How to Clean and Store Silicone Sex Toys Properly

By Wicked Sex Toys | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Tips & Care

A practical silicone toy care routine: wash before and after every use, skip the dishwasher, and store toys separately so they stay hygienic and last longer.

Quick answer

Wash silicone toys with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap before and after every use, rinse thoroughly, and let them air-dry completely before storing. Keep each toy in its own pouch or compartment, away from other silicone items and extreme heat, and check for tackiness or tears before each session.

Why silicone needs its own routine

Silicone is non-porous, so it does not hold bacteria the way porous materials can. That makes it one of the easier toy materials to keep hygienic, but it also means the surface can attract lint and dust, and lower-grade silicone can become tacky over time. Cleaning is less about scrubbing hard and more about removing residue completely, then drying fully. If a toy has a motor, the cleaning method changes because water and electronics do not mix unless the toy is explicitly waterproof.

What to use and what to avoid

Use warm water and a mild, unscented soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner. Avoid antibacterial hand soaps with heavy fragrance, alcohol-based cleaners, and anything abrasive, because they can dull or degrade the surface. Silicone toys should not go in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer states it is safe, and boiling only works for 100% silicone toys with no motor or battery compartment. If you are unsure whether a toy is pure silicone, test a small spot first and treat it gently.

Silicone toy cleaning and storage steps

Rinse before you wash: Hold the toy under warm running water to remove surface lubricant and residue before adding soap. This stops you from spreading mess around the sink. Checkpoint: if the toy has a motor, confirm it is waterproof before it goes near running water.
Wash with mild soap: Apply a small amount of mild, unscented soap or toy cleaner and work it over the whole surface with your fingers or a soft cloth. Pay attention to ridges, veins, and the area around a flared base or suction cup. Common mistake: using heavily fragranced or antibacterial soap, which can leave irritating residue.
Rinse until squeaky: Rinse under warm water until no slippery film remains. Soap residue can irritate sensitive skin, so keep rinsing longer than feels necessary. Checkpoint: run a clean finger over the surface. It should feel clean, not slick.
Air-dry completely: Shake off excess water and place the toy on a clean towel or drying rack. Let it air-dry fully before storage, including any folds, suction cups, or battery compartments. Common mistake: putting a damp toy straight into a drawer, which encourages mildew and odor.
Store separately: Keep each silicone toy in its own pouch or a divided compartment. Do not let it rest against other silicone toys for long periods, because some softer silicone blends can interact and become tacky. Checkpoint: store away from direct sunlight and heat, which can degrade silicone over time.
Inspect before each use: Look for tears, tackiness, or a lingering smell. If the surface has changed, clean it again or retire the toy. Silicone is durable, but it is not indestructible. Next step: if a toy feels tacky after cleaning, a light dusting of cornstarch can reduce stickiness, but replace it if the surface is damaged.

Product care notes

Loving Joy Expanding Butt Plug – Wicked Sex Toys: The Loving Joy Expanding Butt Plug has a fold-and-expand design with a flared base that sits flat for comfortable wear. The fold-and-expand mechanism creates ridges and gaps where lubricant and residue collect, so rinse thoroughly around the moving parts and let it dry fully open before storage.
Loving Joy 7.5 Inch Suction Cup Dildo Black – Wicked Sex Toys: The Loving Joy 7.5 Inch Suction Cup Dildo has a firm suction cup base and a textured shaft with raised veins. Texture holds residue more than a smooth surface, so use a soft cloth or your fingers to clean along the veins, and check the suction cup base for trapped moisture before putting it away.