Free overboxed, discreet shipping on orders $75+Woman-owned small businessPacked by hand with careNeutral sender name on every label
0

Care October 18, 2026 · 2 min read

How to Clean and Store Your Sex Toys (Step by Step)

Keep your toys hygienic and lasting longer. Step-by-step cleaning for silicone, glass, rechargeable and fabric toys, plus smart, discreet storage tips.

Good toy care is simple, takes a couple of minutes, and makes a real difference — to hygiene, to how your toys feel, and to how long they last. Here's exactly what to do.

When to clean

Before and after every use. A quick clean before use removes dust or lint from storage; a proper clean afterwards removes body fluids and lube before they dry.

What you'll need

  • Warm water
  • A mild, fragrance-free soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner
  • A clean, lint-free cloth or towel

Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol wipes on soft materials, and abrasive sponges — they can damage the surface of a toy.

Step by step

1. Check the care instructions

Every toy is different. The most important thing to know is whether it's water-resistant. Many rechargeable toys should be wiped rather than rinsed, and charging ports should always stay dry.

2. Wash

Lather mild soap or toy cleaner over the whole surface, paying attention to seams, ridges and buttons where residue can collect.

3. Rinse

Rinse with warm water if the toy is water-resistant. If it isn't, wipe with a clean damp cloth instead.

4. Dry completely

Pat dry and then let it air-dry fully before storing. Trapped moisture is the main cause of problems in storage.

Cleaning by material and type

Silicone toys

Warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner. Non-electronic silicone toys like the Amour Silicone Dildo can be washed thoroughly all over.

Glass toys

Warm soapy water, then rinse. Inspect for chips or cracks every time and retire any damaged piece. Store wrapped in a soft pouch — the Rosé Crystal Glass Plug should never knock against other hard items.

Rechargeable vibrators

Keep the charging port closed and dry. The Serein Bullet Vibrator, for example, should be wiped with a soft damp cloth rather than submerged. For wands like Luna, clean the head and body with warm water and toy cleaner, keep the port closed and follow the included instructions.

Battery-powered toys

Remove the batteries before cleaning, and dry the battery compartment thoroughly. Take batteries out before long-term storage too.

Soft TPR or TPE toys

These materials are more porous, so wash them thoroughly every time and let them dry completely. Using a condom over shared toys is a good habit. Learn why in our materials guide.

Rope, blindfolds and fabric

Hand-wash gently with mild soap and let air-dry completely. Our Silk cotton rope should be dried fully before it's coiled and stored.

How to store your toys

  • Keep them separate. Some materials can react when they touch for long periods. A pouch or soft bag for each toy is ideal.
  • Cool, dry and out of sunlight. Heat and UV can degrade materials over time.
  • Charge occasionally. Rechargeable batteries last longer if they're topped up every few months, even when the toy isn't in use.
  • Keep the box. Original packaging is a handy, discreet storage option — and our blush boxes make lovely storage, too.

When to replace a toy

Retire a toy if it becomes sticky, cracked, discoloured, develops a smell that doesn't wash away, or — for glass — has any chip at all. Good care makes that day a long way off.

Looking for something new? Browse the full collection or read how to choose your first vibrator.

Quick answers

How often should I clean my toys?

Before and after every use — a quick clean before removes dust from storage, and a proper clean afterwards removes fluids and lube.

Can I put sex toys in the dishwasher?

Not unless the manufacturer specifically says so. Follow each toy's care instructions — warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner suits most.

How should I store toys?

Separately, in a pouch or soft bag, somewhere cool, dry and out of sunlight. Take batteries out of battery-powered toys for long-term storage.

Written by the Dearly Desire team

A small, woman-owned team writing kind, plain-spoken guides to pleasure and intimacy. This article is general information, not medical advice — if something hurts or worries you, talk to a healthcare provider.

Shop this guide

Pieces we mentioned

Shop all