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Lube and care

How to Clean and Store Your Sex Toys

Two minutes of care keeps toys safe and makes them last for years. How to clean, dry and store every material.

By The ThirdLust team 3 min read
A foaming toy cleaner bottle

Clean toys last longer and feel better to use. The good news is that caring for them takes about two minutes. Here is how to clean, dry and store every type of toy.

Clean before and after every use

Wash your toy before the first use, after every use, and again before you use it if it has been stored for a while. For most toys, warm water and a mild, unscented soap are all you need. A dedicated toy cleaner is handy when you are short on time.

  1. Rinse the toy under warm water.
  2. Lather with mild soap or spray with toy cleaner, paying attention to ridges and seams.
  3. Rinse thoroughly so no soap is left behind.
  4. Pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel and let it air dry fully.

Check how waterproof it is

Look for the word waterproof or a rating such as IPX7 on the product page. Waterproof toys can go under running water. Splash-proof toys should be wiped down instead, with the charging port kept dry. Never submerge a toy that is not waterproof.

Cleaning by material

  • Silicone, ABS plastic, glass and stainless steel: nonporous and easy to clean with soap and water. Solid silicone, glass and steel toys without motors can also be boiled for a few minutes to sanitize.
  • TPE and other soft, skin-like materials: slightly porous. Wash gently with mild soap, dry completely, and dust with a renewing powder if the brand recommends it.
  • Toys with motors: never boil them. Wash the surface and keep water away from open ports.

Dry completely

Moisture is what lets bacteria grow. After washing, let toys air dry on a clean towel before you put them away, especially strokers and sleeves with internal channels.

Store them well

  • Keep each toy in its own pouch or a lined drawer so materials do not touch. Some soft materials can react with each other.
  • Keep toys out of direct sunlight and heat.
  • Charge rechargeable toys every few months, even when you are not using them, to keep the battery healthy.

A locking storage case keeps toys clean, private and out of sight. Browse storage and accessories.

When to replace a toy

Replace a toy if the surface becomes sticky, cracked or discolored, if it holds an odor after washing, or if a seam splits. Nonporous toys made from body-safe materials can last for years with good care.

Have a question about a specific toy? Call 800-618-6053 and we will tell you exactly how to care for it.

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