How to Clean and Store Silicone Sex Toys Properly

Quick answer

Clean silicone sex toys with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap before and after every use, then dry them completely. Store each toy separately in a breathable pouch or its original box, away from direct sunlight and other silicone items. For motorized toys, keep the charging port dry and follow the manufacturer's waterproof rating.

Why silicone needs a different cleaning routine

Silicone is non-porous, which means it does not hold onto bacteria the way porous materials like jelly or TPE can. That makes it easier to clean thoroughly, but it also means silicone toys can be damaged by the wrong products. Oil-based lubricants, silicone-based lubricants, and harsh solvents can degrade the surface over time, leaving it tacky or causing small tears where bacteria can hide.

For motorized silicone toys, the cleaning challenge shifts to the electronics. A toy may be splash-proof rather than fully submersible, and the difference matters. Check the manufacturer's rating before you rinse anything under a tap, and never assume a toy is waterproof just because it is silicone.

What you actually need

You do not need a cabinet of specialist products. A mild, fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and warm water cover most situations. A soft toothbrush or a dedicated toy-cleaning brush helps with textured surfaces and crevices. A lint-free cloth or paper towel handles drying, and a breathable storage pouch keeps dust off between uses.

Avoid dish soap with degreasers, hand soap with moisturizers, and anything containing alcohol or essential oils. These can leave residue or dry out the silicone surface. If you use a commercial toy cleaner, check that it is labeled safe for silicone and follow its instructions rather than guessing.

How to clean a non-motorized silicone toy

Remove any removable parts first. Rinse the toy under warm, not hot, running water to remove surface residue. Apply a small amount of mild soap and work it over the entire surface with your fingers or a soft brush, paying attention to ridges, curves, and any textured areas. Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains, because leftover soap can irritate sensitive skin.

Dry the toy completely with a lint-free cloth. Silicone can trap water in small grooves, so let it air dry for a few minutes after wiping before you put it away. If the toy has a suction base or a hollow area, check that no water is pooling inside.

How to clean vibrating anal plugs and other motorized toys

Motorized toys like vibrating anal plugs need a slightly different approach because water and electronics do not mix well. Start by removing the remote control and any detachable parts. Wipe the body of the toy with a damp cloth and mild soap rather than submerging it, unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is fully waterproof.

Pay close attention to the charging port. Even on waterproof toys, the port cover can weaken over time. After cleaning, dry the port area thoroughly before charging. If the toy uses a remote, clean the remote separately with a damp cloth and dry it immediately. Never charge a toy while it is still wet.

Drying and inspecting before storage

Drying is the step most people rush, and it is the one that causes the most problems. Moisture left on a silicone toy can encourage mold in storage, especially in humid bathrooms. Pat the toy dry, let it air dry completely, and only then put it away.

While the toy is drying, inspect it. Look for cracks, sticky patches, or discoloration. Silicone is durable, but repeated exposure to silicone-based lubricant or heat can break it down. If the surface has become tacky or is peeling, the toy is no longer hygienic to use and should be replaced.

Storage that protects the material

Store silicone toys separately from each other. Silicone can react with other silicone items and with TPE or jelly toys, causing them to melt or fuse together. A breathable cotton pouch or the original box is ideal. Avoid airtight plastic bags for long-term storage because they can trap residual moisture.

Keep toys away from direct sunlight, radiators, and windowsills. Heat and UV light degrade silicone over time, making it less smooth and more prone to tearing. A drawer or a dedicated storage case in a cool, dry room works well. If you have children or pets, choose a case with a lock or store it out of reach.

Step-by-step cleaning and storage routine

1. Remove remotes and detachable parts: Take off any remote control, suction cup, or removable sleeve before you start. These often have different care instructions and can be damaged by water. Checkpoint: if the remote is not waterproof, keep it away from the sink entirely.
2. Rinse with warm water: Rinse the toy under warm running water to remove surface residue. For motorized toys, use a damp cloth instead of holding them under the tap unless they are rated fully waterproof. Mistake to avoid: using hot water, which can warp silicone over time.
3. Wash with mild soap: Apply a small amount of fragrance-free, mild soap and work it over the entire surface with your fingers or a soft brush. Pay attention to ridges, seams, and textured areas. Mistake to avoid: using antibacterial hand soap with moisturizers or strong fragrances, which can leave irritating residue.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse until no soap remains. Soap residue can cause irritation and can also attract dust in storage. Checkpoint: if you can still feel slip or see bubbles, keep rinsing.
5. Dry completely: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, then let the toy air dry for a few minutes. Check hollow areas, suction bases, and charging ports for trapped water. Mistake to avoid: putting a damp toy into storage, which encourages mold.
6. Inspect for damage: Look for cracks, sticky patches, discoloration, or peeling. Silicone that has become tacky is no longer hygienic and should be replaced. Checkpoint: if the surface has changed texture, retire the toy.
7. Store separately and safely: Place each toy in its own breathable pouch or the original box. Keep it away from other silicone toys, direct sunlight, heat sources, and damp bathroom air. Next step: choose a cool, dry drawer or a lockable case if you need privacy.

Product care notes

• Remote-Controlled Expanding Anal Plug with 9 Vibration and Thrusting Modes: The Amovibe Remote-Controlled Expanding Anal Plug has nine vibration and thrusting modes and is operated by remote control. Because it has a remote and internal mechanisms, you should remove the remote before cleaning and avoid submerging the toy unless the manufacturer confirms it is fully waterproof.
• Multi-Speed Expanding Vibrating Anal Plug with Remote Control: The Multi-Speed Expanding Vibrating Anal Plug is made from soft silicone, has five vibration modes, and includes a remote control effective within a 10-meter range. Silicone is easy to clean with mild soap, but the expanding mechanism and remote mean you should wipe rather than soak, and dry the charging port fully before recharging.