Dirty toys can harbor bacteria, risking your health and ruining your investment. Neglecting proper care shortens a toy’s life and can lead to infections. Simple cleaning and storage habits are the solution for safety and longevity.

Clean your adult toys after every use with warm water and a cleaner suitable for the specific material. Dry them completely before storing them separately in breathable bags or containers, away from direct sunlight, to ensure hygiene and prevent damage.

As the owner of PrivyPlay, I’ve seen the unfortunate results of improper toy care – damaged products and unhappy customers. It’s heartbreaking when a high-quality toy degrades prematurely simply because it wasn’t cleaned or stored correctly. Understanding the simple steps for care is crucial not just for the lifespan of the product, but more importantly, for the health and safety of the user. It’s a fundamental part of responsible ownership and use. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to know to keep toys safe and functional for as long as possible.

Why is Proper Toy Hygiene Absolutely Essential?

Thinking toy cleaning is optional or only needed occasionally is a mistake. This neglect allows harmful bacteria and fungi to grow rapidly on toy surfaces. Consistent cleaning isn’t just about tidiness; it’s a critical health practice.
Proper hygiene prevents the buildup of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, significantly reducing the risk of infections like UTIs, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis. It also preserves the toy’s material integrity and functionality, extending its lifespan and ensuring a better user experience.

The importance of cleaning adult toys goes far beyond just keeping them looking good. Primarily, it’s about health. Bodily fluids and lubricants create a breeding ground for microorganisms. Even if a toy is used alone, bacteria naturally present on the skin (like E. coli or Staphylococcus) can multiply on the toy’s surface. If reintroduced into the body, especially sensitive areas like the genitals or anus, these can cause uncomfortable or even serious infections. If toys are shared, the risk extends to transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Beyond hygiene, proper cleaning directly impacts the toy’s longevity and performance.

Hygiene and Material Preservation:

Materials like TPE can degrade quickly if not cleaned correctly, becoming sticky or brittle. Silicone can break down if exposed to the wrong cleaners or lubricants. Odors can develop, making the toy unpleasant to use. For vibrating toys, moisture left from improper cleaning can potentially damage internal electronics over time. At PrivyPlay, we emphasize quality materials, but even the best materials need proper care to last. Educating users on hygiene isn’t just good service; it’s essential for their safety and satisfaction.

Are You Using the Right Cleaning Method for Each Material?

Assuming you can clean all adult toys the same way is a common mistake. Using harsh chemicals on delicate TPE or the wrong soap on silicone can cause irreversible damage. Understanding your toy’s material is the first step to cleaning it safely.

Match your cleaning method to the toy’s material. Non-porous materials like silicone, glass, and metal are generally easier to clean and sanitize. Porous materials like TPE, TPR, or jelly require gentler methods, typically just mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals and high heat.

Adult toys are made from a variety of materials, and each has unique properties affecting how it should be cleaned. Using the wrong method can, at best, be ineffective, and at worst, damage the toy or leave harmful residues. Here’s a quick overview:

• Silicone: Body-safe, non-porous. Generally very durable and can often withstand higher temperatures.
• ABS Plastic: Hard, usually non-porous plastic. Often used for handles or internal structures. Can be sensitive to certain chemicals and heat.
• TPE/TPR/Elastomers: Soft, stretchy, often porous materials. Feel realistic but require careful cleaning as they can harbor bacteria and degrade easily.
• Glass: Non-porous, very hygienic, and durable (unless dropped!). Can handle heat and various cleaners.
• Metal: Stainless steel or aluminum are non-porous, durable, and easy to clean. Can often handle heat.
  The key difference often lies in porosity. Non-porous materials (silicone, glass, metal) have smooth surfaces where bacteria can’t easily hide. Porous materials (like TPE) have microscopic openings where bacteria can linger, making thorough cleaning and gentle handling crucial.

  General Cleaning Compatibility:

  Material Category	Porosity	Recommended Cleaning	Avoid
  Silicone	Non-Porous	Mild soap & water, toy cleaner, boiling (check manufacturer), 10% bleach solution (rinse well)	Silicone lubes, harsh chemicals, oils
  ABS Plastic	Non-Porous	Mild soap & water, toy cleaner	High heat, alcohol, harsh solvents
  TPE/TPR/Jelly	Porous	Mild soap & water ONLY	Boiling, bleach, alcohol, harsh soaps, dishwasher
  Glass	Non-Porous	Soap & water, toy cleaner, boiling, dishwasher	Dropping!
  Metal	Non-Porous	Soap & water, toy cleaner, boiling, dishwasher	Abrasive cleaners (can scratch)

  Always default to the manufacturer’s instructions if available. When in doubt, start with the gentlest method: warm water and mild, unscented soap. Patch test any new cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first. Never use silicone lubricant to clean a silicone toy – it can cause the material to break down. I always advise our brand partners sourcing from PrivyPlay to include clear cleaning instructions based on the specific materials used in their products.

  What’s the Secret to Safely Cleaning Silicone Toys?

  Silicone is a fantastic material, but people sometimes ruin it with the wrong care. Using silicone lubes or harsh soaps can make it feel sticky or even cause tears over time. There’s a right way to keep it perfect.

Clean silicone toys after each use with warm water and either a specialized toy cleaner or plain, mild, unscented soap. Avoid silicone-based lubricants entirely. For deep sanitation, boiling (if electronics-free) or a brief soak in a 10% bleach solution (followed by thorough rinsing) is effective.

Silicone is popular for good reason: it’s body-safe, non-porous, and feels great. Its non-porous nature means bacteria rests on the surface, making it relatively easy to clean effectively. However, it does have one main vulnerability: silicone lubricants. Silicone lube can react with silicone toys, causing the toy’s surface to become permanently sticky, gummy, or even break down. Always use water-based or oil-based (if compatible with condoms, if used) lubricants with silicone toys.
Here’s the recommended cleaning process:

1. Rinse: Immediately after use, rinse the toy under warm running water to remove most lubricant and bodily fluids.
2. Wash: Apply a generous amount of silicone-safe toy cleaner or a very mild, unscented soap (like basic castile soap or antibacterial hand soap without moisturizers, oils, or harsh perfumes). Lather gently, ensuring you cover the entire surface, including any textures or crevices.
3. Rinse Again: Thoroughly rinse the toy under warm running water until all traces of soap or cleaner are gone. Residue can irritate the skin or damage the toy over time.
4. Dry: Pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free towel or allow it to air dry completely on a clean surface. Ensure it’s 100% dry before storage.
   For periodic deep cleaning or sterilization (especially if sharing or after illness):
   • Boiling: If the toy is 100% silicone (no electronic parts, batteries, or other materials attached), you can often boil it in water for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool completely before handling. Always check manufacturer guidance first.
   • Bleach Solution: Prepare a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water (10% solution). Submerge the toy for about 10 minutes. Crucially, rinse the toy extremely thoroughly with plain water afterward to remove all bleach traces. This is effective but should be used sparingly.
     I remember a case where a customer insisted their PrivyPlay silicone toy became sticky on its own. After some discussion, it turned out they were using a popular silicone lubricant, thinking it was safe. Educating users on this specific point is vital for silicone product care.

     How Do You Best Clean Hard Plastics (ABS) and Porous Materials (TPE)?

     ABS plastic and softer TPE/TPR materials need different approaches than silicone. Using boiling water on ABS can warp it, while harsh cleaners destroy TPE’s delicate structure. You need specific techniques for these common materials.

Clean hard ABS plastic gently with warm water and mild soap, avoiding high heat or harsh solvents. For porous TPE/TPR/Jelly toys, use only lukewarm water and mild, plain soap. Never boil, bleach, or use alcohol/silicone lubes on these soft materials.

ABS plastic and TPE/TPR represent two different ends of the non-silicone spectrum, requiring distinct care routines.
ABS Plastic: This is a rigid plastic often used for the handles of vibrators, casings for electronics, or sometimes entire non-flexible toys.

• Cleaning: Generally non-porous, so cleaning is straightforward. Use warm (not hot) water and mild soap or a toy cleaner suitable for plastics. Rinse thoroughly.
• Avoid: High temperatures (boiling, dishwasher) can warp or melt ABS. Harsh solvents or alcohol might cause cracking or discoloration over time. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.
• Drying: Pat dry with a clean cloth or air dry.
  TPE/TPR/Elastomers (like Jelly): These materials are prized for their soft, stretchy, skin-like feel but are typically porous. This is their biggest care challenge.
• Porosity Issue: Microscopic pores can trap bacteria, lubricant residues, and bodily fluids, making them harder to truly sanitize.
• Cleaning: Gentleness is key. Use lukewarm water and a very mild, basic soap (unscented, no additives). Avoid dedicated toy cleaners unless explicitly stated as safe for TPE/TPR, as some contain ingredients that can degrade these materials. Lather very gently. Rinse meticulously.
• Strict Avoid List: NEVER boil, use bleach, alcohol, silicone lubricants, or put TPE/TPR toys in the dishwasher. These actions will damage or destroy the material, making it sticky, brittle, or causing it to melt or warp.
• Drying: Pat dry very gently with a lint-free cloth and then allow to air dry completely. Trapped moisture can lead to mold growth in the pores.
• Maintenance: Some TPE toys benefit from a light dusting with cornstarch (100% pure cornstarch, no additives) after drying to maintain texture and reduce stickiness. Check manufacturer advice first. Because they are harder to sanitize, many experts recommend using condoms with porous toys every time.
  At PrivyPlay, while we focus heavily on silicone, we understand the market includes TPE/ABS. We always advise clients ordering these materials to provide very clear, cautious cleaning instructions to end-users due to their specific sensitivities.

  Are Glass and Metal Toys Simpler to Maintain?

  Constantly worrying about material reactions and complex cleaning can be tiring. Perhaps you’re wondering if some materials just make life easier? Glass and metal toys often stand out as refreshingly straightforward alternatives.
  Yes, body-safe glass (like borosilicate) and metal (like stainless steel) are typically the easiest materials to clean and maintain due to their non-porous, durable nature. They handle soap, water, heat (boiling/dishwasher, check specifics), and even stronger disinfectants well.

For users seeking minimal fuss in their cleaning routine, glass and metal toys are excellent choices. Their inherent properties make them incredibly hygienic and resilient to most cleaning methods.

• Non-Porous Surface: This is the biggest advantage. Like silicone, glass and metal lack the microscopic pores found in materials like TPE. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi have nowhere to hide, making cleaning highly effective. Simple washing usually suffices for sanitation.
• Temperature Resistance: High-quality borosilicate glass and stainless steel can generally withstand significant temperature changes. This means they can often be boiled for sterilization (always bring water to a boil with the toy in it, or pour boiling water over it, rather than dropping cold glass into boiling water to avoid thermal shock) or washed in a dishwasher (top rack recommended, ensure no delicate parts are attached). Always verify manufacturer recommendations, especially for metal toys with special coatings or components.
• Chemical Compatibility: These materials are generally resistant to chemical breakdown. Mild soap and water are sufficient, but they can usually tolerate stronger cleaners like a 10% bleach solution (always rinse thoroughly!) or specific disinfectants if deep sanitation is desired. Avoid abrasive scouring pads on polished metal, as they can scratch the surface.
• Durability: Metal toys are extremely durable. Borosilicate glass is also surprisingly strong (it’s similar to lab glass), but it can still break if dropped onto a hard surface, so handling requires some care. Always inspect glass toys for chips or cracks before use.
  

  Cleaning Ease Comparison:

  Material	Porosity	Ease of Cleaning	Sterilization Options	Key Concern
  Glass	Non-Porous	Very Easy	Boiling, Dishwasher, Bleach Solution	Breakage (if dropped)
  Metal	Non-Porous	Very Easy	Boiling, Dishwasher, Bleach Solution	Scratching (surface)
  Silicone	Non-Porous	Easy	Boiling (no electronics), Bleach Solution	Silicone Lube Damage
  ABS Plastic	Non-Porous	Moderate	Soap/Water, Toy Cleaner	Heat/Chemical Sensitivity
  TPE/TPR	Porous	Difficult	Mild Soap/Water ONLY	Degradation, Hygiene

  From a manufacturing standpoint at PrivyPlay, offering glass or metal options provides a premium, easy-care alternative that appeals to customers prioritizing hygiene and durability. The main consideration is ensuring high-quality, body-safe grades (e.g., medical-grade stainless steel, borosilicate glass) are used.

  Beyond Cleaning: How Should You Properly Store Your Toys?

  You’ve washed and dried your toys perfectly, but just tossing them in a drawer undoes your hard work. Improper storage can lead to dust, lint, material damage, or even chemical reactions between toys. Safe storage is the final step in proper care.

Always store toys completely dry. Keep them individually in breathable fabric pouches or separate containers, ensuring different materials don’t touch. Store them away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and dust to maintain hygiene and material integrity.

How you store your toys is just as important as how you clean them. Proper storage protects them from physical damage, prevents material degradation, and keeps them clean and ready for their next use. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Ensure Toys Are Completely Dry: This is non-negotiable. Storing even slightly damp toys, especially in airtight containers, creates an ideal environment for mold and bacteria growth. Air dry thoroughly or use a dedicated lint-free cloth.
2. Store Separately: Do not let toys touch each other during storage, especially if they are made of different materials. Some materials, particularly softer ones like TPE/TPR, can react chemically with others (even some silicones), causing them to melt, warp, become sticky, or leach color. Hard materials can scratch softer ones.
3. Use Suitable Containers:
   • Breathable Fabric Bags: Individual pouches made of cotton, silk, satin, or velvet are ideal. They protect toys from dust and lint while allowing any residual moisture to evaporate. Many quality toys come with such a bag.
   • Dedicated Boxes/Cases: Hard cases or plastic bins can work, but ensure toys aren’t just jumbled together inside. Use dividers or wrap toys individually first. Ensure plastic containers are made from stable plastic (like polypropylene) that won’t react with the toys.
   • Avoid Airtight Plastic Bags: Unless a toy is 110% dry, sealing it can trap moisture.
4. Location Matters: Store toys in a cool, dry, dark place like a drawer or closet shelf.
   • Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can degrade and discolor many toy materials over time.
   • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: High heat can warp plastics or damage electronics; extreme cold might make some materials brittle temporarily.
   • Keep Away from Dust/Lint: Clean storage protects the toy’s surface.
5. Consider Electronics: For rechargeable toys, follow manufacturer guidelines regarding charging before long-term storage. Don’t store them completely depleted or constantly charging. Store away from potential moisture sources.
   I often advise our PrivyPlay clients to consider including a quality storage pouch with their products. It reinforces the brand’s commitment to quality and subtly educates the customer on proper care right out of the box. Proper storage directly contributes to a toy’s lifespan and the user’s continued satisfaction.

   Conclusion

   Proper cleaning and storage are essential, not optional. Cleaning after every use with material-safe methods prevents infections and preserves your toys. Drying thoroughly and storing items separately in breathable bags protects them from damage and contamination, ensuring longevity and safety.