You use your toy. You rinse it off.
That last step? Probably not enough — and depending on the toy, it might be doing almost nothing.
Knowing how to clean sex toys properly is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your body and extend the life of your gear. Body fluid, lubricant, and heat create ideal conditions for bacteria to build up quickly — especially on toys that aren't cleaned correctly or aren't dried before being put away.
This guide covers everything: how to clean by material, what products to use, what to avoid, and how to store your toys so they stay in good shape between sessions. Whether you're using a masturbator, a vibrator, or something else entirely, there's a right way to do this.
Why Proper Toy Hygiene Actually Matters
Sex toys deal with a lot: friction, body heat, lubricant, moisture. All of it creates conditions where bacteria can grow — particularly on toys that sit in a drawer without being cleaned properly.
A few things can go wrong when cleaning gets skipped or done wrong:
Bacterial build-up. Residue left on a toy after use doesn't just sit there. It breaks down the surface material over time and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. With masturbators specifically — toys with enclosed internal sleeves — trapped moisture is a real issue if they're not dried thoroughly.
Material damage. Using the wrong cleaning method can degrade your toy faster than regular use will. Harsh chemicals on silicone, water getting into charging ports, excessive heat on materials that can't handle it — all of these shorten the lifespan of toys that aren't cheap.
Irritation and infection. Bacteria and residue left on a toy can cause skin irritation or infections. This isn't a scare tactic — it's a straightforward outcome of using a dirty toy against sensitive skin.
The good news is that cleaning properly doesn't take long. Once you know what your toy is made of, the process is straightforward.
Step One: Know What Your Toy Is Made Of
Material determines everything about how you should clean a toy. The same method that works perfectly on silicone can damage a TPR sleeve or fry a charging port. Before anything else, check what you're working with.
Non-porous materials are the easiest to keep hygienic:
- 100% silicone — no pores, doesn't absorb fluid or lubricant residue, easy to clean thoroughly
- Borosilicate glass — completely non-porous, highly durable, can handle thorough cleaning
- Stainless steel — non-porous, extremely durable, can be fully sterilised
- ABS hard plastic — non-porous but usually motorised, so water exposure needs to be controlled
Porous materials work differently:
- TPR and TPE — these are the materials most masturbators and pocket pussies are made from. They're phthalate-free and not toxic, but they are porous — meaning they have microscopic surface openings that can trap bacteria and fluid. They can't be fully sterilised, but they can absolutely be cleaned well enough for safe solo use with the right method (more on this below).
- Jelly rubber, PVC — older materials, often contain phthalates. These are the ones worth avoiding or always using with a condom.
Not sure what your toy is made of? Check the product page or the box. Reputable toys will list the material clearly.
How to Clean Sex Toys: By Material
Masturbators and Pocket Pussies (TPR/TPE)
This is the one most guides get wrong — or overcorrect on. The reality is that TPR and TPE masturbators used solo are safe to use and clean, as long as you follow the right process. The material is porous, which means bacteria can sit in the surface if it's not cleaned and — critically — dried properly. But with the right routine, this is manageable.
How to clean a TPR/TPE masturbator:
- Rinse the sleeve immediately after use with warm (not hot) water. Hot water can damage the material over time.
- Apply a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap or a dedicated sex toy cleaner. Work it through the internal sleeve gently.
- Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- This is the most important step: dry it completely. Trapped moisture is the primary cause of mould and bacterial growth in masturbators. Turn the sleeve inside out if it detaches, or use a lint-free cloth to dry the internal canal as much as possible, then leave it to air dry completely before reassembling or storing.
- Once dry, a light dusting of renewing powder (or cornstarch in a pinch) keeps the material soft and extends its lifespan.
Do you need to use a condom every time? For solo use on your own toy, no — not necessarily. The condom recommendation mainly applies to sharing toys between partners or using the same toy with multiple people, where the risk of transmitting infections is real. For personal solo use, consistent cleaning and proper drying is what matters most.
When should you replace a TPR/TPE toy? When the material starts to feel tacky, shows discolouration, or develops a smell that doesn't clean off. With proper care, a quality masturbator should last 12–24 months before showing signs of wear. Our guide on how often to replace sex toys breaks this down in more detail.
Silicone Vibrators and Strokers (Motorised)
Most vibrators, wand massagers, and motorised strokers have a silicone exterior with an internal motor — which means they can't be submerged.
Wipe-down method: Use a warm, damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap, or a spray-on sex toy cleaner. Clean the silicone surface thoroughly, paying attention to ridges and textured areas where residue can sit. Rinse under warm running water, keeping the charging port away from the water stream.
Dry with a clean cloth and leave to air dry before storing.
Avoid alcohol-based cleaners on silicone — they can dry out and degrade the surface with repeated use.
Solid Silicone Toys (Non-Motorised)
Solid silicone dildos, plugs, and non-motorised toys without electronics are the simplest to clean — they're non-porous and can handle proper sterilisation.
Option 1: Soap and warm water. A small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water works well for everyday cleaning. Rinse thoroughly.
Option 2: A dedicated toy cleaner. A purpose-made sex toy cleaner is a consistent, fuss-free option that won't leave residues that could irritate sensitive skin.
Option 3: Boiling (for full sterilisation). For motorless silicone toys, boiling for 3–5 minutes will fully sterilise the surface. Don't let the toy rest directly on the bottom of the pot — place it on a cloth or hold it suspended in the water.
Glass and Stainless Steel
Non-porous and highly durable — these are among the easiest toys to keep clean.
Soap and warm water works for everyday use. For full sterilisation, boil for 3–5 minutes. Both materials can handle it without any issue.
One thing to always check with glass toys before use: inspect for chips or cracks. A hairline crack is a reason to retire the toy. Glass can fracture unexpectedly under pressure, and no cleaning makes a cracked toy safe to use.
ABS Hard Plastic
ABS is non-porous, but most ABS toys contain motors — so no submerging.
Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, or a toy-safe cleaning spray. Dry thoroughly before storing. Keep water well away from any seams, buttons, or charging ports.
The Right Products to Use (And What to Skip)
You don't need a lot. But using the wrong product can actively damage your toys or leave irritating residues on surfaces that touch sensitive skin.
Good options:
- Mild, fragrance-free soap + warm water — reliable and readily available
- Purpose-made sex toy cleaner — formulated for the job, pH-friendly, works across silicone, TPR, glass, and ABS
Skip these:
- Bleach or harsh disinfectants — can degrade silicone and TPR and leave chemical residue
- Antibacterial hand soap or body wash — fragrances and added chemicals can irritate sensitive skin if any trace remains
- Alcohol wipes or isopropyl alcohol — can dry out and degrade silicone with regular use
- Very hot water on TPR/TPE — degrades the material faster than anything else
Lube type matters here too. Silicone-based lubricants are harder to fully remove from both silicone and TPR surfaces, and they can bond to silicone over time. For most masturbators, water-based lube is the easier, cleaner choice. Our guide on lubricants in South Africa breaks down which lubes work best with which toys.
How to Store Sex Toys Properly
Cleaning is half the job. Storage is the other half — and it's where most people cut corners.
Let everything dry completely before storing. This is non-negotiable for TPR/TPE masturbators especially. Any trapped moisture is an invitation for mould. Give toys plenty of time to air dry, and don't wrap them while they're still damp.
Keep toys separated. Some silicone and TPR compounds can react when stored in direct contact with each other. Store each toy in its own pouch, case, or original packaging.
Avoid regular fabric bags or rubber bands. Some materials react with silicone and TPR over time. Purpose-made storage pouches are breathable and material-safe.
Keep away from direct sunlight and dust. UV exposure and dust both affect material integrity over time. A drawer or a dedicated storage box beats an open shelf.
Check toys you haven't used in a while. Batteries left inside toys can corrode and damage the casing. Silicone and TPR can develop issues if stored with incompatible materials. A quick look before use is always worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean sex toys?
Before and after every single use. Cleaning before use removes dust or bacteria from storage. Cleaning after use removes body fluid, lubricant, and residue that would otherwise break down the material surface over time. If a toy is shared between partners, clean it between uses.
Can you use regular soap to clean sex toys?
A mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water works well for most toys. Avoid scented soaps, antibacterial hand washes, and body washes — the added chemicals and fragrances can irritate sensitive skin if any trace remains, and they can affect certain materials with repeated use. A purpose-made sex toy cleaner is a more consistent option.
Are TPR masturbators safe to use?
Yes — TPR and TPE masturbators are phthalate-free and safe for solo use. The material is porous, which means it can't be fully sterilised the way silicone can, but with proper cleaning and — crucially — thorough drying after each use, they're safe and practical for personal use. The main risk with porous materials is moisture being trapped inside, which can cause mould. Dry them completely before storing.
Do you need to use a condom with a masturbator?
For personal solo use on your own toy, no — as long as you're cleaning and drying it consistently. Condoms become important when a toy is shared between partners, or when you want to extend the life of the toy by reducing direct fluid contact with the material. If your toy is showing signs of wear or a persistent smell, a condom is a practical short-term fix while you plan a replacement.
How do you know when a sex toy needs replacing?
The main signs: a tacky or sticky surface that wasn't there before, a persistent smell that doesn't clean off, visible discolouration or mould, cracks in glass or hard plastic, or a motor losing power and behaving inconsistently. For TPR/TPE masturbators specifically, a change in surface texture is the clearest indicator that the material is past its best. See our full guide on when to replace sex toys for timelines by toy type.
Keep it consistent and it doesn't have to be a process — clean after every use, dry properly, store separately. That's most of it.
If you're after a good sex toy cleaner to keep on hand, browse our sex toy cleaners collection for sprays and foams that work across silicone, TPR, glass, and ABS. And if you're ready to upgrade your collection or try something new, the full sex toys range ships and bills discreetly — no awkward packaging, no recognisable charges.
