How to Clean and Store Your Intimate Toys: A Complete Care Guide

Why Cleaning Matters More Than You Think

Proper cleaning is the single easiest way to make your intimate products last longer, feel better, and stay safe to use. Every intimate product comes into contact with bodily fluids, lubricants, and sometimes shared use — and even non-porous materials benefit from a quick wash before bacteria get a chance to settle in. The good news: a full cleaning routine takes under two minutes, and a little care in storage prevents most wear and tear before it starts.

The Universal Routine: Before and After Every Use

Almost every intimate toy — silicone, glass, metal, ABS plastic — follows the same basic routine:

1. Rinse with warm (not hot) water to remove lubricant and residue.
2. Wash with a mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. A soft cloth or your fingertips are enough; avoid stiff brushes on delicate finishes.
3. Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains.
4. Air-dry completely on a clean towel before storing. Moisture left in crevices is the main cause of odour and material breakdown.

Repeat this after every use, and give the toy a quick wash before use too if it has been sitting in storage — dust and lint collect faster than you'd expect.

Cleaning by Material

Silicone (non-motorised): the gold standard for easy sterilisation. After the standard wash, you can boil solid silicone toys for 3–5 minutes for a deep clean. Never boil anything with a motor, battery compartment, or electronic components.

Silicone (motorised): stick to soap and water or toy cleaner. Pay attention to charging ports and seam lines — wipe them dry carefully, and never submerge a toy unless it is explicitly marked waterproof.

Glass and stainless steel: the easiest materials to clean — warm water, soap, or toy cleaner is plenty, and they can also be boiled or run through the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent pods) when they contain no electronics. Always inspect glass for chips or cracks before and after cleaning.

ABS plastic: warm water and mild soap work perfectly. ABS is non-porous, but textured or coated finishes can trap residue — use a soft toothbrush on crevices if needed, and avoid abrasive cleaners that dull the finish.

Porous materials (jelly rubber, PVC, TPE/TPR): these can't be fully sterilised, so clean them promptly and thoroughly, dry them completely, and replace them at the first sign of stickiness, discolouration, or odour. For a full breakdown of which materials are body-safe, see our guide to body-safe intimate toy materials.

What NOT to Do

• Don't use harsh household cleaners — bleach, alcohol wipes, and antibacterial sprays can degrade toy surfaces and leave irritating residues.
• Don't soak motorised toys unless the product is explicitly rated waterproof. "Splash-proof" and "water-resistant" are not the same as waterproof.
• Don't share porous toys between partners or orifices without a condom — they can't be reliably sterilised.
• Don't clean silicone toys with silicone-based lubricant residue still on them — wash lubricant off first so it doesn't bond with the surface over time.
• Don't store toys while damp — even a little trapped moisture encourages bacterial growth and smells.

How to Store Your Toys Properly

Cleaning keeps your toys safe; storage keeps them like new. Follow these five rules:

1. Separate: give each toy its own pouch, cloth bag, or compartment. Silicone products can react with each other (and with some plastics) when stored touching — separation prevents surface damage.
2. Dark and cool: store away from direct sunlight and heat. UV light and warmth accelerate material ageing, especially for softer compounds.
3. Breathable: fabric pouches or ventilated boxes beat sealed plastic bags, which trap humidity. If you use a drawer, keep it clean and dry.
4. Batteries out: remove batteries from battery-operated toys between uses to prevent corrosion and accidental activation.
5. Charged and clean: rechargeable toys store best at partial charge, clean and fully dry — ready for next time.

Many quality toys arrive in their own storage pouch or case — keep it; it's usually the ideal home for that product.

How Often Should You Replace a Toy?

Well-maintained, body-safe toys can last for years. Replace a product when you notice any of the following:

• A persistent odour that doesn't wash out
• Stickiness or tackiness on the surface
• Cracks, tears, chips, or flaking coating
• A motor that weakens, rattles, or stops holding charge
• Any material degradation on porous toys — these have the shortest lifespan

When in doubt, retire it. A replacement costs far less than the irritation of using a degraded product.

Travel Tips: Discreet and Safe

Travelling with intimate products is straightforward with a little planning: clean and dry each toy, store it in a separate pouch, and remove batteries or engage the travel lock on rechargeable models so nothing activates in your luggage. For flying, a lockable toiletry case keeps everything discreet and organised. Every order from Red Velvet Boutique ships in plain, unmarked packaging with discreet billing — your privacy is part of the service.

FAQ

Can I use regular soap to clean intimate toys?
Yes — a mild, unscented soap (like a gentle hand soap or castile soap) is perfectly fine for most materials. Avoid fragranced or antibacterial soaps, which can leave irritating residues. Dedicated toy cleaners are convenient but not mandatory.

Is it okay to boil all silicone toys?
Only non-motorised, solid silicone toys. Boiling anything with a motor, battery, or electronic components will destroy it. For motorised silicone, soap and water or toy cleaner is the safe option.

Can I store different toys together in one drawer?
Not touching each other. Silicone can react with other silicone products and with certain plastics, leaving permanent surface damage. Individual pouches solve the problem completely.

How do I clean toys I use with a partner?
Clean before and after shared use, the same routine as solo use. For extra peace of mind with porous toys, use a condom over the toy — it keeps the toy cleaner and extends its life.

Do I need a special toy cleaner?
No — soap and warm water handle the job for every material. Toy cleaners are a convenient alternative (no rinsing needed for most), and many people keep one on the nightstand for quick cleans. Browse our massage & care collection for cleaning essentials.

A two-minute wash and a decent pouch — that's genuinely all it takes. Explore our vibrators, dildos, and lubricants with the confidence that proper care will keep them in perfect condition for years.