Safe Play 101: Cleaning, Caring, and Storing Your Toys Properly

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: taking care of your intimate toys. Sure, picking out something new and exciting is fun, but knowing how to clean, care for, and store your collection properly? That’s what keeps the good times rolling safely for years to come.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t skip washing your favorite coffee mug or toss your smartphone in a dusty drawer without protection, right? Your pleasure products deserve the same respect. Plus, proper care isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about protecting your investment and, most importantly, protecting yourself.

Why Cleaning Matters More Than You Think

Here’s the deal: even if you’re the only person using your toys, cleaning them after every single use is non-negotiable. Bacteria love warm, moist environments, and an uncleaned toy is basically a vacation resort for microorganisms you definitely don’t want anywhere near your body.
Beyond the obvious health reasons, regular cleaning also extends the life of your toys. Residue buildup can degrade materials over time, causing discoloration, weird smells, or even structural breakdown. Nobody wants their favorite toy falling apart at an inopportune moment.

The Material Matters: Your Cleaning Cheat Sheet

Not all toys are created equal, and different materials need different care approaches. Let’s break it down:
Silicone, Stainless Steel, and Hard Plastic
These are the superstars of the toy world—nonporous, body-safe, and super easy to clean. For regular cleaning, warm water and mild, unscented soap work perfectly. Just lather up, rinse thoroughly, and you’re good to go.
Want to take it up a notch? Nonporous toys can typically handle more intensive cleaning. Some silicone toys (check your manufacturer’s instructions first) can even be boiled for 3-5 minutes or run through the dishwasher on the top rack without detergent. This level of sterilization is especially important if you’re sharing toys between partners or between different types of play.
Glass and Ceramic
These elegant options are also nonporous and easy to maintain. Soap and water work great, and they can usually handle boiling too. Just be careful with temperature changes—don’t go from hot to ice-cold water quickly, as extreme temperature shifts can potentially cause cracking.
Elastomer, Jelly, and Rubber
Here’s where things get trickier. These materials are porous, meaning they have tiny microscopic holes where bacteria can hide out. You can’t fully sterilize porous toys, which is why many experts recommend using condoms with them, especially if sharing.
Clean these with mild soap and water, but understand that their lifespan is naturally shorter than nonporous alternatives. When they start looking worn, sticky, or discolored, it’s time to say goodbye.

The Motorized Ones

Battery-operated or rechargeable toys need special attention. Unless they’re fully waterproof (check that IPX rating), keep the battery compartment or charging port away from water. Use a damp cloth with soap for the body, and be extra careful around any electronic components. Never submerge non-waterproof toys.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

While plain soap and water work fine for most situations, specialized toy cleaners are formulated to be body-safe and effective without leaving residue. They’re convenient for quick cleanups and usually come in spray bottles for easy application.
What to avoid: harsh chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners, acetone, or anything with strong fragrances. These can degrade your toys’ materials and irritate sensitive skin. Antibacterial soaps might sound like a good idea, but they can be too harsh for some materials and aren’t necessary if you’re cleaning properly.

The Drying Situation

Never put toys away while they’re still damp. Moisture trapped in storage creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. After washing, pat your toys dry with a clean, lint-free cloth (microfiber works great), then let them air dry completely before storing.
For toys with textured surfaces or hard-to-reach crevices, give them extra time to air out. Patience here pays off in peace of mind.

Storage Solutions That Make Sense

You’ve cleaned and dried your toys—now what? Proper storage protects them from dust, damage, and degradation.
Individual Storage is Best
Store each toy separately when possible. Why? Some materials can react with each other (especially silicone toys touching each other), causing melting, stickiness, or discoloration. This is particularly true for lower-quality materials.
Use the original packaging if it’s suitable, or invest in individual pouches, cases, or even clean socks as toy sleeves. Fabric pouches allow airflow while keeping dust away, making them ideal for most toys.
Location, Location, Location
Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and UV rays can degrade materials over time. A bedside drawer, under-bed storage container, or dedicated lockable box all work well.
If privacy is a concern, there are plenty of discreet storage options designed specifically for adult toys—from decorative boxes that look like regular décor to lockable cases that keep things secure and temperature-controlled.
Battery Care
For battery-operated toys you don’t use frequently, remove the batteries before storing. This prevents corrosion from battery leakage and extends both battery and toy life. For rechargeable toys, store them with a partial charge (around 50%) rather than completely drained or fully charged.

Special Circumstances: Toy Maintenance Tips

Sharing Between Partners: If you’re sharing toys, use condoms for porous materials, and fully sterilize nonporous toys between uses. Communication and safety first, always.
Travel-Friendly Cleaning: Heading out of town? Pack toy cleaner wipes or a small bottle of toy cleaner. Many companies make TSA-friendly sizes perfect for discreet travel bags.
Dealing with Stains or Smells: If your toy develops an odor or stain despite regular cleaning, try soaking it (if waterproof) in a solution of water and white vinegar. If the smell or staining persists, it might be time to replace it.

The Bottom Line

Taking care of your intimate toys isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. Make cleaning part of your routine—just like the experience itself, the aftercare matters. With proper maintenance, your toys will stay body-safe, function better, last longer, and continue bringing you joy for years to come.
Remember: investing a few extra minutes in proper care is investing in your health, safety, and pleasure. And that’s always time well spent.