A Heartfelt Guide to Self-Care and Safety

Intimacy, whether shared with someone or embraced privately, is deeply personal. Our pleasure tools are extensions of our bodies, invitations to curiosity, healing, and comfort. Because of that, taking proper care of them is more than a hygiene routine. It’s a gesture of self-respect.

Many people feel unsure about how to clean or store their sex toys the “right” way. You’re not alone. This guide walks you through everything with warmth, clarity, and zero judgement, so you can enjoy pleasure safely and confidently.

Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters

Pleasure should never come at the cost of safety. Sex toys, especially those used internally, can collect bacteria, bodily fluids, lubricants, and even residue from the air around us. If not cleaned well, they can lead to irritation, infections, or unpleasant odours.

Keeping your toys clean is also a form of self-care. After you’ve given your body a moment of release or comfort, it feels grounding to give your toy a moment of care in return. It becomes a ritual—not a chore.

Understanding Your Toy’s Material

Before you start cleaning, it’s essential to know what your toy is made of. Different materials react differently to water, heat, and cleaning products.

1. Silicone

   Silicone is one of the safest, non-porous materials, which means bacteria can’t hide inside it. These toys are highly durable and easy to clean.
   
   

2. Glass and Stainless Steel

   These toys have smooth, non-porous surfaces and can be cleaned very thoroughly. They are ideal for people who want something long-lasting and easy to sterilise.
   
   

3. TPE, Jelly, or Rubber
   

   These softer, more flexible materials feel good but are porous. That means they can trap bacteria more easily, so they require extra attention and should be replaced more often.
   
   

4. Toys with Motors or Electronics

   Anything with a motor, battery compartment, or charging port needs special care because water can damage internal components.

How to Properly Clean Your Sex Toys

Cleaning your toys doesn't have to be complicated. Once you know your toy’s material, the steps become simple and routine.

• Cleaning Non-Porous Toys (Silicone, Glass, Stainless Steel)

  Non-porous toys are the easiest to clean. Most of the time, warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap are all you need. After washing, make sure to rinse every bit of soap away to avoid any irritation the next time you use it.
  
  For a deeper clean, non-motorised silicone, glass, or stainless steel toys can be boiled for a few minutes to sterilize them. Just remember never to boil anything with a motor.
  
  If you prefer convenience, toy cleaners are fine to use, but they’re optional. Soap and water usually do the job beautifully.
  

• Cleaning Porous Toys (TPE, Jelly, Cyberskin)
  

  Porous toys need more careful handling. These materials can’t be boiled or exposed to high heat because they may melt or warp. Gently washing them with warm water and mild soap is the safest method.
  
  After washing, pat them dry instead of rubbing. Materials like cyberskin also benefit from a light dusting of cornflour afterward to maintain their softness. Because these toys can’t be fully sterilised, it’s wise to replace them periodically.
  

• Cleaning Motorized or Electric Toys

  Electric toys require attention to detail. Always check if your toy is waterproof. If it is, you can clean it like any other toy, as long as the charging port
  is securely closed.
  
  If it’s not waterproof, clean it with a damp cloth rather than submerging it in water. Gently wipe the surface with mild soap, keeping water away from any seams or electronic components. Drying them completely is essential—moisture inside a motor can ruin the toy forever.

How to Store Your Toys with Care

Cleaning is only the first half of good toy hygiene. Proper storage keeps your toys safe from dust, bacteria, and material damage.

1. Let Them Dry Completely
   

   This step is often overlooked. Even a little moisture can lead to mould or damage, especially for toys with electronics. Let your toy air-dry before storing it away.
   

2. Use Soft Storage Bags
   

   Many toys come with storage pouches, but if yours didn’t, you can easily buy soft microfibre or satin bags. Keeping your toys in individual bags prevents scratches, dust, and material reactions
   

3. Store Toys Separately
   

   Some materials, especially silicone, can react when they touch each other for long periods. Storing each toy separately protects its shape, texture, and longevity.
   

4. Keep Them Away from Heat and Sunlight
   

   Direct sunlight, excessive heat, or humid environments can warp materials or weaken motors.
   

5. Handle Batteries Properly
   

   For battery-powered toys, removing the batteries before storage helps prevent corrosion. Rechargeable toys should be stored with a partial charge and recharged occasionally to maintain battery health.

Lubricants, Condoms, and Aftercare

Caring for your toys also involves paying attention to what you use with them. Water-based lubricants are safe for all toys and the easiest to clean off. Silicone-based lubricants can degrade silicone toys, so avoid pairing them together. Oil-based lubricants are better kept away from latex condoms because they can tear the material.

If you use toys made of porous materials, you might consider using condoms with them, especially if the toy is being shared between partners. It offers an added layer of hygiene and simplicity.

And finally, once your toys are cleaned and stored, remember to give yourself aftercare too. Pleasure isn’t only physical—it can be emotional, grounding, freeing, or even healing. Take a moment to breathe, to relax, to appreciate your body and your needs. That reflection matters just as much as the cleaning ritual.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some habits seem harmless but can damage your toys or irritate your skin. Using bleach or harsh chemicals can degrade the surface of your toy and cause discomfort later. Submerging non-waterproof toys in water can destroy their internal components. Storing toys while they’re even slightly damp can lead to bacterial growth. And overlooking small cracks or tears can be risky, since damaged toys can trap bacteria.

Being mindful of these small things keeps your pleasure experience safe and smooth.

A Loving Reminder: Your Pleasure Deserves Care

Your sexual health is a precious part of your overall wellbeing. Cleaning and storing your sex toys properly is a gentle, thoughtful way to protect your body and honour your pleasure. It’s an act of love toward yourself—one you absolutely deserve.

By treating your toys with care, you treat yourself with care. And that simple ritual can become a beautiful, grounding reminder that your joy and your body matter.