How to Store Kegel Balls: Cleaning, Drying, and Safe Storage

By Jake Turner  ·  Senior Editor  ·  May 2025

Kegel balls — also called ben wa balls or pelvic floor trainers — come in silicone, ABS plastic, and metal, each with different cleaning and storage requirements. The retrieval cord (if present) needs particular attention, as it can harbor bacteria if not cleaned and dried thoroughly. This guide covers the full storage protocol by material type and explains why proper storage matters for both hygiene and device longevity.

Kegel Ball Materials and What They Mean for Storage

Material determines both how you clean and how you store kegel balls. Silicone is non-porous, body-safe, and can be sterilized. ABS plastic is non-porous and easy to clean but cannot be sterilized by boiling. Metal (stainless steel) is fully non-porous and the easiest to sterilize. Weighted balls inside a silicone shell are common — the outer silicone determines cleaning method.

Porous materials (older rubber or jelly kegel balls) cannot be fully cleaned and should not be used internally. If you’re unsure of your toy’s material, check the manufacturer’s documentation or err on the side of the most conservative cleaning protocol.

Cleaning Silicone Kegel Balls

For solid silicone kegel balls without electronic components: wash with warm water and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. For full sterilization (recommended before first use and after shared use): boil for 3 minutes or soak in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

For silicone kegel balls with electronic components (vibrating trainers like We-Vibe Bloom, Lelo Luna Smart Bead): clean with toy cleaner or mild soap and water. Do not boil. Waterproof-rated devices can be rinsed; check the IP rating before submerging.

Cleaning ABS Plastic Kegel Balls

ABS plastic kegel balls are non-porous and clean easily with toy cleaner or mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly. Do not boil — ABS plastic can warp at boiling temperatures. An isopropyl alcohol wipe (70%) is appropriate for deeper cleaning between partners. Allow to fully air dry before storage.

Cleaning Metal Kegel Balls

Stainless steel kegel balls are the easiest to clean and sterilize. Wash with warm water and soap, rinse, and dry with a clean cloth. For sterilization: boil for 3–5 minutes. Metal is fully non-porous and holds no residue. Dry thoroughly before storage to prevent water spots (cosmetic only, not a hygiene concern).

Cleaning and Inspecting the Retrieval Cord

The retrieval cord requires specific attention. After removing kegel balls, check the cord connection point where it attaches to the ball — this junction can collect residue. Clean along the full cord length with a toy-cleaner-dampened cloth, paying attention to any texture or braiding in the cord material.

Inspect before every use: look for fraying, stiffness, discoloration, or any weakening at the attachment point. A compromised cord is a safety concern for retrieval. If the cord shows any degradation, retire the device.

Drying Before Storage

Kegel balls must be completely dry before storage. Storing damp promotes bacterial growth, and for silicone devices, prolonged moisture exposure can cause surface tackiness over time. Air dry on a clean surface for at least 30 minutes after cleaning. For devices with textured surfaces or cord attachment points, ensure water has fully evaporated from any crevices.

Do not store in the pouch or box while still damp — moisture trapped in an enclosed container creates an ideal bacterial environment.

Storage Options by Collection Size

Single device: The original pouch (most silicone kegel balls come with one) is ideal. Store the device in its pouch inside a clean, dry drawer or box. The pouch protects the surface from dust and contact with other items.

Multiple devices: A dedicated locked storage box with dividers keeps devices separated — silicone should not contact silicone without a pouch barrier. The Home in Bold box with removable dividers is well-suited for organizing a collection of pelvic floor trainers alongside other intimate devices.

With charging cables: Vibrating kegel trainers (We-Vibe, Lelo Smart Bead) have proprietary charging cables. Store cables coiled with the device or in a dedicated cable section of the storage box to prevent tangling and loss.

Hygiene Schedule

Clean before and after every use. Deep clean (sterilize) before first use, after any shared use, and every 3 months as routine maintenance. Inspect the cord before every single use without exception — this is a non-negotiable safety check. Replace the device if any inspection raises concerns.

Organized Storage for Your Kegel Balls

Frequently Asked Questions