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Cleaning a dildo is a simple but essential habit. Good hygiene not only ensures safe use, it also extends the lifespan of the toy. A poorly cleaned sex toy can encourage bacterial growth, cause irritation or even infections. It can also wear out faster. Here’s a complete guide, enriched with recommendations from major manufacturers, to help you care for your dildos — including the larger ones.

Knowing What Your Dildo Is Made Of

Not all sex toys are cleaned the same way. Before choosing a cleaning method, it’s important to know what material your dildo is made of. This information is usually listed on the product page by the manufacturer or retailer. If in doubt, avoid harsh methods and go for a gentle clean using warm water and mild, unscented soap.

If you want to learn more about the properties, pros and cons of each material before buying, you can read our detailed article: Which Material Should You Choose for a Dildo? Comparison and Buying Guide

When Should You Clean a Dildo?

Cleaning a dildo isn’t just about rinsing it after use. There are several situations where cleaning is necessary — or even essential — to ensure safe and healthy use:

  • Before first use
    Even if your sex toy is new and still packaged, it’s been handled, stored, and transported. A first wash helps remove dust, manufacturing residue, or any release agents from the surface.
  • After every session
    This is the baseline. A dildo should always be cleaned after use to avoid the buildup of bacteria or bodily fluids — even if you’ve used a condom.
  • Before a new session (if the toy was left out)
    Even if clean, a toy left out in the open can collect dust, fabric fibers, or pet hair. A quick rinse or wipe-down makes it ready for use again.
  • Between different uses (anal / vaginal)
    Switching from anal to vaginal use without cleaning is a common mistake. Transferring bacteria from the rectum to the vagina or urethra can cause serious infections. Always clean the toy between zones, or use a fresh condom for each type of stimulation.
  • When sharing or using with multiple partners
    Even with regular partners, sharing a toy requires strict cleaning or using a condom. In group play, disinfect between users — especially if the toy is used without protection.

Standard Cleaning: Warm Water and Soap

The universal method remains:

  • Warm water (not boiling)
  • Mild soap, ideally antibacterial and unscented
  • Thorough rinse
  • Air dry or pat with a clean cloth

Some manufacturers (like Weredog or Sinnovator) recommend using a soft brush (such as a nail brush or dedicated toothbrush) to clean textured areas or fine details.

Deep Cleaning by Material

The material your dildo is made of determines which cleaning methods are safe. Some materials can handle heat or disinfectants, while others are more fragile or porous. Here’s a breakdown by common materials.

Silicone

This is the gold standard for quality sex toys. It’s non-porous, heat-resistant, and easy to clean, making it a great option for hygiene.

  • Hot water and mild soap: a simple and effective method for regular cleaning.
  • Boiling: boil for 3 to 5 minutes in a large pot. Make sure the toy doesn’t touch the bottom: use a steam basket, rack, or towel to elevate it. This avoids localized overheating that could damage the silicone.
  • Dishwasher: possible, preferably on the top rack using a hot cycle.
    Do not use detergent: run the dishwasher empty or with water only, without any tablets or liquid soap. Some cleaning agents can leave residues that are irritating or scented.
  • 10% bleach solution: soaking for 10 minutes disinfects effectively. Avoid if the toy still has silicone lubricant on it, as it can form a film that prevents proper sanitizing.
  • Oven (advanced use): some manufacturers like SquarePegToys indicate their toys can be heated up to 200°C (392°F) for 15–20 minutes for deep sterilization. This method is niche and recommended only for experienced users.

Glass

The type of glass used for sex toys is borosilicate glass — the same used in high-end kitchenware. It’s non-porous, highly heat-resistant, and extremely easy to clean.

  • Compatible with boiling water, the dishwasher, and even diluted bleach.
  • Handle with care, especially after boiling. Never rinse it with cold water right out of the pot — this could cause thermal shock.

Metal

Stainless steel is durable, non-porous, and very easy to disinfect. It’s one of the safest and most low-maintenance materials out there.

  • Boiling, dishwasher, bleach, alcohol — everything is allowed.
  • Perfect for users who want minimal effort and stress-free cleaning.

TPE, PVC, Rubber

These materials are porous. They absorb moisture, bacteria, and odors. They’re the most delicate to maintain and the least durable over time.

  • Never boil them — heat can deform or degrade them.
  • Avoid harsh products like alcohol, bleach, or vinegar, which can make them sticky, brittle, or cause surface damage.
  • Always use gentle cleaning: warm water and mild soap only.

Due to their porosity, they should be used for personal play only. Using a condom is recommended — especially for anal or shared use.

Disinfection: When to Go Further?

For daily use, cleaning with warm water and soap is usually enough to keep your dildo safe. But in some cases, a more thorough disinfection is strongly advised — or even essential — to ensure safety. Here are the main situations where you should go further:

  • Sharing toys between partners
    If a dildo is used by more than one person, it must be disinfected between each use. Even with regular partners, there’s a risk of transmitting bacteria or viruses (HPV, herpes, hepatitis B/C), or disturbing the intimate flora. Using a new condom per partner helps, but doesn’t replace proper cleaning.
  • Anal use
    The anal area carries more potentially harmful bacteria (like E. coli). Even if you’re the only one using the toy, disinfecting it after anal play is a basic safety measure — especially if you plan to use it vaginally or orally afterwards. Standard cleaning may be enough, but boiling or diluted bleach is safer.
  • After contact with high-risk areas or known infections
    Yeast infections, STIs, or local irritation — any use during an infection requires full disinfection before reusing the toy. This prevents reinfection or spreading it to other parts of the body.
  • Persistent odors
    Some materials — even non-porous ones like platinum silicone — can retain odors if worn for long periods or cleaned improperly.
    In these cases, Sinnovator recommends two occasional solutions:

    • Acetone (fragrance-free nail polish remover): apply a small amount to a clean cloth, gently rub the surface, then rinse thoroughly.
    • Enzymatic cleaner (commonly used for cloth diapers or medical pads): spray the toy, seal it in an airtight plastic bag for a few hours, then rinse with clean water.

These methods should remain exceptional: while effective, they may be harsh if used too frequently and are not suitable for porous or sensitive materials like TPE or PVC.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning a dildo may seem simple, but some mistakes can damage it permanently or affect your health. Here are the most important ones to avoid:

  • Using harsh cleaning products
    Avoid undiluted bleach, alcohol over 70%, acetone left unrinsed, or industrial solvents. These can damage the surface, make it sticky, cause discoloration, or weaken the toy — and may irritate mucous membranes if not rinsed thoroughly.
  • Submerging a motorized toy
    Even if labeled as waterproof, caution is key. If unsure, never submerge a vibrator or remote-controlled toy. Clean the insertable area with a damp cloth or toy wipe only — keep electronics dry.
  • Boiling incompatible materials
    Boiling is safe for platinum silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel. But for toys made of PVC, TPE, rubber, or low-grade silicone, it can melt, warp, or release harmful substances.
  • Storing a damp toy in a closed space
    A still-wet toy sealed in a drawer or pouch becomes the perfect environment for mold and bacteria. Always let it air dry completely on a clean surface before storing.
  • Storing in contact with other toys
    Some materials like PVC or low-quality silicone contain plasticizers or unstable dyes. Storing toys together may cause color bleeding, material breakdown, or chemical reactions that damage both toys. Always store toys separately in individual pouches or containers.

Proper Drying and Storage

A clean dildo that’s poorly dried or stored can still collect dust, bacteria, or lose its original feel. Good storage extends your toy’s lifespan and ensures a hygienic experience every time.

  • Always air dry
    After cleaning, gently pat the toy with a clean cloth or paper towel, then let it air dry completely on a clean towel. Avoid humid or enclosed areas — residual moisture encourages mold growth, even on non-porous materials.
  • Use an individual pouch for storage
    Once dry, store the toy in a dedicated pouch, ideally made of soft fabric (velvet, cotton) or a zip-seal plastic bag. Some brands like John Thomas Toys provide pouches sized to fit each model perfectly.
  • Don’t store on surfaces that held vinyl toys
    Even with protection, avoid boxes or shelves where vinyl or porous toys were stored. Plasticizers and residual solvents can linger and damage nearby toys — especially silicone ones.
  • Never store toys in direct contact
    Each toy should be kept apart. Contact between toys can cause color transfer, chemical reactions, or deformation. This is especially true between incompatible materials (e.g. silicone + PVC, silicone + TPE).

Brands like Bad Dragon and John Thomas Toys consistently stress the importance of proper storage: a well-kept toy keeps its texture, shape, and look — and is always ready to use.

Conclusion

A well-cleaned dildo means safer, more hygienic, and longer-lasting pleasure. Taking just a few minutes to care for your toy helps prevent irritation, infections, odors, and premature wear. Whether you’re using a compact toy or a giant silicone beast, the principles remain the same: clean, dry, store with care.
A clean sex toy respects your body — and performs better session after session.