How to Clean Your Silicone Toys (and Keep Them Beautiful for Years)

Cleaning a toy isn't the most glamorous part of the experience, but it might be the most important. A clean toy is a body-safe toy, and a well-cared-for silicone toy can stay soft, smooth and lovely to use for years. The good news: if your toy is made from medical-grade silicone, like every Erotx piece, cleaning is quick and easy.

Why silicone is so easy to keep clean

High-quality silicone is non-porous. That means its surface doesn't have the microscopic pores and pockets that cheaper materials like jelly, PVC or some TPE blends have. Bacteria, lube and body fluids sit on the surface of silicone instead of soaking in, so a proper wash actually removes them. With porous materials, no amount of scrubbing can fully reach what's inside.

That's one of the reasons we only use medical-grade silicone. You can read more about it in What "Medical-Grade Silicone" Really Means.

The everyday routine: before and after every use

Clean your toy after every use, and give it a quick rinse before use too if it's been sitting in a drawer. Here's the routine:

1. Rinse under warm (not hot) running water to remove lube and residue.
2. Wash with a mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Lather it over every surface with your fingertips or a soft cloth, paying attention to seams, ridges, buttons and the base of any retrieval cord.
3. Rinse again thoroughly. Soap residue can irritate sensitive skin, so take an extra few seconds here.
4. Pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel, then let it air-dry completely before storing.

Rechargeable and vibrating toys: the special rules

Toys with motors and charging ports need a little extra care. Both the Swerve Wand and the vibrating trainer in the Bomb Cherry system contain electronics, so:

• Never boil or dishwasher-wash a toy with electronics. Heat and pressure can damage the motor, battery and seals.
• Check your water rating. "Waterproof" and "splash-proof" are not the same thing. If your toy is waterproof you can wash it under running water; if it's splash-resistant, wipe it with a damp, soapy cloth instead of holding it under the tap. Your product manual will tell you which applies.
• Keep the charging port dry. Make sure the toy, and especially the port or charging contacts, is completely dry before you plug it in.
• Close any port covers before washing, if your toy has them.

Can you sterilize silicone?

For non-motorized, 100% silicone pieces, many people choose to occasionally sterilize them by placing them in boiling water for a few minutes. This isn't necessary after every use; soap and water does the everyday job. Never boil anything with a battery, motor, or a metal or plastic insert you aren't sure about, and always follow the care instructions that came with your product.

What never to use on silicone

• Alcohol, bleach or household disinfectants. They can dry out, discolor or degrade silicone over time, and residue isn't something you want on intimate skin.
• Abrasive scrubbers. Scratches create tiny grooves where bacteria can collect, which undoes silicone's biggest advantage.
• Baby wipes or scented wipes as a substitute for washing. Fine in a pinch for a quick wipe-down, but wash properly as soon as you can.

Drying and storage

Storage is where a lot of toys lose their good looks. A few simple habits make a big difference:

• Dry completely first. Trapped moisture is what leads to odors and mildew.
• Store each toy separately in a breathable fabric pouch or its original box. Some materials can react with each other when stored touching for long periods, and pouches also keep lint and dust off silicone's slightly grippy surface.
• Keep them cool and out of direct sunlight. A drawer or bedside box is ideal.
• Charge before long-term storage. Rechargeable batteries are happiest when they aren't stored fully drained for months.

Lube residue and silicone lube

Water-based lubricant rinses off easily with soap and water. Silicone-based lubricant is slicker and takes a little more lathering to remove. It's also not always the best partner for silicone toys; see our honest lube guide for why. And because Erotx silicone is designed to feel ultra-soft, you may find you don't need lube at all. More on that in Lube or No Lube?

Sharing and switching

If you share toys with a partner, or move a toy between different areas of the body, wash it in between. Some people also use a condom over a toy when sharing, which makes switching quick and hygienic.

When it's time to say goodbye

Well-made silicone lasts a long time, but no toy lasts forever. Retire a toy if you notice tears, cracks, sticky or tacky patches that don't wash off, a persistent odor, or a battery that no longer holds a charge. Rechargeable electronics should be recycled as e-waste rather than thrown in household trash, in line with local rules.

Erotx Journal articles are for general education and are not medical advice. If you have health concerns, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.