How to Clean a Bullet Vibrator? PRO TIPS From A Sex Toy Tester!

Your sex toys are very, very good to you (at least we hope so, and that’s why we’re here), so you should be good to them in return. Our founder and product tester Sandra Larson, shares her tips and tricks for cleaning bullet vibrators, so read on!

Why Should I Clean My Bullet Vibrator?

You might think that you don’t really need to clean your sex toys every time if you’re the only one using them. This is probably true in the context of sexually transmitted infections, but there are a lot of other reasons why you should clean your bullet vibrator (or other sex toy) each and every time.

You probably use lube to masturbate (and if you don’t, you should, since it’s a lot kinder to your delicate tissues as well as a great conductor of vibration and other sensations). Your sex toy will get covered in leftover lube as well as skin cells. This can foster the growth of bacteria, which can lead to infections. Also, your bullet vibrator can pick up lint from sheets and blankets, and you don’t want to introduce that inside your body.

Besides caring for your own sexual health, keeping your bullet vibrator clean also keeps it healthy. Cleaning, charging, and storing your sex toys properly after each use helps them stay in good operating condition. Good toys do not come cheap; they are an investment and deserve to be treated as such.

How to Clean a Bullet Vibrator

You may be intimidated by the thought of cleaning your expensive personal electronics, but the truth is that it’s not all that complicated. Keep reading and you’ll do fine!

First, check your user manual or the manufacturer’s website to learn all about your bullet vibrator. You’ll need to know what it’s made of, how it’s powered, and if it is waterproof.

Most bullet vibrators are made of metal, silicone, or hard plastic. Metal and silicone are usually waterproof, but plastic is hit or miss. If your bullet is battery-powered, remove the batteries before cleaning. If it is rechargeable, disconnect the charging cables and close the charging port (if that is an option — not all vibrators have a cover for the charging port).

Start the cleaning process by removing dried-on lube and other debris. You can do this with a clean, soft paintbrush or makeup brush. You can also use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. After this, there are several different cleaning techniques that you can try.

Hand-wash with warm water and mild soap. This is arguably the simplest method, but you should be sure to use gentle soap without any fragrance or other additives (because even if you rinse the toy well, you don’t want any of that in your sensitive areas). Products that are designed for babies are often a good choice. This is fine for bullet vibrators that are submersible, and it is also fine for models that are splashproof as long as you don’t hold them under running water for more than three minutes. Rinse well and air-dry on a clean towel.

1. Sex toy cleaner: Many sex toy manufacturers and retailers produce specialized cleaning products. These are generally not brand-specific; you should be able to use any brand of cleaner on any brand of sex toy, but it’s always a good idea to verify. Follow the directions on the bottle, and let your toy air-dry on a clean, soft, lint-free towel.
2. Vibrator cleaning wipes: Some manufacturers and retailers also produce cleaning wipes. Like most single-use products, these are usually not the most cost-effective choice but they are great for travel or when you don’t have easy access to soap and water. As above, check for compatibility and read the instructions.
3. Boiling water: Boiling your bullet vibrator kills all germs and bacteria. You should always check the user manual or manufacturer’s website before trying any new cleaning method, but we really mean it here. Not all bullet vibrators can be boiled, but the likelihood is higher if yours is made of metal or silicone and is submersible. Heat fresh water to boiling, drop your toy in for a few minutes, and then use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove it. Let it air-dry on a clean towel.

Common Cleaning Mistakes

Cleaning your bullet vibrator is not difficult, but there are still a few things that you should not do if you want to keep your toy happy and healthy.

Don’t put it in the dishwasher: Most of us have probably seen one or more of the viral social media posts with a dishwasher full of sex toys. Generally speaking, dildos and butt plugs can survive a trip through the dishwasher but vibrators (or any other toy with a motor) cannot. It might seem like a great way to get your bullet vibrator squeaky-clean and sanitized, but we do not recommend it at all.

Using harsh cleansers: Just like the dishwasher, we understand the temptation to use the strongest stuff you can find to get your bullet vibrator as clean as possible. However, anything that is abrasive can damage the surface. If there are any scratches or scrapes on the surface — even ones that are too small to see — they can harbor bacteria and contaminants, so you are actually making your sex toy less sanitary instead of more. And if you’re thinking of using strong detergents, just remember where you like to use that vibrator. If you wouldn’t put it on a washcloth in the shower, don’t put it on your toy.

Skipping a cleaning: We said it above and we’ll say it again. Clean your bullet vibrator after every use. This is especially important if you share them with a partner. It really doesn’t take that much time after you’ve gotten your routine down pat. Letting your toy marinate in leftover lube, skin cells, and bodily fluids is a recipe for bacterial infections, and those are not sexy.

Improper storage: You’ve come this far — your toy is clean and fully recharged. Now store it nicely in a clean, soft, lint-free fabric bag. Try to keep it in an area where there are not too many temperature changes.

Happy vibing!

Sandra

Sandra studied nursing and sexual health and is named one of the world’s top 50 sexologists. She founded My Sex Toy Guide in 2016, where she and a team of experts write about relationships, LGBTQ topics, and other sexuality issues. She has been featured in Men’s Health, Wedding Wire, InsideHook, ThriveGlobal, and more.
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