Sex Toy Care for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

By Jake Turner  ·  Senior Editor  ·  May 2025

Nobody hands you a manual when you buy your first sex toy. Caring for sex toys isn’t complicated — but there are a few rules that matter a lot for both hygiene and how long your toys last, and most beginners don’t know them.

This guide covers everything a first-time or new owner needs to know: how to clean, what to use, what to avoid, how to store, and how to know when a toy needs replacing. Simple, clear, no jargon.

Before First Use

Wash your new toy before using it for the first time. Manufacturing, packaging, and shipping expose toys to surfaces and environments you don’t know about. A quick wash with warm water and toy cleaner removes any residue from production or handling. For non-motorized silicone and steel toys, boiling or a dishwasher cycle is also an option for peace of mind.

Check what material your toy is made of before washing — this determines the right cleaning method. Look at the packaging, the manufacturer’s website, or the instruction card that came with the toy.

Basic Cleaning: What You Need to Know

The key rule: clean your toy after every single use. Every time. No exceptions. Here’s what to do: Rinse with warm water (not hot — hot water can damage some materials). Apply toy cleaner or, for non-porous toys, a very small amount of fragrance-free mild soap. Work it across all body-contact surfaces. Rinse thoroughly. Shake off excess water. Air dry — or pat dry with a clean lint-free cloth.

For the specific method to use for your toy’s material — see the material guide below. The one universal rule that applies to everything: never use rubbing alcohol, never use dish soap, never use scented products. These damage toy materials and can irritate sensitive skin.

Cleaning by Material (Quick Reference)

Silicone: Warm water + toy cleaner. Non-motorized silicone can be boiled for 3 minutes for sterilization. Water-based lube only — silicone lube damages silicone surfaces.

ABS hard plastic (vibrator bodies): Damp cloth with toy cleaner. Do not submerge unless rated waterproof.

TPE (soft, stretchy materials): Warm water + toy cleaner. Cannot be sterilized. Water-based lube only. Dry very thoroughly — especially interior channels.

Stainless steel or glass: Soap and warm water. These can be sterilized by boiling. All lubricants are compatible.

Motorized / vibrating toys: Check the IP/waterproof rating on the box. If IPX7: safe to rinse under water. If IPX4–6: damp cloth only, do not submerge. If no rating mentioned: wipe with damp cloth only.

Which Lubricant to Use

Water-based lubricant is compatible with every toy material and is the safe default choice for beginners. It’s easy to clean up and works with all condoms. Silicone-based lubricant is only safe to use with glass, steel, and hard plastic toys — it damages silicone and TPE surfaces. Oil-based lubricant degrades silicone, latex, and most toy materials — generally not recommended for toy use.

When in doubt: water-based. It works with everything and is the easiest to care for.

How to Store Sex Toys

Store each toy in its own pouch or bag — they shouldn’t touch each other in storage. Many toys come with a small bag or case; use it. If not, a small zip-lock bag, a clean cotton sock, or a dedicated toy pouch all work. Store in a cool, dark location: a drawer, a nightstand with a closed section, or inside a closet.

Keep toys away from heat (near windows, in cars) and away from direct sunlight. Both degrade toy materials over time. For a neat solution that keeps everything organized and discreet, a lockable storage box like the Home in Bold organizer is designed specifically for this purpose — padded, lockable, and looks completely unremarkable.

When to Replace a Sex Toy

Replace a toy if: it has surface damage, cracks, chips, or tears that you can see or feel; it has a persistent chemical or musty smell that doesn’t go away after thorough washing and drying; the material feels different — tacky, sticky, degraded; the motor no longer holds charge for a reasonable time; or the toy has visible mold or discoloration. When in doubt, retire the toy — body-safe materials in good condition are what you’re aiming for.

Most Common Beginner Questions

Can I use regular soap? For non-porous toys: a very small amount of fragrance-free mild soap is acceptable, rinse thoroughly. Regular scented soap: no. Can I put it in the dishwasher? Non-motorized silicone and steel toys only — top rack, no detergent, no heated dry. Does it need to be completely dry before storage? Yes — always. Trapped moisture causes mold and degrades materials. Can I share toys with my partner? Yes, but sterilize non-porous non-motorized toys first, or use a fresh condom for motorized or porous toys.

Keep Everything Organized from Day One

Frequently Asked Questions