How to Clean Glass, Metal, and Ceramic Toys Safely

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On May 12, 2025

Knowing how to clean a glass sex toy (along with metal and ceramic ones) is key to hygiene and longevity. Glass, metal, and ceramic toys are some of the most beautiful pleasure products out there, and they’re also some of the most hygienic since they’re non-porous and hence don’t trap bacteria. They also generally don’t contain motors, meaning they can easily be deep-cleaned. They can often be placed in the dishwasher, boiled in water, or washed with different cleaners for both regular cleaning and deeper sterilization methods.

Understanding the Properties of Glass, Metal, and Ceramic Toys

Glass: Glass toys made from borosilicate or tempered glass are durable (i.e, shatterproof), non-porous, and heat-resistant. They have a smooth surface and conduct heat or cold, making them great for kinky play.

Metal: Made from stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium, metal sex toys are similar to glass ones in that they’re non-porous and temperature-conductive for hot or cold play. They’re also resistant to rust and are dishwasher-friendly.

Ceramic: If it’s glazed properly, a ceramic sex toy can also be non-porous. Unlike shatterproof glass, which is a popular option, ceramic toys are more fragile than the above materials and can crack if mishandled or exposed to sudden temperature changes.

General Cleaning Guidelines for Non-Porous Sex Toys

No matter which of these three materials your toys are made of, you should always wash them with soap and warm water before and after each use, even if they look clean and don’t have visible residue. You can also implement deep cleaning techniques with body-safe cleaners like sex toy cleaning sprays.

For further sanitization, place toys in boiling water or hydrogen peroxide for a deeper clean beyond daily wipe-downs. You can also wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol. Now, we’ll dive deeper into which methods are best for each material.

Best Cleaning Methods for Each Material

Glass Toys

Now, let’s break down how to clean a glass sex toy. When cleaning glass toys, use mild, unscented soap and warm water. For a deeper clean, soak in hydrogen peroxide or wipe down with isopropyl alcohol. Rinse with water afterward.

To disinfect, you can boil for 5-10 minutes, but ensure the toy doesn’t have electronic parts, coatings, or other additions made from other materials.

You can also place them on the top rack of a dishwasher after cleaning the surface. Run it on the sanitize setting without dishwasher soap, which is way too harsh for pleasure products. Fully air dry before storing.

Metal Toys

When cleaning metal toys, you can also use soap & water, hydrogen peroxide, and isopropyl alcohol.

As long as your metal devices don’t have electronic components or any other materials on them, they’re safe to sterilize in boiling water for 5-10 minutes or pop them in the dishwasher after giving them an initial wash, with the same process we’ve detailed above.

Dry thoroughly to avoid water spots, tarnish, or any other form of deterioration.

Ceramic Toys

Using harsh, abrasive, and alcohol-based cleaners on ceramic toys can damage or scratch them and weaken the glaze. For that reason, you should stick with gentle soap and warm water or the best cleaners for sex toys, which come in spray and foam versions.

If the toy is properly glazed and hence non-porous, you can wipe it with a diluted vinegar solution (1 part vinegar and 3 parts water). This is one of the best all-natural sex toy disinfectants.

Don’t boil these toys, as extreme temperature changes can cause them to crack. Remember to let it air dry completely and handle it carefully while cleaning.

What to Avoid When Cleaning These Materials

As durable as these materials are, you can still damage them, so gentle care is key. Abrasive sponges and scrubbing pads or harsh cleaners can scratch the surface of your sex toy and damage it. Instead, it’s better to use cleaners with gentle formulas and use a soft cloth or towel if you’re wiping it down.

Never submerge vibrators or toys with electronic parts underwater. You should also be aware of sudden temperature changes, as this can crack ceramic and some types of glass. Rinsing very cold toys in very hot water can lead to cracking. Keep this in mind if you’re practicing temperature play.

Finally, don’t leave your metal toys wet after cleaning, as this can form water spots and eventually even tarnish them.

Proper Storage Tips for Glass, Metal, and Ceramic Toys

Knowing how to clean a glass sex toy, a metal sex toy, or a ceramic toy is important, but so is what you do with it after. Storage is the final step of the cleaning process that ensures the lasting quality of your toys.

Fully drying pleasure products before you store them can prevent bacterial growth, mold, and mildew. It’s best to store toys individually in soft pouches or dedicated cases to prevent scratching or damage.

Don’t have either? You can even store them in their original boxes if you keep them clean. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and other potentially damaging toys. Porous materials like TPE and jelly may degrade or stain these toys.

Preserving the Functionality of These Elegant Toys

No matter the material, it is key to prioritize safe cleaning for adult toys, whether it’s a quick wash with soap and water or a full sterilization session. The care you put into your intimate products matters.

Glass, ceramic, and metal sex toys are some of the most chic, eco-conscious, and body-safe options out there. By understanding the unique properties and choosing the right cleaning methods, you can both protect your health and ensure your toys last a lifetime.

Start integrating sex toy hygiene best practices into your post-play ritual. Try one of the cleaning methods we’ve shared today and give your favorite toys the care they deserve!

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