Quick answer: To clean sex toys safely, wash them right after use with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap (or a body-safe toy cleaner), rinse well, dry completely, and store each toy separately—because leftover lube, moisture, and lint are what cause most irritation and “mystery smells.”
Key takeaways (read this if you’re in a hurry)
- Material matters: non-porous (silicone, glass, steel) is easier to sanitize than porous (TPE/TPR).
- Waterproof is not a vibe: it’s a rating—if your toy isn’t waterproof, keep water away from the charging port.
- Most guides won’t tell you this: the #1 hygiene problem is storage, not washing.
- Ottawa tip: our local customers often keep a “clean kit” (cleaner + towel + pouch) so toys don’t end up in a linty drawer.
The body-safe cleaning checklist (the real-life version)
Here’s what most guides won’t tell you: “Clean your toy” is not enough advice. You need to know what you’re cleaning off (water-based lube vs silicone lube vs bodily fluids), what the toy is made of, and where water can sneak in (buttons, seams, charging ports).
1) First, identify the toy material (non-porous vs porous)
- Non-porous: silicone, glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic. These are the easiest to keep clean and are usually the best pick for people with sensitive skin.
- Porous: TPE/TPR, “jelly,” cyberskin-style materials. These can hold onto oils and bacteria over time. Cleaning helps, but it’s not a perfect reset.
2) Wash immediately after use (yes, even if you’re tired)
Warm water + a mild, fragrance-free soap is the baseline for most non-porous toys. If your toy has a motor, avoid soaking it unless it’s truly waterproof. The mistake we see most often with new customers is rinsing a toy under the tap and calling it done—then putting it away slightly damp.
3) Use a dedicated toy cleaner when you want convenience (or when you share toys)
A purpose-made cleaner can be a great shortcut, especially for quick cleanups between sessions or for toys that are awkward to wash at the sink. For example:
- If you want a simple antibacterial wash, consider Hygienic Toy Cleaner - Paraben-Free Antibacterial Wash – Trigg Labs ($2.64 CAD).
- If you like a spray format for fast cleanups, Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Mist - Alcohol Free 4oz Spray – ID Lubricants ($2.25 CAD) is a popular pick.
Trade-off (honest note): cleaners are not magic. You still need good rinsing (if the label says so), full drying, and sane storage.
4) Rinse like you mean it
Residue is what causes irritation for a lot of people—not the toy itself. If the cleaner label is unclear, do a quick rinse with warm water. Avoid hot water on toys with glued seams or delicate coatings.
5) Dry completely (this is where people mess up)
Pat dry with a lint-free towel, then air-dry. Moisture trapped in texture, seams, or charging ports is the fast lane to funky smells.
6) Store toys separately
Don’t toss toys together in a drawer. Some materials can react with each other, and most drawers are full of lint. If you’re in a small Ottawa apartment and storage is tight, even a simple individual pouch per toy makes a big difference.
Common mistakes (and what to do instead)
- Using alcohol or bleach: harsh disinfectants can degrade materials and irritate skin. Use soap + water and a body-safe cleaner instead.
- Assuming “water-resistant” means waterproof: if your toy has a charging port, keep water away unless the manufacturer explicitly says it’s waterproof.
- Not cleaning before use: dust + lint + old storage residue can cause irritation. A quick rinse before play is underrated.
- Keeping porous toys forever: if it smells “embedded” even after cleaning, retire it or switch to non-porous materials.
A material-by-material cleaning guide (so you stop guessing)
Silicone
Silicone is the easiest “everyday” material: it’s non-porous, doesn’t absorb lube, and usually cleans up well with warm water + mild soap. If you use silicone-based lubricant, expect a little more rinsing time because silicone lube clings. When you want a quick reset, spray a cleaner like Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Mist - Alcohol Free 1oz – ID Lubricants ($1.38 CAD), wait the recommended contact time, then rinse if the label suggests it.
Glass and stainless steel
These are hygiene all-stars: non-porous, smooth, and easy to wash thoroughly. The trade-off is comfort—glass and steel can feel cold at first, so warm them under warm water (not hot) before use. Avoid dropping glass toys on hard tile, and don’t use abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
ABS plastic (hard plastic)
ABS is generally non-porous, but plastic toys often have seams, buttons, and battery caps. That means your main risk is water sneaking inside. Use a damp soapy cloth around seams, then wipe clean. If you’re using a spray cleaner like Anti-Bacterial Toy Cleaner Spray (4.2oz) – Sensuva Think Clean Thoughts ($2.97 CAD), avoid soaking the toy—spray the cloth instead.
Porous materials (TPE/TPR, “jelly,” cyberskin-style)
Here’s the honest advice: you can clean porous toys, but you can’t make them “like new” forever. They can hold onto oils and micro-bacteria over time, and texture can trap residue. Wash gently, dry longer than you think, and consider condoms for easier cleanup. If you’re prone to irritation, switching to non-porous materials is usually the better long-term move.
“Disinfecting” vs “cleaning”: what you can realistically achieve at home
Cleaning removes visible residue (lube, fluids, dust). Disinfecting aims to reduce microbes further. For most solo use on non-porous toys, thorough cleaning is enough. If you share toys, switch between oral/vaginal/anal use, or are extra sensitive, focus on:
- Barrier methods: condoms on toys (especially porous ones).
- Dedicated toys: one toy for anal play, stored separately.
- Cleaner + rinse + dry: consistent routine beats occasional “deep cleans.”
Deep-clean routine (once a month, or after a long time in a drawer)
- Wash with warm water + mild soap.
- Apply a cleaner and follow the label (timing matters more than people realize).
- Rinse (unless clearly labeled no-rinse) and dry fully.
- Inspect: look for sticky residue, discoloration, or micro-tears—if you see damage, retire the toy.
If you want a simple “one bottle for most non-porous toys” option, Hygienic Toy Cleaner - Paraben-Free Antibacterial Wash – Trigg Labs ($2.64 CAD) is a straightforward place to start.
Products Available in Canada (what we actually recommend)
We stock plenty of options, but these are the practical, no-drama picks customers keep re-ordering because they work and they’re easy to use.
- Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Mist - Alcohol Free 1oz – ID Lubricants ($1.38 CAD)
- Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Mist - Alcohol Free 4oz Spray – ID Lubricants ($2.25 CAD)
- Hygienic Toy Cleaner - Paraben-Free Antibacterial Wash – Trigg Labs ($2.64 CAD)
- Gentle Toy Cleaner Spray for Intimate Accessories – Shunga ($2.85 CAD)
- Anti-Bacterial Toy Cleaner Spray (4.2oz) – Sensuva Think Clean Thoughts ($2.97 CAD)
Ottawa shopper tips (fast, practical, and local)
- Winter dryness: if your skin is sensitive in colder months, rinse extra well and avoid heavily scented soaps.
- Apartment bathrooms: keep a dedicated small towel + cleaner near your sink so cleaning doesn’t become “tomorrow’s problem.”
- Discreet deliveries: buying a cleaner is a low-key add-on that makes toy ownership feel simpler (and more confident).
Related posts
FAQ: Cleaning sex toys safely
Do I actually need a toy cleaner?
You don’t strictly need a dedicated cleaner for most non-porous toys, but a purpose-made cleaner is convenient, reduces guesswork, and is designed to be body-safe when used as directed. If you want the easiest, low-effort option, our customers in Canada often grab Hygienic Toy Cleaner - Paraben-Free Antibacterial Wash – Trigg Labs ($2.64).
Can I use dish soap on sex toys?
For most non-porous toys (silicone, glass, stainless steel), a mild, unscented soap can work, but avoid harsh detergents, strong fragrances, and antibacterial dish soaps that can leave residues or irritate sensitive skin.
What about antibacterial soap?
The mistake we see most often is assuming ‘antibacterial’ automatically means ‘safer.’ Strong antibacterials can be irritating. If you want an antibacterial option, use a toy cleaner formulated for intimate use and rinse well—like Anti-Bacterial Toy Cleaner Spray (4.2oz) – Sensuva Think Clean Thoughts ($2.97).
How do I clean a silicone vibrator?
Wash with warm water + mild, fragrance-free soap, or use a dedicated cleaner, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely. For quick between-use cleanups, a spray like Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Mist - Alcohol Free 4oz Spray – ID Lubricants ($2.25) is handy, but still rinse if the label recommends it.
How do I clean porous toys (TPE/TPR, jelly, cyberskin)?
Porous materials can hold onto oils and bacteria over time, even with careful cleaning. Wash gently, dry fully, and consider using condoms for easier hygiene. If you’re hygiene-focused, it’s often better to choose a non-porous toy material.
Can I boil my sex toy to disinfect it?
Only some non-porous toys without motors or charging ports can be boiled (check the manufacturer). Boiling the wrong toy can warp it or ruin seals. When in doubt, use soap + water, then a body-safe cleaner.
Can I use alcohol or bleach?
No—avoid bleach, isopropyl alcohol, and household disinfectants on anything that touches your genitals. They can degrade materials and leave irritants behind.
How often should I clean my toys?
Clean before and after each use. Before-use cleaning reduces dust/lint and leftover storage residue; after-use cleaning removes bodily fluids and lube.
How do I clean toys used for anal play?
Clean immediately, then clean again after drying if you’re being extra cautious. Many Ottawa customers keep a dedicated anal-only toy bag and a dedicated cleaner to avoid mix-ups. Use condoms if you plan to share toys between partners.
Do toy cleaners need rinsing?
Some are ‘no rinse,’ but many still recommend a rinse. Read the label, and when you’re unsure, rinse—warm water is your friend.
How do I dry and store toys so they stay clean?
Dry completely with a lint-free towel, then air-dry. Store each toy separately so materials don’t react, and avoid tossing toys loose into a drawer with lint.
What if my toy smells weird even after cleaning?
That’s a red flag for porous materials or micro-tears holding bacteria. Retire the toy or switch to non-porous. If the smell is from a scented lube residue, a second wash + thorough rinse usually fixes it.
Call to action
If you’re upgrading your routine, add a cleaner to your next order so you’ll actually use your toys more (and worry less). Start with one of the options above, and if you’re not sure what’s compatible with your toy’s material, contact us—we’ll help you pick the sensible option.
Author: Red Pleasures Editorial Team. We write practical sex-toy education for Canadian shoppers who want clear answers, honest trade-offs, and products that actually exist in our store.
Editorial note: Our team at Red Pleasures hand-selects every product in this guide for body-safe materials and genuine quality.
