Cleaning and storage are the least exciting part of owning a toy and also the part most likely to get skipped entirely — which is how toys end up degrading early or, worse, becoming a hygiene issue. None of this is complicated once you know the material you're working with, since that's what actually determines the right approach.
Silicone
Medical-grade silicone is non-porous and one of the easiest materials to keep clean. Warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap after every use is enough for most silicone toys; a dedicated sex toy cleaner is a fine alternative but not strictly necessary for external-only use. Toys with a motor shouldn't be submerged unless they're specifically rated waterproof rather than just water-resistant — check the product's own care instructions on this point specifically.
- Fully dry before storing — moisture left on silicone is where bacteria and mildew get a foothold, not the material itself.
- Silicone can be boiled briefly or run through a top-rack dishwasher cycle (no soap) for a deeper clean, but only for toys with no electronic components.
ABS plastic
ABS plastic — common in toy handles, remote-controlled toys, and rigid components — is also non-porous but less flexible than silicone and can crack under stress over time. Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, or use a sex toy cleaner spray for anything with a textured surface. ABS components generally shouldn't be submerged if there's any electronics inside, even on toys marketed as waterproof for the silicone portion only.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning tools or anything that could scratch the surface — small scratches in ABS create places for bacteria to collect, the same porosity issue silicone doesn't have.
- Check seams around buttons and charging ports specifically, since that's where moisture tends to get trapped if a toy is wiped down too quickly.
Glass
Glass toys are non-porous, don't react with any lubricant type, and can generally be sterilized more thoroughly than any other material — including boiling water or a dishwasher cycle. The tradeoff is fragility rather than hygiene: the main care point is handling, not cleaning chemistry.
- Check for chips or cracks before each use — a compromised surface is the real risk with glass, more than any cleaning method.
- Store separately and padded so it doesn't knock against harder surfaces or other toys in a drawer.
What actually degrades toys over time
- Silicone lube on silicone toys: the most common avoidable damage — covered above, worth repeating because it's the single biggest mistake people make.
- Sunlight and heat: prolonged direct sun or storage near a heat source can degrade silicone and discolor ABS plastic over time.
- Storing toys touching each other: silicone can bond or transfer material when two silicone toys are pressed together in storage for a long time — separate bags or a divided case avoid this entirely.
- Skipping drying before storage: the single biggest hygiene issue, more than the soap or cleaner used.
Storage basics
A breathable, dedicated storage bag or pouch for each toy — many come with one, and inexpensive multi-pouch cases are widely available if not. Avoid airtight plastic bags for long-term storage, since trapped moisture is worse than open air. Keep the storage spot cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight, and away from pets if that's a household consideration.
Getting the care right matters more the more you spend on a toy — if you're still deciding what to buy in the first place, our beginner's guide to sex toys covers which materials are worth that investment.