface-cleaned with liquid soap and warm water. However, others can be boiled in hot water for a more thorough disinfection. What determines the cleaning method is the material of the toy. For example, silicone, glass, and steel toys can be boiled in water. But hard plastic, cheap glass, and toys that have batteries in the compartment cannot.
Cleaning your toys keeps you safe. Bacteria build up, irritation, and material damage can lead to unwanted infections like yeast or a urinary tract infection. Failure to clean toys can also lead to sexually transmitted infections.
So, let’s get down and dirty when it comes to cleaning your toys. We’ll discuss the best sex toy cleaners, material compatibility, cleaning methods, and how to disinfect for future play time.
Key Factors in Choosing a Sex Toy Cleaner
When choosing a sex toy cleaner, there are a few considerations to ensure hygiene as well as safety for the toy.
- Material Compatibility: Silicone, glass, metal, ABS plastic, and porous materials require different care.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Ensure the product effectively eliminates bacteria and yeast.
- Ease of Use: Spray vs. foam vs. liquid cleaners—what works best for different toys.
- Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic Options: Best for sensitive skin.
- Travel-Friendly Options: Compact, TSA-approved sprays and wipes.
Sex toy cleaners are meant to be non-irritating and safe for various materials. They can prevent buildup of bacteria, can be a great alternative to harsh soaps, and can help toys last longer.
There are different types of sex toy cleaners.
- Antibacterial Cleaners: Kill bacteria on contact and prevent infections. They work well with most materials.
- Natural Cleaners: These cleaners use plant-based ingredients which are great for the neviorment and your body. They typically have soothing ingredients rather than harsh chemicals.
- Foaming Cleaners: Foaming cleaners build up a lather to remove residue from sex toys. These are thorough cleaners and make it more visible when washing or wiping off the lather.
- Sex Toy Wipes: These are the best option for travel sex toy cleaners as they are pre-moistened and great while on the go.
- DIY Cleaners: These are cleaners that are made at home with natural ingredients.
Best Commercial Sex Toy Cleaners
When it comes to choosing the best sex toy cleaners on the market, we rounded up five of the best cleaners for varying materials and formulas to match your needs.
- Lovehoney Fresh Toy Cleaner – Gentle, fragrance-free antibacterial spray.
- We-Vibe Clean by Pjur – Alcohol-free, safe for silicone and rubber.
- Sliquid Shine Organic Toy Cleaner – Plant-based, hypoallergenic formula.
- Swiss Navy Toy and Body Cleaner – Dual-purpose, fast-drying antibacterial cleaner.
- LELO Cleaning Spray – Safe for luxury toys, alcohol- and paraben-free.
In most sex toy cleaners, there are various ingredients to make sure any bacteria stays at bay.
There are bacteria fighters like benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride, which stop germs from growing within the cleaner itself. Emulsifiers like polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80 make sure the liquids in the cleaner stay active and are evenly distributed. Surfactants thin the cleaner out and make sure they can cover all of the surfaces on the toy.
Some of these ingredients can cause skin irritation so be aware of this in case there are any reactions.
Natural & DIY Cleaning Alternatives
In a world of chemicals, and ingredients like those discussed above, some folks are opting for more natural solutions, especially when it comes to cleaning. If you’re particularly sensitive or worried about exposure, here are a few natural options for cleaning your toys.
- Unscented Mild Soap and Warm Water – Best for non-porous toys.
- White Vinegar Solution (1:4 ratio with water) – Natural antibacterial option.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (Diluted 3%) – Disinfecting solution for non-porous materials.
- Baking Soda Paste – Gentle scrub for deep cleaning.
- Witch Hazel – Alcohol-free, skin-friendly option for quick cleaning.
Cleaning Methods by Material Type
Before soaking, boiling, or scrubbing your sex toy, you’ll need to make sure what material it is to avoid damage to the toy. Read the manufacturing packaging to see if there are any instructions on cleaning.
- Silicone: Wash with mild soap and water; use antibacterial spray for extra care.
- Glass and Stainless Steel: Boil for 3-5 minutes (if non-electronic) or use toy cleaner.
- ABS Plastic: Use a damp cloth with mild soap or a designated cleaner.
- Jelly Rubber and Porous Materials: Avoid boiling; use antibacterial spray and condom use is recommended.
- Electronic and Battery-Operated Toys: Wipe with toy cleaner or damp cloth—avoid submerging.
How Often Should You Clean Your Sex Toys?
As a general hygiene rule for cleaning sex toys, sanization and cleaning should happen before and after each use. This means basic cleaning like using an antibacterial toy cleaner or homemade cleaner to wipe down your toy. Using one of our recommended sex toy cleaners are great for after-use cleans.
For toys that are used frequently, they may require deep cleaning every week. This means boiling or submerging in water.
Storage is another key component to keeping the longevity of your toy. Make sure your toy is clean and dry or else it will cause bacteria to develop.
Storing Clean Sex Toys Properly
You can store your sex toys in various different ways, a cloth bag or storage box are discreet and easy to access. Make sure the bags are breathable and try to avoid plastic bags.
Don’t store all of your toys in one box as this can contribute to material degradation.
Overall, make sure they are kept away from sunlight in a cool place (like under your bed or in a closet).
Conclusion
If you’re building your sex toy collection, you’ll want to invest in a sex toy cleaner. This way you can safely clean your toys and make sure you’re keeping your toy and body safe.
Explore our recommended toy cleaners to take things into your own hands with a DIY natural alternative cleaner. At the end of the day, a hygienic toy can ensure a happy body.
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