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How to Care for Your Toys

Whether you keep one trusty toy or a whole drawer of them, keeping them clean is essential — for the life of the toy and for your health. The key is knowing that each material has its own care instructions.

Know your materials

If you’re prone to infections, avoid anal or vaginal penetration with toys made of porous materials. TPE and TPR (thermoplastic elastomer and rubber) are soft and supple but porous — they can’t be fully sterilized, because germs can live in their tiny pores. Non-porous materials — silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass — are the best choice for penetration and for anyone prone to UTIs, yeast, or other infections.

Cleaning non-porous toys

Motor-less, non-porous toys (glass, silicone, medical-grade metal or plastic) can be boiled for 3–5 minutes to sterilize — never longer than 10 minutes at a time. Place a washcloth in the bottom of the pot so the toy doesn’t touch the hot metal (especially important for glass). Afterward, carefully drain the water — the toys will be too hot to touch — and let them cool completely before using or storing.

Cleaning porous & motorized toys

Porous, textured toys (some rubbers, jelly, elastomers) can be damaged by boiling, so clean them by scrubbing with toy cleaner and warm water. Antimicrobial sprays or foams work too, but rinse them off completely before use. Remember: TPE and TPR can only be cleaned on the surface, never fully sterilized — so clean them after every use and replace them regularly.

Good habits for every toy: pat dry after washing, and store in a cool, dry place with a little space between toys — some materials can react and break down in prolonged contact with an incompatible one (common with porous materials). When sharing a toy between spouses, a condom makes an easy barrier (swap it between uses); a dental dam works for external toys like clitoral vibes.

A simple, regular clean-up routine protects your health and keeps your toys lasting longer. It makes all the difference.