Taking care of your intimate toys isn't just about hygiene — it's about protecting your health, extending the life of your devices, and getting the most out of every experience. Whether you're a first-time owner or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your sex toys properly.
Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters
Skipping proper cleaning can lead to bacterial buildup, yeast infections, or skin irritation. Even toys that look clean can harbor bacteria in microscopic surface pores. Regular, thorough cleaning:
- Prevents the spread of bacteria and infections
- Extends the lifespan of your toy
- Maintains the integrity of body-safe materials
- Ensures every experience is fresh and safe
Know Your Material First
Different materials require different care. Always check what your toy is made of before cleaning.
| Material | Porous? | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|
| Medical-grade silicone | No | Soap & water, or boil/dishwasher (non-motorized) |
| ABS plastic | No | Soap & water, toy cleaner |
| Glass / stainless steel | No | Soap & water, boil, or dishwasher |
| TPE / TPR | Yes | Soap & water only — replace regularly |
| PVC / rubber | Yes | Soap & water — use with condom |
Onlynse tip: All our toys are made from 100% medical-grade silicone — non-porous, body-safe, and easy to clean thoroughly.
How to Clean Your Sex Toys: Step-by-Step
Before Use
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Wipe the toy with a damp cloth or toy-safe cleaner
- Rinse with warm water
After Use
- Remove batteries or disconnect charging cable
- Rinse under warm (not hot) running water
- Apply a small amount of mild, unscented soap or dedicated toy cleaner
- Gently scrub all surfaces, seams, and textured areas
- Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains
- Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth
- Allow to air dry completely before storing
Can You Use Any Soap?
Not all soaps are created equal. Avoid:
- Antibacterial soaps — can degrade silicone over time
- Scented soaps — may cause irritation
- Harsh detergents — strip protective coatings
Best options: Mild unscented hand soap, baby wash, or a dedicated sex toy cleaner spray.
Deep Cleaning: When & How
For non-motorized silicone, glass, or stainless steel toys, you can deep clean by:
- Boiling in water for 3–5 minutes
- Top rack dishwasher (no detergent, no heat dry)
- 10% bleach solution — rinse extremely thoroughly afterward
⚠️ Never boil or submerge motorized/electronic toys. Water damage will void your warranty and ruin the device.
Lubricant Compatibility
Using the wrong lubricant can damage your toy:
- ✅ Water-based lubricant — safe with all materials, including silicone
- ❌ Silicone-based lubricant — can degrade silicone toys over time
- ❌ Oil-based lubricant — breaks down silicone and latex
When in doubt, always choose water-based.
Proper Storage Tips
How you store your toys matters just as much as how you clean them:
- Store each toy separately to prevent material reactions
- Use breathable pouches (fabric or satin) — avoid airtight plastic bags
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Never store toys touching each other if made of different materials
When to Replace Your Toy
Even with perfect care, toys don't last forever. Replace your toy if you notice:
- Cracks, tears, or changes in texture
- Discoloration or unusual odor after cleaning
- Charging issues or motor inconsistency
- Any visible mold (rare but possible with porous materials)
Caring for App-Controlled & Rechargeable Toys
For Onlynse wearable and app-controlled devices:
- Never submerge the charging port in water, even if the toy is waterproof
- Wipe the charging contacts with a dry cloth before charging
- Store with some battery charge — avoid storing fully depleted
- Update the app regularly for the best performance and connectivity
- Check the IPX rating — IPX7 means submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
Quick Reference Cleaning Checklist
- Wash hands before and after handling
- Clean before first use and after every use
- Use mild, unscented soap or toy cleaner
- Rinse thoroughly — no soap residue
- Air dry completely before storing
- Store separately in a breathable pouch
- Check for wear and replace when needed
Final Thoughts
Proper cleaning and care is the foundation of a safe, enjoyable intimate wellness routine. With the right habits, your Onlynse toys will stay hygienic, perform beautifully, and last for years to come.
Have questions about caring for your specific Onlynse device? Contact our team — we're always happy to help.