Quick answer: Clean sex toys by washing them right after use with warm water and mild, unscented soap, then rinse well and air‑dry completely before storage. Use a purpose‑made toy cleaner for convenience (not because soap “isn’t enough”), and avoid harsh alcohols or fragranced washes that can irritate skin.
Key takeaways (what most guides won’t tell you)
- You don’t need a $40 specialty cleaner to be hygienic—soap + warm water works for most non‑porous toys.
- The biggest hygiene mistake we see: storing toys slightly damp (hello, musty smell).
- Porous materials (TPR/jelly/cyberskin) are harder to fully sanitize—use barriers and replace sooner.
- “Waterproof” is not the same as “you can soak it”—treat charging ports like they hate water.
Before you start: identify your toy material (this changes everything)
If you remember one thing, let it be this: cleaning depends on material and waterproof rating. Non‑porous materials (silicone, stainless steel, glass, ABS plastic) are easier to clean thoroughly. Porous materials can trap oils, bacteria, and scent even when you’re doing everything “right.”
Non‑porous (usually easiest)
- 100% silicone (body‑safe, soft, common in modern vibrators)
- Glass (smooth, non‑reactive)
- Stainless steel (smooth, heavy, non‑reactive)
- ABS plastic (firm, common in suction toys and some wands)
Porous (higher maintenance)
- TPR / TPE, “jelly,” and some “real feel” blends
- Soft “skin‑like” materials that can hold scent and oils
Step‑by‑step: how to clean sex toys (the Red Pleasures method)
This is the same routine we recommend to friends—and what we wish every beginner guide explained clearly.
Step 1) Check waterproof rating + where the motor lives
If the toy has a charging port, battery cap, or seam, assume water can get in unless the listing explicitly says fully waterproof. Splash‑proof toys can be wiped and quickly rinsed on the outside, but avoid soaking.
Step 2) Rinse first (yes, even before soap)
Rinse with warm water to remove most fluids and lube. This makes your soap step more effective and prevents you from grinding residue into textured areas.
Step 3) Wash with mild soap (most of the time, this is enough)
Use a small amount of mild, unscented hand soap. Avoid heavily fragranced body wash—it can leave residue that irritates vulvar or anal tissue. Work the soap into a lather and gently clean every ridge, seam, and texture. A clean, soft washcloth can help on textured toys.
Step 4) Rinse like you mean it
Soap residue is a sneaky source of irritation. Rinse until the surface feels squeaky‑clean and there’s no fragrance left.
Step 5) Optional convenience step: a toy cleaner spray or foam
If you want the convenience of spray‑and‑wipe (or you’re cleaning on the go), use a purpose‑made cleaner designed for toys. Two popular options from our cleaning collection:
- Alcohol-Free Toy Cleaner Spray for Silicone & Latex, 100ml – Pjur ($30.00 CAD) — alcohol‑free spray for silicone & latex.
- Anti-Bacterial Foaming Toy Cleaner (5oz) – Sensuva ($21.25 CAD) — foaming cleaner that’s easy to work into texture.
Honest note: cleaners are about convenience, not magic sterilization. They don’t replace common‑sense washing after use.
Step 6) Dry completely (the most ignored step)
Pat dry with a lint‑free towel, then let the toy air‑dry fully. Don’t put it away damp, and don’t trap moisture in a sealed plastic bag.
Step 7) Store separately
Store toys in separate pouches. Silicone toys touching silicone toys can sometimes cause surface changes over time, and shared storage increases dust and lint.
Cleaning by toy type (quick practical walkthroughs)
Silicone vibrators (external + internal)
Warm water + mild soap is your default. If the toy is fully waterproof, you can wash it under the tap. If it’s splash‑proof, keep the charging area out of the stream and use a damp cloth around the port.
Glass and stainless steel toys
These are the easiest to clean thoroughly because they’re smooth and non‑porous. Wash with soap and warm water, rinse well, dry fully. If you’re using them for anal play, be extra diligent about cleaning before and after.
Textured sleeves and masturbators
Turn the sleeve inside out if possible, rinse right away, then wash gently with mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely inside and out. If you want a no‑fuss finish, a foaming cleaner like Anti-Bacterial Foaming Toy Cleaner (5oz) – Sensuva ($21.25 CAD) can help reach texture, but drying is still the make‑or‑break step.
Anal toys
Clean before and after use. Don’t move a toy from anal to vaginal use without changing the barrier (condom) and cleaning. If you prefer an antibacterial spray formulated for anal toys, Anal Toy Cleaner – Alcohol-Free Antibacterial Spray – Bathmate ($15.99 CAD) is a dedicated option.
Common cleaning mistakes (and how to fix them)
- Using alcohol, bleach, or harsh disinfectants. These can damage materials and irritate skin. Stick to mild soap or a toy‑safe cleaner.
- Not rinsing enough. Soap residue can cause irritation that feels like “sensitivity” to a toy. Rinse longer than you think.
- Putting toys away damp. This is how you get that weird smell. Air‑dry fully.
- Storing toys together. Dust, lint, and material contact can cause surface issues. Separate storage wins.
- Treating porous toys like non‑porous toys. Porous materials are harder to keep truly clean—use barriers and replace sooner.
- Cross‑contamination. Switching between anal and vaginal use without a barrier change is a big no.
- Cleaning “eventually.” Clean right after use. Dried lube is harder to remove and hides in texture.
- Charging before fully dry. Moisture + ports = corrosion. Let it air‑dry completely first.
- Assuming toy cleaners sterilize everything. They help, but they’re not medical sterilizers.
- Ignoring irritation signals. If something feels off, switch soaps, rinse better, use a barrier, or pause use.
What we actually recommend (real products available in Canada)
Here are a few cleaners we keep coming back to for their ingredients, ease of use, and “this just works” factor.
- Alcohol-Free Toy Cleaner Spray for Silicone & Latex, 100ml – Pjur ($30.00 CAD)
- Anal Toy Cleaner – Alcohol-Free Antibacterial Spray – Bathmate ($15.99 CAD)
- Anti-Bacterial Foaming Toy Cleaner (5oz) – Sensuva ($21.25 CAD)
- Anti-Bacterial Toy Cleaner Spray (4.2oz) – Sensuva Think Clean Thoughts ($2.97 CAD)
- Antibacterial Foam Toy Cleaner - Alcohol Free 8oz – Wicked ($26.00 CAD)
Which one should you pick?
- For a simple all‑around spray: Alcohol-Free Toy Cleaner Spray for Silicone & Latex, 100ml – Pjur ($30.00 CAD).
- For textured toys and sleeves: Anti-Bacterial Foaming Toy Cleaner (5oz) – Sensuva ($21.25 CAD) because foam works into ridges easily.
- For anal toys: Anal Toy Cleaner – Alcohol-Free Antibacterial Spray – Bathmate ($15.99 CAD) as a dedicated antibacterial spray.
Budget tip: If you’re trying to keep costs down, spend money on body‑safe materials first. Cleaning is mostly technique, not a pricey bottle.
Ottawa shopper tips (discreet, practical, actually useful)
- Discreet delivery: We ship in plain packaging. If you’re in Ottawa, consider delivering to a location where you can bring it inside quickly (especially in winter for liquids).
- Bundle smart: If you’re already ordering a toy, adding a cleaner to the same order is an easy way to build a routine from day one.
- Quick‑clean between uses: If you’re sharing a toy with a partner, use a barrier and a spray cleaner between users—then do a full wash after.
Related posts
- Body‑Safe Sex Toy Materials Explained (Canada + Ottawa FAQ, 2026)
- How to Use Lubricant (Lube) in Canada: A Body‑Safe Guide + FAQ (2026)
- Anal Play Safety Guide Canada (2026)
Author
Red Pleasures Team — We test products, read ingredient lists, and turn the awkward questions into straightforward answers, so you can shop (and play) with confidence.
Our team at Red Pleasures hand-selects every product in this guide for body-safe materials and genuine quality.
FAQ: cleaning sex toys
Do I really need a toy cleaner?
Honestly, not always. Warm water + a mild, unscented soap is enough for most body‑safe silicone toys. If you want a spray‑and‑wipe option (great for travel or quick cleanups), Anal Toy Cleaner – Alcohol-Free Antibacterial Spray – Bathmate ($15.99 CAD) is a convenient alcohol‑free option.
Can I use alcohol or disinfecting wipes on sex toys?
Usually no. Alcohol can dry out or damage many materials and can irritate sensitive tissue. Use the manufacturer’s instructions, and when in doubt, stick to mild soap and water or a purpose‑made cleaner.
How do I clean a silicone vibrator?
Wash the external silicone with warm water and mild soap, rinse well, pat dry, then air‑dry fully before storage. For an easy finish, many customers like a quick mist of Alcohol-Free Toy Cleaner Spray for Silicone & Latex, 100ml – Pjur ($30.00 CAD) and a clean microfiber cloth.
How do I clean a porous toy (TPR, jelly, cyberskin)?
Be extra careful: porous materials can hold onto bacteria. Clean right after use, let it dry completely, and consider using condoms for easier hygiene. If you notice odors, tackiness, or irritation, it’s time to replace it.
How do I clean an anal toy safely?
Clean before and after use, and don’t move the toy from anal to vaginal use without a barrier change. If you want an antibacterial spray designed for this, Anal Toy Cleaner – Alcohol-Free Antibacterial Spray – Bathmate ($15.99 CAD) is made for anal toys.
Can I boil sex toys?
Only if the toy is 100% non‑porous silicone with no motor/electronics, and the brand explicitly says it’s boil‑safe. Never boil a toy with batteries, charging ports, or seams.
How do I clean toys with a charging port?
Keep water away from the port. Wash the body, wipe around the port with a damp cloth, then dry carefully. Let it fully air‑dry before charging.
How often should I clean my toys?
Every time: before first use, before each use, and right after use. If a toy has been stored for a while, a quick wash before use is smart.
What’s the best way to dry and store sex toys?
Pat dry with a lint‑free towel and let them air‑dry fully. Store toys separately (ideally in breathable pouches) so silicone doesn’t rub against silicone and collect dust.
Can I share sex toys with a partner?
You can, but use condoms and clean between users. For toys used internally, barriers are the safest approach.
What if a toy smells even after cleaning?
For non‑porous toys, soak in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let it air‑dry for a full day. Persistent odor in porous toys is often a sign it’s time to replace.
Do you ship cleaners discreetly in Ottawa?
Yes. Orders ship in plain, discreet packaging. If you’re in Ottawa, you can also plan your delivery around when you’re home to avoid porch time—especially for liquids like Alcohol-Free Toy Cleaner Spray for Silicone & Latex, 100ml – Pjur.
Ready to build a simple cleaning routine?
If you want a quick, body‑safe cleaner to keep on the nightstand, browse our toy cleaning picks above and add one to your next order. Your future self (and your toys) will thank you.
