The most important rule
Read the instructions for the exact product before cleaning it. Material, construction, motors, charging ports, coatings, adhesives, and waterproof ratings all affect what is safe.
If the maker's instructions differ from a general guide, follow the maker.
Looking for compatible care products? Browse lube, care, and protection
A simple routine for most washable toys
- Disconnect chargers and remove batteries if the instructions allow it.
- Wash the toy before and after use according to the maker's directions.
- Use mild soap and water when those directions permit it.
- Rinse away soap and lubricant residue.
- Pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free towel.
- Allow it to air dry completely before storage.
- Inspect it for cracks, tears, peeling, swelling, odor, or other damage.
- Store it in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and pets.
Do not immerse a powered product unless the manufacturer specifically identifies it as waterproof. Water-resistant does not always mean submersible.
Cleaning by material
Silicone
High-quality silicone is nonporous and generally easier to clean than soft porous materials. Mild soap and water are commonly recommended, but the exact product instructions still control. Do not boil, bleach, or place a toy in a dishwasher unless its manufacturer specifically says that method is safe. Motors, adhesives, coatings, and mixed materials may be damaged even when the exterior contains silicone.
Water-based lubricant is the simplest general choice. Silicone lubricant may react with some silicone products, so check both manufacturers' compatibility guidance first.
Glass and metal
Nonporous glass and metal products are generally straightforward to wash with mild soap and water. Inspect glass carefully for chips, cracks, or sharp edges before every use. Avoid sudden temperature changes that could stress glass. Powered or mixed-material products still require their own instructions.
TPR, TPE, elastomer, jelly, and other soft materials
Many soft, flexible materials are porous or semi-porous. They may retain moisture or germs more easily than nonporous materials, so careful washing, complete drying, and separate storage matter.
Do not use harsh chemicals or high heat unless the manufacturer allows them. If a porous toy is shared, a new condom can provide an added barrier for each person, but the toy still needs to be cleaned according to its instructions.
ABS plastic and mixed materials
Hard ABS plastic is commonly cleaned with mild soap and water, but seams, buttons, charging points, and soft-touch coatings can change the method. Wipe rather than immerse any product that is not confirmed waterproof.
Strokers and sleeves need extra drying time
Textured sleeves can hold water in folds and closed channels. Removable sleeves should be washed, patted dry, and air dried exactly as directed. Some designs can be turned inside out, while others can tear if inverted.
Tenga's official Flex care instructions, for example, direct the user to remove and fully invert the elastomer sleeve, wash it with water, pat it dry, and place it on the converted stand to air dry completely before storage. That method applies to the specified Flex design, not automatically to every stroker.
Browse Strokers and Masturbators and review the care section on the individual product page before choosing.
Powered toys and charging ports
Check whether the product is:
- waterproof and approved for immersion
- water-resistant and suitable only for limited splashing or rinsing
- not water-resistant and intended for surface wiping only
Keep charging ports dry unless the maker says otherwise. Reinstall port covers before washing when instructed. Never charge a wet product. Let it dry fully first, then use the supplied or approved charger.
If a toy becomes unusually hot, swells, develops a damaged cable, or shows battery leakage, stop using and charging it.
Sharing toys
Body fluids on shared toys can transmit infections. Planned Parenthood and the CDC recommend barrier protection when toys are shared. Use a new condom for each person and change it when moving the toy between people or body areas. Clean the toy between users according to its instructions.
A condom is an added barrier, not a substitute for cleaning.
Storage matters
Store toys only after they are completely dry. A breathable storage pouch or the product's supplied case can help protect it from dust. Keep different soft materials from touching unless the manufacturer says they are compatible, because some materials can discolor, become sticky, or degrade when stored together.
Keep toys away from direct sunlight, high heat, sharp objects, and areas where children or pets can reach them. Do not wrap a damp toy in a sealed plastic bag.
Rechargeable products should follow the maker's battery-storage instructions. If the product uses removable batteries, remove them for long-term storage when recommended.
When to replace a toy
Stop using a product if you notice:
- cracks, chips, tears, or exposed internal parts
- a persistent odor after proper cleaning
- sticky, powdery, peeling, or swollen material
- rust, corrosion, or battery leakage
- a damaged cable, charger, or charging port
- controls or safety features that no longer work correctly
When in doubt, replace it. A damaged surface is harder to clean and may cause injury.
Build a simple care kit
Keep these items together:
- mild unscented soap, if approved for the product
- clean lint-free towels
- the product's storage pouch or case
- a compatible water-based lubricant
- condoms when toys may be shared
- the original care instructions and charger
Browse Cleaning, Storage, and Barriers for compatible support products. Confirm compatibility on the individual listing and manufacturer directions before use.
If the product's directions permit a dedicated toy cleaner, current options include Dr. Laura Berman Intimate Basics Anti-Bacterial Toy Cleaner, Doc Johnson Natural Toy Cleaner, and Main Squeeze Toy Cleaner. A commercial cleaner is not automatically appropriate for every material, motor, finish, or charging port. Read both the toy and cleaner directions before use.
Final reminder
Clean before and after use, dry completely, inspect regularly, and follow the exact product instructions. This guide provides general educational information and does not replace manufacturer directions or medical advice.