By Lova Lab
Proper care protects your comfort, extends the life of your accessory, and helps avoid unpleasant surprises. But not all sex toys should be cleaned in the same way: the material, electronics, seals, and level of water resistance determine the appropriate method.
The most important rule is simple: always check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing, immersing, or disinfecting a product.
In brief: the essential routine
Clean your sex toy before first use and after every use. Generally use lukewarm water and mild soap or a suitable cleaner, without immersing a device that is not fully waterproof. Rinse if the instructions allow it, dry completely, then store it separately in a clean, dry place.
Why clean it before first use?
A new product has been manufactured, packaged, and handled before reaching you. An initial cleaning helps remove any dust or residue. At the same time, check that the surface is intact and that seals or removable parts are correctly positioned.
After every use: do not wait
Clean the accessory as soon as possible to prevent residue from drying in grooves, around buttons, or inside a sleeve. Turn it off and disconnect it before cleaning. Remove batteries if the instructions require it.
Waterproof, submersible, or splash-resistant?
These terms do not always mean the same thing. A splash-resistant product may tolerate surface cleaning but not immersion. A submersible device can be washed under water within the limits specified by the manufacturer.
Never assume a product is waterproof based on its appearance or charging method. Check the technical specifications and instructions.
The general method
- Turn off and disconnect the accessory.
- Remove removable parts if the instructions allow it.
- Clean with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, or a recommended product.
- Gently clean grooves, seals, and buttons.
- Rinse when the product allows it.
- Wipe with a clean, lint-free towel.
- Allow it to air-dry completely before storing.
How to clean silicone
For a silicone accessory with electronics, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning method and avoid any unauthorized immersion. For a fully silicone, non-motorized item, additional disinfection methods may sometimes be possible, but only if the instructions allow them.
Do not boil an electronic product, one with glued parts, or one whose composition is uncertain.
Glass and stainless steel
Accessories designed for intimate use made from suitable glass or stainless steel are generally easy to clean, provided they contain no electronics. Check for cracks, chips, or defects before every use.
Extreme temperature changes can present risks, especially with glass. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
ABS and rigid surfaces
ABS parts can often be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap, without immersion if they contain a motor. Avoid abrasive products that could scratch the surface.
Male masturbators and soft materials
Remove the sleeve from its casing if the model is designed to be disassembled. Rinse the inside thoroughly according to the instructions, then allow it to dry completely. An interior that remains damp can encourage odors and deterioration.
Some materials require a specific care powder after drying. Do not use talc or improvised products without a recommendation.
Stimulators with a tip or opening
Small openings can retain residue. Clean them gently without inserting anything sharp or damaging the membrane. A small soft brush should only be used if recommended by the manufacturer.
Are wipes enough?
A wipe can be useful for surface cleaning, but it does not always replace a full wash. Check that it is suitable for the material and does not leave an irritating residue.
Should you use alcohol, bleach, or boiling water?
Not without explicit instructions. These methods can damage the material, seals, color, or electronics, and may leave residues. More aggressive cleaning is not automatically safer.
How to clean a shared sex toy
Use an appropriate barrier on the accessory and change it between people and between certain body areas. Clean the product according to its instructions after use.
Never move directly from anal use to vaginal use without changing the barrier and cleaning appropriately.
Drying: the often-forgotten step
Wipe the accessory and let it air-dry in a clean area. Open removable parts so moisture can escape. Do not store an accessory while it is still damp in a closed pouch.
How should you store sex toys?
Store them in a dry place away from heat, sunlight, and dust. An individual pouch prevents prolonged contact between different materials. Remove batteries for long-term storage if recommended by the manufacturer.
Charging and battery care
Use the supplied cable and follow the provided instructions. Make sure the charging port or contacts are completely dry before charging. Avoid leaving a device charging beyond the instructions, and periodically recharge a battery stored for a long time if the instructions recommend it.
When should you replace a sex toy?
Stop using it if you notice:
- a crack, chip, or surface that has become sticky;
- a persistent odor despite cleaning;
- unusual discoloration or deformation;
- a damaged seal;
- a battery that becomes hot or swollen;
- a damaged cable or irregular operation.
Lova Lab’s advice
Before buying, consider maintenance as well as features. A model that is easy to disassemble, dry, and store may be easier to use with confidence. Lova Lab product pages describe materials, water resistance, and care instructions to help with your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Can all sex toys be washed under the tap?
No. Only models whose water resistance allows it can be rinsed or immersed according to the instructions.
Is regular soap enough?
A mild, fragrance-free soap may be suitable for many products, but follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can you share a sex toy after cleaning it?
Sharing requires an appropriate barrier, changing it between people, and cleaning as directed. Some porous materials are more difficult to share safely.
Why does my sex toy become sticky?
The material may be deteriorating or reacting with an incompatible product. Stop using it and check the manufacturer’s instructions.