Mistakes You’re Making When Cleaning Your Sex Toys (And How to Fix Them)
Let's be honest, when you invest in a quality pleasure product, you want it to last. And just like your favourite skincare routine or that luxe cashmere jumper, your intimate items deserve proper care and attention.
Learning how to clean sex toys isn't just about hygiene (though that's incredibly important). It's about protecting your body, extending the life of your products, and ensuring every experience feels as good as the first.
The thing is, many of us are making small but significant mistakes without even realising it. These habits might seem harmless, but over time they can damage your toys, irritate sensitive skin, or create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
Let's walk through the most common cleaning mistakes, and more importantly, how to fix them so you can enjoy your self-care routine with complete peace of mind.
Mistake #1: Using Harsh Cleaning Products
It's tempting to reach for whatever's under the sink. Bleach kills germs, right? And surely a splash of rubbing alcohol will do the trick?
Not quite.
Harsh chemicals like bleach, alcohol, and household cleaners can wreak havoc on your toys. They irritate delicate intimate skin, and they can actually degrade the materials your toys are made from, especially silicone, rubber, and softer surfaces.
Alcohol-based products are particularly problematic. They dry out surfaces over time, causing cracking, stickiness, and that unpleasant tacky feeling nobody wants.
The fix: Keep it simple and gentle. A mild, fragrance-free soap with warm water is your best friend. Think along the lines of unscented hand soap or baby soap. If you prefer something purpose-made, invest in a toy-safe cleaner specifically formulated for intimate products. Always check compatibility with your toy's material before using any new product.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Pre-Use Clean
You cleaned it after your last use, so it's good to go... right?
Not necessarily.
Even when stored properly, toys can collect dust, lint, and airborne particles. And if you've just unboxed a brand-new toy, there may be residue from packaging or manufacturing.
This might seem overly cautious, but your intimate areas are incredibly sensitive. Even small particles can cause irritation or discomfort.
The fix: Make cleaning a two-step ritual, before and after each use. A quick rinse with warm water and mild soap takes less than a minute and ensures you're starting fresh every time. For new toys, always give them a thorough clean before their debut.
Mistake #3: Submerging Non-Waterproof Toys
Water and electronics don't mix. We all know this. Yet it's surprisingly easy to forget when you're focused on getting your toy squeaky clean.
Many motorised toys have charging ports, seams, and internal components that aren't designed to be fully submerged. Dunking them in water, even briefly, can damage the motor, corrode the charging mechanism, or compromise the toy's integrity entirely.
The fix: Always check the manufacturer's specifications before cleaning. Look for an IPX7 rating, which indicates the toy is fully waterproof and safe to submerge. If your toy isn't waterproof (or you're unsure), use a damp cloth with soapy water to wipe down the surfaces instead. Toy-safe antibacterial wipes are another excellent option for quick, gentle cleaning.
Mistake #4: Improper Drying
You've washed your toy thoroughly, brilliant. But if you're grabbing the nearest towel and giving it a quick rub before tossing it in a drawer, you might be undoing all that good work.
Standard towels can leave behind fibres and lint that cling to the surface. Worse still, if your toy isn't completely dry before storage, trapped moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
The fix: Pat your toy gently with a lint-free cloth or towel. Then, and this is the crucial bit, let it air dry completely before putting it away. Pay special attention to any seams, buttons, textured areas, and charging ports where moisture loves to hide.
Patience here pays off. A few extra minutes of drying time protects both your toy and your body.
Mistake #5: Storing Your Toys Incorrectly
Where your toys live between uses matters more than you might think.
Tossing everything into a bedside drawer together might seem convenient, but it can cause real problems. Different toy materials can react with each other when they touch, causing degradation or discolouration. Humid environments encourage bacterial growth. Direct sunlight can break down materials over time.
The fix: Store each toy separately in its own breathable pouch or bag. Many quality toys come with storage pouches for exactly this reason, use them! Keep your collection in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This simple step dramatically extends the lifespan of your products.
If you're looking for more guidance on caring for your intimate wellness collection, our beginner's guide to self-care covers all the basics.
Mistake #6: Putting Toys in the Dishwasher
We've all seen this advice floating around the internet. "Just pop it in the dishwasher, it's basically sterilising it!"
Please don't.
Dishwasher cycles are far too harsh for intimate products. The high heat, aggressive water pressure, and harsh detergents can create micro-damage in silicone and other materials. These tiny pores and scratches then become the perfect hiding spots for bacteria: completely defeating the purpose.
Plus, there's the awkwardness factor of your housemates or family members discovering your rabbit vibrator nestled between the dinner plates.
The fix: Hand washing is always the way to go. Warm water, mild soap, gentle hands. It takes a couple of minutes and keeps your toys in pristine condition for years to come.
Mistake #7: Using Scented or Fragranced Soaps
That lovely lavender hand soap in your bathroom might smell divine, but it has no business near your intimate toys.
Fragrances, perfumes, and scented detergents contain chemicals that can seriously irritate sensitive intimate skin. They can disrupt your natural pH balance and potentially lead to yeast infections or other uncomfortable issues.
Even products marketed as "gentle" or "natural" can cause problems if they contain added fragrances.
The fix: Stick to fragrance-free, unscented soaps designed for sensitive skin. If you want something specifically formulated for the job, toy-safe cleaners are designed with intimate use in mind and won't cause irritation.
When in doubt, simpler is better.
Making Toy Care Part of Your Self-Care Ritual
Here's the thing: caring for your pleasure products isn't a chore. It's an extension of the self-care practice itself.
When you take a few moments to properly clean, dry, and store your toys, you're honouring your body and your wellbeing. You're ensuring that every intimate moment is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Think of it like this: you wouldn't skip washing your face before applying your favourite serum. The same principle applies here. A little care goes a long way.
Quick recap of how to clean sex toys properly:
- Use mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water
- Clean before and after every use
- Check waterproof ratings before submerging
- Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and air dry completely
- Store separately in breathable pouches
- Never use harsh chemicals, dishwashers, or scented products
Your toys are an investment in your pleasure and wellbeing. Treat them with the same care you'd give any other luxury item in your life, and they'll continue to bring you joy for years to come.
Ready to explore more ways to enhance your intimate wellness journey? Browse the FORBLISS collection and discover products designed with your pleasure and wellbeing in mind.