Sexual Wellness

How to Clean Sex Toys Safely (Body-Safe Steps + 12 FAQs, Canada 2026)

Cleaning sex toys safely means washing the toy with warm water and a body-safe cleanser after every use, drying it fully, and storing it so it stays dust-free and doesn’t touch other toys. Quick answer If you only remember one thing: wash your toy after every use, rinse until there’s no slippery film, and let it air-dry completely before storage. That routine prevents most odor, irritation, and “why does this feel sticky?” problems. Key takeaways (what most guides won’t tell you) Residue is the real enemy. The mistake we see most often with new customers is using a strong soap/disinfectant and not rinsing long enough—then wondering why they feel irritation later. “Waterproof” isn’t a guarantee. If there’s no clear waterproof rating, treat electronics like they’re splash-resistant and clean with a damp cloth. Drying matters as much as washing. Moisture trapped in seams is where smell and buildup start—even if you used a great cleaner. The 6-step, body-safe cleaning method Identify the material + waterproof level. Silicone, glass, and stainless steel are low-stress; porous materials (like many TPE/TPR toys) need gentler products and better drying. Pre-rinse with warm water. This removes the bulk of lube and fluids so you’re not just spreading it around. Wash with a toy-safe cleanser. Work into textures, ridges, and seams. A simple option we stock is Misting Toy Cleaner - Fresh Scent Alcohol-Free Spray – JO Lubricants ($17.38). Rinse until it squeaks. If the surface still feels slippery, keep rinsing—especially if you used foaming soaps or fragranced products. Dry completely. Pat dry and then air-dry. Don’t store a toy while it’s even a little damp. Store separately. Keep toys in individual pouches/cases so they don’t collect lint and so silicone toys don’t react with each other. Material-by-material notes (the practical version) Silicone (most modern vibrators) Silicone is non-porous, which makes it one of the easiest materials to keep clean. Warm water + cleanser is enough. If you want a quick routine between uses, use a mist cleaner (like Misting Toy Cleaner - Fresh Scent Alcohol-Free Spray – JO Lubricants) and then still do a full wash later. Glass and stainless steel These are non-porous and very forgiving. Wash, rinse, dry. Many can be boiled for a few minutes if there are no glued parts—check the brand’s guidance first. ABS plastic (hard plastic toys) ABS is non-porous, but seams around buttons and charging ports can trap moisture. Wash the exterior and avoid soaking unless it’s clearly waterproof. TPE/TPR (softer, porous-ish materials) This is where gentle products and drying habits matter most. Use mild cleanser, rinse well, and dry longer. If the toy becomes sticky over time, it may be material breakdown rather than “dirt.” Common mistakes (and the honest trade-offs) Using disinfectant wipes meant for countertops. They can leave chemicals behind. A dedicated formula like Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Spray, 8oz Natural Formula – CleanStream ($4.53) is designed to rinse clean. Assuming “waterproof” means “submerge it.” If you can’t find an IPX rating, don’t soak it—use a damp cloth and cleanser instead. Skipping drying. If a toy lives in a drawer while damp, it can develop odor even if you washed it properly. Cleaning only the “main” surface. Texture, bases, and seams matter—especially for anal toys and toys used with condoms. Products available in Canada (real picks from our store) We stock a lot of toy-care items. Here are a few real, in-stock-friendly options Canadians can order directly from Red Pleasures: Misting Toy Cleaner - Fresh Scent Alcohol-Free Spray – JO Lubricants ($17.38) Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Mist - Alcohol Free 4oz Spray – ID Lubricants ($2.25) Gentle Toy Cleaner Spray for Intimate Accessories – Shunga ($2.85) Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Spray, 8oz Natural Formula – CleanStream ($4.53) Toy and Body Cleaner Foaming Spray, 7oz – Swiss Navy – Red Pleasures ($4.95) What we actually recommend (simple routines that work) Routine A: the everyday quick-clean Warm rinse + cleanser + thorough rinse + air-dry. Keep a bedside cleaner like Misting Toy Cleaner - Fresh Scent Alcohol-Free Spray – JO Lubricants so you’re not tempted to skip the step when you’re tired. Routine B: for anal play or shared toys Use condoms for easier hygiene, wash immediately after use, and consider a dedicated antibacterial formula. Many customers like having both a mist (fast) and a full wash product in their routine. Deep-clean scenarios (when a basic wash isn’t enough) If you used silicone lube Silicone lube is famously long-lasting—which is great for play, but it can cling to toys. Here’s the practical approach: do your normal wash, then wash a second time and rinse longer. If the toy still feels slick, don’t reach for harsh cleaners; just repeat the gentle wash. The goal is “no film,” not “stronger chemicals.” If you used the toy for anal play and then want to use it vaginally later Clean immediately after anal play, and make the next session easier by using condoms on the toy (especially with textured toys). Even after cleaning, many people prefer to keep anal-only toys separate for peace of mind. That’s not paranoia—it’s a reasonable boundary that reduces stress and reduces risk. If the toy smells “off” Odor usually means one of three things: it wasn’t fully dry before storage, residue built up in texture/seams, or the material is breaking down (common with some softer TPE/TPR toys). Try a longer wash + longer dry. If odor returns quickly, consider retiring the toy or switching to non-porous silicone/glass/steel. How to clean safely when you’re sharing toys (partners, threesomes, and parties) Here’s the straightforward rule: treat toy sharing like safer sex. Use condoms, swap condoms between partners, and clean toys between uses. You’ll avoid most “oops” moments and you’ll reduce STI risk. If you’re in a situation where you can’t clean properly, condoms become even more important—because they turn “hard to sanitize” into “easy to replace.” Storage 101: keeping toys clean between sessions Separate storage is underrated. Keep toys from touching each other; some materials can react (especially silicone-on-silicone). Avoid storing toys in the bathroom. Humidity makes drying harder and encourages odor over time. Dust and lint are not harmless. If a toy comes out covered in lint, you’ll be tempted to rinse quickly and use it—then skip the real wash later. A pouch prevents that. Ottawa shopper tips (so your routine stays easy) Plan for winter delivery timing. If you’re in Ottawa and ordering during cold snaps, bring liquids/cleansers inside quickly so they don’t sit in extreme temperatures. Keep a “care kit” drawer. Cleaner, a small towel, and a storage pouch in one place makes it much more likely you’ll clean every time. Don’t overbuy. One cleanser you actually use beats five products that never leave the box. Related posts How to Choose Your First Vibrator How to Use a Prostate Massager FAQ: cleaning sex toys safely Do I really need to clean a sex toy before the first use? Yes—wash it before first use because manufacturing oils, dust, and packaging residue can irritate skin and can interfere with lube or condoms. A quick warm-water rinse plus a toy-safe wash is enough for most silicone, glass, and metal toys. What’s the safest cleaner to use for most toys? A toy-specific cleanser is the safest default because it’s designed to rinse clean and be gentle on sensitive skin; for example, Misting Toy Cleaner - Fresh Scent Alcohol-Free Spray – JO Lubricants is a simple, alcohol-free option if you want something you can keep by the bed. Can I use hand soap or dish soap on sex toys? Sometimes, but it’s a trade-off: mild, fragrance-free soap can be okay for non-porous toys, but many soaps leave residue and fragrance can sting on vulva/anus. If you go this route, rinse longer than you think and let the toy fully dry. Is alcohol safe for cleaning sex toys? Alcohol can damage some materials (especially TPE/TPR and some coatings) and it can dry/irritate skin if residue remains. If you use an alcohol product, keep it away from porous toys and rinse thoroughly. How do I clean silicone sex toys safely? Use warm water and a toy-safe cleanser, then rinse and air-dry. If you want something quick, a mist-style cleaner like Misting Toy Cleaner - Fresh Scent Alcohol-Free Spray – JO Lubricants can help between sessions, but still do a full wash after. How do I clean glass or stainless steel toys? These non-porous materials are the easiest: warm water + cleanser, rinse, dry. Many can also be boiled for a few minutes if there are no glued parts or electronics—check the manufacturer guidance first. How do I clean a vibrator (electric toy) without damaging it? Keep water away from ports and seams unless it’s explicitly waterproof. Clean the outside with warm soapy water on a cloth, or use a spray cleaner on a damp cloth, then wipe again with clean water. What if my toy is ‘waterproof’—is it automatically safe to submerge? Not always. ‘Waterproof’ is often used loosely; if the toy lists an IPX rating, follow it. If you don’t see a rating, treat it as splash-resistant and avoid soaking. How often should I deep-clean my toys? After every use. If a toy is shared between partners or used for anal play, be even more strict: clean immediately, and consider condoms for easier hygiene. Can I put sex toys in the dishwasher? Only some non-porous, non-electric toys, and only on a gentle/no-heat cycle with no detergent. Detergent and heat can damage toys and leave residue, so it’s rarely the best method. Why does my toy feel sticky after washing? That’s usually residue from soap, hard water minerals, or material breakdown (common with some TPE/TPR). Rinse longer, dry fully, and consider a toy renewal powder or switching to a non-porous material. What’s the biggest cleaning mistake you see? Using a ‘random’ bathroom disinfectant wipe and calling it good. It can leave chemicals behind and it doesn’t solve drying/storage. A dedicated cleanser like Antibacterial Toy Cleaner Spray, 8oz Natural Formula – CleanStream plus good drying habits is safer. About the author Red Pleasures Team writes practical sex-toy guides for Canadians who want clear, body-safe advice—plus real product examples you can actually buy in Canada. Call to action If you’re upgrading your routine, start with one toy-safe cleanser you’ll actually use. Browse our Toy Cleaners & Sprays and pick the option that fits your material and your habits. Editorial note: Our team at Red Pleasures hand-selects every product in this guide for body-safe materials and genuine quality.