How To Clean Your Sex Toys

Nov 11, 2023

(By which we mean vibrators, dildos, kegel balls, dialators and butt plugs – basically anything you have, or will, put inside you.)

Cleaning your sex toys is super important both for hygiene and extending their lifespan. Proper cleaning helps prevent the growth of bacteria and reduces the risk of infections. The specific cleaning method will depend on the material of the toy, so here are some general guidelines… Melba products are made from medical grade platinum silicone, so our advice here is tailored more towards those kind of products.

1. Read the instructions

Always follow any cleaning instructions that come with your sex toy. They may provide specific recommendations for your particular product.

2. Check the material

Different materials require different cleaning methods.

· Non-porous materials (e.g., silicone, glass, stainless steel): These are the easiest to clean and can be washed with soap and water or cleaned with sex toy cleaner. You can also boil them or even put them in the dishwasher to sanitize them.

· Porous materials (e.g., rubber, jelly, TPE): These materials are more challenging to clean thoroughly because they can trap bacteria. Generally we wouldn’t advise putting these materials inside your body anyway. If you do use them, clean them with mild soap and warm water, but avoid soaking them or using harsh chemicals. Consider using condoms on porous toys to make cleaning easier and to protect yourself from unstable polymers in the material.

3. Before and after use

Clean your sex toy both before and after each use. Even if it has been put away clean, clean it again before use so that it’s definitely free of any potential contaminants before insertion. Clean your toy again after use and put it away once dry.

4. Remove batteries

If your sex toy uses batteries, remove them before cleaning. Never submerge a battery compartment in water.

5. Avoid water damage

If your toy is not waterproof or splash-proof, avoid getting water near the battery compartment or any electronic components. Use a damp cloth with mild soap instead.

6. Hand wash only

Unless the manufacturer explicitly states that your sex toy is dishwasher-safe or can be machine-washed, always hand wash it.

hand holding soapy sponge in the shape of a hear

7. Avoid harsh chemicals

Stay away from abrasive cleaners, alcohol, or anything containing acetone, as they can damage the surface of the sex toy.

8. Storage

After cleaning and drying your sex toy, store it in a clean and dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. We provide organic cotton bags for our toys, other good materials for storage are silk pouches, or why not splash out and get yourself a specific sex toy box, chest, or cupboard – how very ’50 Shades of gray!’

9. Replace when necessary

Pay attention to signs of wear and tear. If your sex toy starts to show signs of damage, it’s time to replace it.

10. Toys with multiple parts

If your sex toy has detachable parts or accessories, clean them separately for thorough hygiene.

Remember: while proper cleaning is crucial, so is using the right lube and storing your sex toys correctly. Certain lubes can damage your toys. read more about lube in our blog and on our instagram posts. As a general rule, never use silicone lube with silicone toys. Following these guidelines will help keep your sex toys safe, clean, and enjoyable for a long time.

Do you still have questions?

It might be useful to check out our FAQ page.

Visit our FAQ page