A toy is washed before and after every use and then dried completely. The method depends on the material and on whether the toy has a motor: a non-vibrating silicone toy can even be boiled (about 3 minutes), but a vibrator must not be submerged. Below we go through how to do it properly and where to store it.
If you are still choosing a toy, start with Where to start: your first toy. And so that lubricant does not damage the toy, see which lubricant suits silicone toys.
In brief
- Wash the toy before and after every use and before another person uses it.
- Non-motorised silicone, glass and stainless steel toys are washed with soap or a toy cleaner; they can also be boiled or run through a dishwasher.
- Toys with a motor are not boiled or submerged: only soap and water or a toy cleaner.
- Before storage, the toy is dried completely in the air.
How to wash by material
| Material or type | How to wash | What not to do |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone, glass, stainless steel (no motor) | Soap or toy cleaner; can also be boiled or run through a dishwasher | If the manufacturer gives other instructions, follow them |
| Toys with a motor (vibrators) | Only soap and water or a toy cleaner | Do not boil, do not use a dishwasher, do not submerge |
| Porous materials (jelly, elastomer, latex) | Room-temperature or slightly warm water with a soapy cloth | Do not boil |
| PVC and vinyl | Warm water with a soapy cloth | Do not boil |
| Mixed materials | Each part is cleaned by its own rules | Do not pick one method for everything |
Step by step: how to wash a toy
- If the toy runs on batteries, take them out.
- Keep water out of the battery compartment and the charging port.
- Wash the toy with a mild unscented soap or a toy cleaner.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry completely in the air; leave the battery compartment open.
Storage
- Put the clean, dry toy in a lint-free fabric bag or a soft container without plastic.
- Store soft jelly toys separately so they do not stick together.
- Keep batteries separate from the toy: this stops them draining and corroding.
- Charge rechargeable toys from time to time.
- Keep the instructions: they describe how to care for that particular toy.
If two people use the toy
Wash it before another person uses it, or put a new condom on for each person. Porous materials are better kept for personal use, because they can hold germs even after washing. Before moving a toy from anal to vaginal use, wash it thoroughly or change the condom.
Safety limits
Inspect toys regularly: scratches and cracks can hide germs, so a damaged toy is better replaced. If pain, itching, discharge or any other problem appears, stop and see a doctor. This article is informational and does not replace a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash a toy?
Before and after every use, and before another person uses it.
Can I boil a vibrator?
No. Toys with a motor are not boiled, not put in a dishwasher and not submerged: they are washed with soap and water or a toy cleaner.
How do I wash a porous toy?
With room-temperature or slightly warm water and a soapy cloth. Do not boil: porous materials can hold germs even after washing.
Where should I store toys?
In a lint-free fabric bag or a soft container, completely dry. Keep jelly toys separate.
What should I do with the batteries?
Take them out before washing, and for storage keep them separate from the toy.
