Fleshlight Care and Storage Guide: Cleaning SuperSkin, Drying, and Storage
By Jake Turner · Senior Editor · April 2025
The Fleshlight uses a proprietary TPE material called SuperSkin — a soft, porous material that requires more careful cleaning and drying than non-porous silicone toys. Proper care prevents bacterial growth in the porous material and extends the sleeve’s life. Fleshlight’s official care instructions are specific about what to use and what to avoid.
Note: SuperSkin is porous — unlike silicone, it can trap bacteria if not thoroughly cleaned and completely dried. Never store a Fleshlight sleeve while damp. Allow 24+ hours to air dry fully.
In This Article
SuperSkin Material Properties
Fleshlight’s SuperSkin is a proprietary thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) formulated to mimic skin texture. Unlike silicone, SuperSkin is porous — it contains microscopic channels that bacteria can colonize if cleaning is inadequate. This porosity also means SuperSkin cannot be sterilized by boiling (heat damages the material) and cannot be cleaned with soap (soap residue remains trapped in the pores and degrades the material over time). Fleshlight’s official care documentation explicitly prohibits soap.
Cleaning Protocol
Fleshlight’s official instructions: remove the sleeve from the plastic case. Run warm (not hot) water through the sleeve from both ends to flush out the interior. Use Fleshlight’s own FleshWash cleaner, or a dedicated sex toy cleaner that is free of soap, fragrance, and alcohol. Apply cleaner to the interior, work it through, then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and no cleaner residue remains. Turn the sleeve inside-out if possible (some models allow this) to access the interior surface directly.
Do not use: soap, shampoo, conditioner, household cleaners, bleach, alcohol, or dishwasher. These damage SuperSkin irreversibly.
Drying: The Critical Step
Drying is the most important and most often neglected step in Fleshlight care. Because SuperSkin is porous, any moisture left inside creates conditions for bacterial and mold growth. Fleshlight’s instructions: after cleaning, stand the sleeve upright (or hang it) in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry for a minimum of several hours — ideally overnight or up to 24 hours. Do not pat dry with a towel (lint gets embedded in the porous material). Do not use a hairdryer (heat damages SuperSkin). The sleeve must be completely dry before applying renewal powder or returning it to the case.
Renewal Powder
Once fully dry, Fleshlight recommends applying a small amount of cornstarch or Fleshlight’s Renewing Powder to the sleeve’s exterior and interior to restore the soft, tacky texture and prevent the material from sticking to itself. Do not use talc-based baby powder — Fleshlight’s documentation specifies cornstarch-based powder only, as talc can be harmful if it enters the body. A light dusting is sufficient — excess powder can be wiped off.
Lubricant Requirements
Water-based lubricants only with SuperSkin. Silicone-based lubricants cause immediate and irreversible damage to TPE materials. Oil-based lubricants degrade TPE over time. Fleshlight’s documentation specifically recommends their own Fleshlube Water, though any water-based lube without glycerin or parabens is appropriate.
Storage
Store the clean, dry, powdered sleeve in its plastic case with the end caps on. The case protects the sleeve from dust and contact with other surfaces while allowing air circulation. Store horizontally or vertically — both are fine. Keep away from direct sunlight (UV degrades TPE) and heat. For privacy, the Fleshlight case stores discreetly in the Home in Bold storage box, which fits standard Fleshlight cases within its 18.5-inch interior and keeps them locked away from others.
| Step | Fleshlight Official Protocol |
|---|---|
| Remove from case | Before cleaning — take sleeve out of case |
| Rinse | Warm water through both ends — no hot water |
| Clean | FleshWash or soap-free toy cleaner only — NO SOAP |
| Rinse again | Until water runs clear |
| Dry | Air dry 8–24 hours — no towel, no hairdryer |
| Powder | Light cornstarch dusting — NO TALC |
| Store | In case with end caps on, away from heat/sun |
Store Your Fleshlight Privately in the Home in Bold Box
The Fleshlight case fits inside the Home in Bold storage box — code locked for privacy, with enough space for multiple sleeves and cleaning supplies.
Related Articles
Private, Locked Fleshlight Storage
Standard Fleshlight cases fit inside. Code lock. Discreet exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jake Turner
Senior Editor · GloryHoleToGo
Jake has spent over a decade reviewing sexual wellness products and storage solutions. His brand care guides draw on official manufacturer documentation, direct product testing, and consultation with sex educators. Where manufacturer specifications were unavailable or varied by model, this is noted explicitly in the article.