How to Store Sex Toys by Material: Silicone, Stainless Steel, TPE, and ABS

By Jake Turner  ·  Senior Editor  ·  April 2025

Not all sex toys store the same way. The material your toy is made from determines whether it can touch other toys in storage, what temperature range is safe, how long it holds up without use, and what type of container is appropriate. This guide covers storage requirements for all common sex toy materials.

Silicone Toys

Silicone is the most common material in premium sex toys. It is non-porous, body-safe, and easy to clean. Key storage rules: silicone-on-silicone contact can cause surface degradation over time, particularly if different silicone formulations come into contact. Store silicone toys separated by fabric, individual pouches, or in compartmented storage. Silicone is stable across a wide temperature range but should be stored away from prolonged direct sunlight, which degrades silicone over years. No special drying time required beyond normal air-drying after cleaning.

Stainless Steel

Medical-grade stainless steel (316-grade) is the most durable common toy material. It does not degrade in storage, is not affected by temperature or light, and does not react chemically with other materials. The one storage concern is mechanical: stainless steel’s polished surface scratches against hard surfaces. Store in a fabric-lined box or pouch to protect the polish. Steel toys are heavy — ensure the storage container can support the weight.

TPE and TPR (Porous Materials)

TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and TPR (thermoplastic rubber) — used in Fleshlights and many lower-cost toys — are porous materials. They require complete drying before storage (bacteria grow in moisture trapped in porous material), cannot be stored in airtight containers (traps moisture), and should not be stored in contact with other TPE/TPR toys (they can fuse or transfer materials). Store in breathable fabric or the original packaging with air circulation. Apply renewal powder (cornstarch) after drying to prevent sticking.

ABS Plastic

ABS plastic is non-porous and stable. It is the material most toy bodies (handles, shells) are made from. ABS doesn’t interact with silicone. It can crack under impact (don’t drop hard). No special storage requirements beyond keeping it in a clean, dry environment away from extreme heat (ABS softens at high temperatures — don’t store in a hot car).

Glass and Ceramic

Borosilicate glass and glazed ceramic are non-porous and fully sterilizable. Storage concern is purely mechanical: they can chip or crack if dropped or if hard items bang against them. Store wrapped in fabric or in a padded compartment separated from harder items. Glass toys can be stored in contact with any material type without chemical interaction.

Storing Mixed-Material Collections

For collections with multiple material types, the key rules: separate silicone from silicone (use dividers), separate TPE/TPR from everything (it needs air and doesn’t play well with neighbors), keep glass and ceramic cushioned. The Home in Bold box with removable dividers handles mixed collections well — assign each toy type its own compartment based on material needs.

One Box for Your Whole Collection

Frequently Asked Questions