How to Clean and Store Your Toys (So They Last and Stay Safe)
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A little housekeeping goes a long way—even in the bedside drawer. Cleaning removes leftover lubricant, body fluids, and dirt that can give germs a place to linger. It also gives you a chance to spot damage before it becomes a problem. A consistent routine helps protect both your comfort and your purchase.
Start with the maker’s instructions. The material, electronics, coatings, and water resistance all affect how a toy should be cleaned.
Your quick cleaning routine
Clean after every use, before first use, and again if a stored toy has collected dust. Wash your hands, turn the toy off, and disconnect its charger or power cord.
For washable toys, use warm water and a little mild, fragrance-free soap, unless the maker specifies something different. Gently clean grooves and joins without scrubbing with anything abrasive. Rinse away all soap and lubricant.
A dedicated cleaner, such as JO Refresh Foaming Toy Cleaner, is optional. Check that it suits your toy’s material, then follow its contact-time and rinsing instructions. A cleaning product does not automatically sterilize a toy.
Check the water rating before washing
For a waterproof toy, immerse it only if the maker permits this, following any depth and time limits. Close covers as instructed. Splash-proof means limited splashes, with no soaking; do not assume running tap water is permitted. Not waterproof, or an unclear rating, means you should use a wipe-clean method.
Rechargeable does not mean waterproof. For rechargeable or corded wands that cannot be submerged, unplug everything, apply an approved mild cleanser to a soft cloth, and wipe the surface. Remove residue with a separate, barely damp cloth where permitted. Keep liquid out of ports, controls, vents, and cable connections.
Magic Wand Rechargeable is a wipe-clean example: never submerge it. Let the toy and charging connection dry completely before reconnecting power.
Match the method to the material
The table below assumes you also follow the toy’s water rating. Never boil anything or put it in a dishwasher unless the maker explicitly allows that method for that exact model. Waterproof does not mean heatproof.
| Material | How to clean | Can it be boiled? | Storage tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body-safe silicone | Mild soap and warm water, or wipe clean as instructed | Only if maker-approved and without electronics | Separate, clean pouch |
| Glass | Mild soap and lukewarm water; avoid sudden temperature changes | Only if maker-approved and without electronics | Padded pouch; protect from knocks |
| Stainless steel | Mild soap and warm water; use a soft cloth | Only if maker-approved and without electronics | Separate pouch to prevent scratches |
| ABS hard plastic | Mild soap and water as permitted; protect electrical parts | No | Clean pouch, away from heat |
| Porous TPE or jelly | Gentle washing exactly as directed; dry thoroughly | No | Store separately, completely dry |
Njoy Pure Wand is a stainless steel example; Crystal Glass Wand is a glass example. Their care instructions still take priority over general material advice.
Porous materials such as TPE and jelly can retain residue and microbes, making them harder to keep clean. Ordinary washing cannot reliably disinfect them throughout. Clearly identified, nonporous materials are generally easier to maintain when you are choosing a new toy.
After-every-use checklist
- Turn off and disconnect power.
- Clean using the approved method.
- Remove all cleaner and lubricant residue.
- Check for damage or unusual changes.
- Dry completely, then store separately.
Dry fully and give everything its own space
Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth, then allow remaining moisture to air-dry. Check grooves and any removable parts before packing everything away. Trapped dampness can encourage mold.
Use separate, clean pouches, and keep silicone toys from touching each other. Individual storage also helps prevent scratches and residue transfer. Choose a cool, dry place away from sunlight, dust, and lint. Wash or replace dirty pouches, too—the storage bag is part of the routine.
For rechargeable toys, check and recharge batteries every few months according to the maker’s storage schedule. Use the correct charger and follow its charging-time instructions.
Know when it is time to replace
Retire a toy with cracks, chips, splits, or peeling surfaces. New tackiness that remains after cleaning, lingering unpleasant odor, or unexplained discoloration also deserves attention. Stop using it and replace it if the material is deteriorating. Extra cleaner cannot repair a damaged surface.
One easy lube choice
For silicone toys, water-based lube is the safest default for material compatibility. LUBELIFE Water-Based Lubricant is one option. Check both labels and choose a formula that feels comfortable on your skin.
Keep reading
Picking a lube to go with your freshly cleaned toys? Our guide How to Choose Lube: Water, Silicone or Oil has a simple what-works-with-what chart.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the care instructions for your exact product.