How to Clean and Care for Intimate Products

Proper cleaning helps keep intimate products in good condition and reduces the transfer of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Products should generally be cleaned after each use, before sharing and whenever they move between different body areas.

Because materials, motors and waterproof ratings vary, always follow the cleaning and care instructions supplied by the product manufacturer.

Before You Begin

Check the product packaging, label or instruction manual for:

  • The product material
  • Its waterproof or splash-resistant rating
  • The location of the battery compartment or charging port
  • The recommended cleaning method
  • Cleaning products or chemicals to avoid

Waterproof and splash-resistant do not mean the same thing. Do not submerge a product unless the manufacturer specifically confirms that it is fully waterproof.

A Simple Cleaning Routine

1. Wash Your Hands

Wash and dry your hands before and after handling an intimate product.

2. Turn the Product Off

Switch off motorized products and disconnect charging cables. Remove replaceable batteries when the manufacturer’s instructions recommend doing so.

3. Clean the Product Carefully

For many products, warm water and a small amount of mild, unscented soap may be suitable. A cleaner formulated specifically for intimate products may also be used when it is compatible with the material.

Pay particular attention to:

  • Seams and textured areas
  • Buttons and controls
  • Suction-cup bases
  • Areas where different materials meet
  • The edges of battery compartments

These areas can collect residue and may require additional care.

4. Rinse When Appropriate

If soap is used on a water-safe product, rinse it thoroughly so that no soap residue remains.

For products that should not be submerged, use a clean, damp cloth and keep moisture away from motors, charging ports and battery compartments.

5. Dry Completely

Pat the product dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and allow it to air-dry completely before storing it. Storing a product while it is damp may encourage odors, surface deterioration or unwanted microbial growth.

Cleaning by Material

100% Silicone

Many nonporous silicone products can be washed with warm water and mild, unscented soap.

Do not assume that every silicone product can be boiled. Motors, charging systems, adhesives and products made from mixed materials may be damaged by high temperatures.

Only boil a solid, non-motorized silicone product when the manufacturer specifically confirms that it is safe.

Glass

Break-resistant glass products are generally nonporous and can usually be cleaned with mild soap and warm water.

Inspect the product before every use. Stop using it if you notice chips, cracks, scratches or sharp areas.

Avoid sudden temperature changes unless the manufacturer confirms that the product is designed for temperature play.

Stainless Steel and Aluminum

Metal products can generally be cleaned using mild soap and warm water. Dry them thoroughly to help protect their finish.

Avoid abrasive pads and harsh cleaning products that could scratch or damage the surface.

Hard Plastic

Hard-plastic products can usually be wiped or washed with mild soap and water, depending on the motor and waterproof rating.

Keep water away from electronic components, openings and charging ports unless the product is confirmed as fully waterproof.

Porous and Soft Materials

Materials such as jelly rubber, PVC, vinyl, TPR, TPE, elastomer and some silicone blends may contain microscopic pores that can retain residue and microorganisms even after washing.

For porous products:

  • Clean them carefully after every use
  • Allow them to dry completely
  • Store them separately from other products
  • Consider using a new condom over the product for each use
  • Avoid sharing them between people

Replace the product if it becomes sticky, develops a persistent odor, changes texture or begins to crack, peel or discolor.

Leather, Fabric and Harnesses

Always follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions.

Leather products are generally better suited to gentle spot cleaning rather than soaking. Fabric harnesses may be hand-washable or machine-washable, but detachable hardware and inserts should normally be removed first.

Cleaning Motorized Products

For rechargeable or battery-operated products:

  • Switch the product off before cleaning
  • Disconnect the charging cable
  • Remove replaceable batteries when appropriate
  • Do not submerge the product unless it is fully waterproof
  • Keep water away from charging ports
  • Allow battery compartments and charging areas to dry completely

A clean, damp cloth is often the safer option for a non-waterproof motorized product.

Sharing Intimate Products

Sharing an intimate product can transfer bodily fluids and may increase the risk of transmitting infections.

When sharing a product:

  • Clean it thoroughly between each person
  • Place a new condom over the product for each person
  • Replace the condom when switching between vaginal and anal use
  • Never move a product from the anus to the vagina without cleaning it or replacing the condom first

Moving Between Body Areas

A product used anally should not be used vaginally until it has been properly cleaned or the condom covering it has been replaced.

This helps reduce the transfer of bacteria between different body areas. The same principle applies when a product moves between different people.

How to Store Intimate Products

After the product is completely dry:

  • Store it in a clean, dry place
  • Use the original pouch or a separate lint-free storage bag
  • Keep different soft materials from touching each other
  • Protect it from direct sunlight and excessive heat
  • Keep it away from household chemicals, oils and dust
  • Remove disposable batteries before long-term storage
  • Store charging cables and instruction manuals nearby

Some soft materials can react when stored in direct contact with one another. Separate storage can help prevent discoloration, melting or changes in texture.

When to Replace a Product

Stop using and replace a product if you notice:

  • Cracks, splits or peeling
  • A sticky or gummy surface
  • Sharp or rough edges
  • A persistent odor after cleaning
  • Discoloration that does not wash away
  • A damaged waterproof seal
  • Battery leakage or corrosion
  • Exposed wires or charging damage
  • A motor that overheats or behaves unpredictably

Do not continue using a damaged product simply because it still switches on.

What to Avoid

Unless the manufacturer specifically approves it, avoid:

  • Bleach
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Household disinfectants
  • Abrasive cleaning pads
  • Strongly fragranced soaps
  • Submerging electronic products
  • Boiling motorized products
  • Placing products in a dishwasher
  • Storing products before they are completely dry

Harsh chemicals can damage the product’s surface or leave residue that may irritate sensitive skin.

Quick Care Checklist

  1. Turn the product off.
  2. Clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Pay attention to seams, buttons and textured areas.
  4. Rinse it when appropriate.
  5. Dry it completely.
  6. Inspect it for damage.
  7. Store it separately in a clean, dry place.

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This guide provides general educational information and is not medical advice. Always follow the cleaning and care instructions supplied with your product. Seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional if you experience persistent irritation, pain or other symptoms.