How to Clean & Care for Sex Toys and BDSM Equipment

How to Clean & Care for Sex Toys and BDSM Equipment

Cleaning and looking after sex toys and BDSM equipment is an important part of keeping reusable products hygienic and in good condition.

However, there isn't one cleaning method that's suitable for every product. The correct approach depends on the material, whether the item contains electrical components, whether it's waterproof and how it has been used.

From vibrators and dildos to bondage cuffs, chastity devices and sensory accessories, this guide explains the basic principles of cleaning, drying and storing adult toys and BDSM equipment.

Always check the manufacturer's individual care instructions before cleaning a product.

Why Should You Clean Sex Toys?

Sex toys come into direct contact with the body and may collect bodily fluids, lubricant and other residue during use.

Cleaning reusable toys appropriately helps maintain hygiene and keeps them in better condition.

Ideally, cleaning should form part of your normal routine rather than something you only think about occasionally.

Clean Sex Toys Before & After Use

Reusable sex toys should generally be cleaned according to their care instructions before and after use.

Cleaning before use can remove dust or other contamination that may have accumulated during storage.

Cleaning afterwards removes lubricant and bodily fluids before the toy is stored again.

Make sure the toy has dried appropriately before putting it away.

Check the Material First

Before cleaning any sex toy, identify what it's made from.

Common adult-toy materials include silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, glass and various flexible materials.

Different materials tolerate different cleaning methods.

Never assume that a cleaning method is suitable simply because you've used it successfully on another toy.

If the manufacturer's care instructions are available, follow those first.

Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys

For a silicone toy, check whether it is made entirely from silicone or contains motors, charging ports or other components.

Many non-electrical silicone products can be cleaned with warm water and a suitable mild soap, but follow the manufacturer's instructions for the particular item.

Rinse away cleaning residue where appropriate and allow the toy to dry thoroughly.

For vibrating or rechargeable silicone toys, its water-resistance rating also needs to be considered.

Cleaning Vibrators

Before cleaning a vibrator, check whether it is waterproof, water-resistant or neither.

Don't immerse an electrical toy unless the manufacturer specifically states that it can be submerged.

Pay particular attention to seams and textured areas where residue can collect.

Where appropriate, wipe or wash the toy according to its instructions and allow it to dry before charging or storing it.

Our Beginner's Guide to Vibrators explains more about rechargeable, battery-powered and water-resistant vibrator designs.

Cleaning Dildos

How you clean a dildo depends largely on its material and construction.

A non-electrical dildo may have different cleaning options from a vibrating or electronically powered model.

Pay attention to textured surfaces and the area around suction bases where applicable.

Our Beginner's Guide to Dildos explains some of the different dildo materials and designs you may encounter.

Cleaning Metal Sex Toys

Stainless-steel adult toys can often be relatively straightforward to clean, but you should still follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Check joints, decorative components and any areas where moisture could become trapped.

Dry metal equipment thoroughly before storage.

Don't continue using a metal toy if it becomes damaged, develops rough edges or shows other deterioration that could cause injury.

Cleaning Bondage Cuffs & Restraints

Bondage equipment can contain several materials within one product.

A pair of cuffs, for example, might include fabric or synthetic material alongside metal buckles, D-rings, chains or locks.

This means immersing the entire product in water may not always be appropriate.

Follow the care instructions for the particular restraint and pay attention to components that could retain moisture.

Our Guide to Bondage Cuffs provides more information about different cuff designs.

Cleaning Handcuffs & Metal Restraints

Metal handcuffs and other metal restraints should be kept clean and dry and checked regularly for deterioration.

Moisture left around hinges, locking mechanisms or chains may cause problems with some materials.

Don't use cleaning products that could damage the finish or interfere with the locking mechanism.

Always test the release mechanism before using handcuffs as restraints.

Cleaning Chastity Devices

Hygiene is particularly important with chastity equipment because devices may be worn closely against the genitals.

Cleaning requirements depend on the material and construction of the device.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and pay attention to rings, joints, locks and other areas where residue may collect.

Our Beginner's Guide to Male Chastity Devices provides additional information about chastity-device fit and hygiene.

Cleaning Wartenberg Wheels & Sensory Toys

Sensory equipment that comes into contact with the skin should also be cleaned appropriately.

For a Wartenberg wheel, pay particular attention to the rotating wheel and the spaces around its points.

Make sure the equipment is dry before storage and check that moving components continue to work correctly.

Our Beginner's Guide to Wartenberg Wheels & Sensory Toys explains their use and care in more detail.

Cleaning Sex Toys After Anal Use

Toys used anally require particular attention to hygiene.

Only use toys that are suitable for the intended activity and clean reusable products thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions after use.

Don't move a toy directly from anal use to vaginal use without appropriate cleaning or changing a barrier such as a condom where suitable for the toy.

If a material can't be adequately cleaned for its intended reuse, consider whether it should be shared or used between different body areas at all.

Sharing Sex Toys

Sharing sex toys can introduce additional hygiene considerations because bodily fluids can be transferred between people.

Cleaning requirements depend on the material and the type of contact involved.

A new condom or other suitable barrier over a compatible toy may help reduce fluid transfer in some circumstances, but it doesn't replace appropriate cleaning.

Change the barrier between people and between anal and vaginal use.

Can You Use Sex Toy Cleaner?

Products specifically marketed as sex-toy cleaners are available, but compatibility still matters.

A cleaner being described as suitable for sex toys doesn't automatically mean it's appropriate for every material or electronic product.

Check both the cleaner instructions and the toy manufacturer's care information.

Avoid leaving cleaning residue on surfaces intended to come into contact with the body.

Can You Use Household Cleaning Products on Sex Toys?

Don't automatically use household disinfectants, bleach or other strong cleaning chemicals on adult toys.

They may damage some materials or leave unsuitable residues.

Use the cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer for the particular product.

If you're uncertain about compatibility, don't experiment with harsh chemicals.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Sex Toys

Waterproof and water-resistant don't necessarily mean the same thing.

A product described as waterproof may be designed to tolerate immersion to a specified level, while a water-resistant product may only tolerate splashes or limited exposure.

Check the manufacturer's rating rather than assuming a rechargeable or sealed-looking toy can be submerged.

Pay particular attention to charging ports and battery compartments.

Drying Sex Toys Properly

Drying is an important part of cleaning.

After following the appropriate washing or wiping procedure, allow the product to dry as recommended before storing it.

Trapped moisture can be particularly problematic around electrical components, metal parts, seams and enclosed storage spaces.

Don't reconnect chargers or close battery compartments while areas that should be dry remain wet.

How to Store Sex Toys

Store clean, dry toys in an appropriate place away from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight where required by their material.

Separate storage pouches or containers can help keep toys clean between uses.

Some materials may react when stored in prolonged direct contact with other materials, so follow manufacturer guidance and consider storing individual toys separately.

Keep products away from anything that could damage, contaminate or deform them.

Storing Rechargeable Sex Toys

Charge and store rechargeable products according to their manufacturer's instructions.

Keep charging connections clean and dry.

If a toy won't be used for a long period, check whether the manufacturer provides specific battery-storage guidance.

Never use or charge an electrical toy that appears damaged, unusually hot, swollen or otherwise unsafe.

Inspect Your Toys Regularly

Cleaning provides a good opportunity to check the condition of your equipment.

Look for cracks, splits, rough surfaces, exposed electrical components, damaged charging ports, broken straps, faulty buckles, corrosion or unreliable locks.

If damage could affect hygiene or safe use, stop using the product.

Replacing damaged equipment is preferable to continuing to use something that can no longer be cleaned or operated properly.

When Should a Sex Toy Be Replaced?

There isn't one replacement schedule that applies to every adult toy.

Consider replacing a product if its material deteriorates, develops cracks or damage, can no longer be cleaned adequately or its electrical or mechanical components stop operating correctly.

Changes in texture, persistent odour or visible deterioration can also indicate that a product needs closer inspection.

Follow any replacement or lifespan guidance supplied by the manufacturer.

Lubricants & Toy Care

Lubricant compatibility depends on both the toy material and the lubricant.

Don't assume every lubricant is compatible with every sex toy.

Check the manufacturer's instructions before choosing one, particularly with silicone or other specialist materials.

Using an incompatible product can potentially affect the surface or condition of some toys.

Create a Simple Toy-Care Routine

Good toy care doesn't need to be complicated.

Know what your products are made from, follow their individual cleaning instructions, clean them at the appropriate time, let them dry and store them properly.

Regularly inspecting equipment also means you're more likely to notice deterioration before the next use.

Explore & Care for Your KinkRooms Collection

Whether you own dildos, vibrators, couples' toys, bondage restraints, chastity devices or sensory play equipment, taking care of your collection helps keep reusable products hygienic and in suitable condition.

Always follow the care information supplied with the individual product because materials and construction vary.

You can explore our other KinkRooms Guides for more detailed information about choosing and using different types of adult toys and BDSM equipment.

Good cleaning, appropriate storage and regular inspection should be part of looking after any reusable adult product.

For consenting adults aged 18 and over.