Quick answer
Clean your toys before and after every use. Match the method to the material. Dry them fully, then store each toy separately in a clean, cool place.
Good care keeps toys hygienic, protects the finish and helps them last longer. It takes a few minutes. Here is the routine, step by step.
Why care matters
Toys touch sensitive skin. Leftover lube, body fluids and moisture can grow bacteria. That is a comfort and hygiene issue, not just a cosmetic one.
Good storage matters too. Toys left loose in a drawer can pick up dust, lint and scratches. Some materials react badly when they touch each other.
A short routine fixes all of this.
Know your material first
Cleaning depends on what your toy is made of. Check the product page or box if you are unsure.
Body-safe materials we recommend: medical-grade silicone, glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic. These are non-porous and easy to clean.
Avoid porous, jelly or PVC toys. They trap bacteria and break down over time. If you own one, use it with a condom and replace it sooner.
How to clean by material
| Material | Wash with | Boil-safe? | Dishwasher? | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---| | Silicone (non-motorized) | Mild soap + warm water | Yes, if no motor | Top rack, no soap | Most versatile | | Glass | Mild soap + warm water | Yes | Top rack | Check for chips first | | Stainless steel | Mild soap + warm water | Yes | Top rack | Dries fast | | ABS plastic | Mild soap + warm water | No | No | Wipe, do not soak | | Motorized toys | Damp cloth + toy cleaner | No | No | Avoid the charge port |
Step-by-step: the everyday clean
- Rinse the toy under warm water.
- Add a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Wash the whole surface, including seams and grooves.
- Rinse until no soap remains.
- Pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel.
- Let it air-dry fully before storing.
Cleaning motorized and rechargeable toys
Most vibrators, wands and rose toys have a motor inside. Do not submerge these unless the toy is fully waterproof.
- Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a little soap or toy cleaner.
- Keep water away from the charging port and seams.
- Wipe again with a clean, damp cloth.
- Dry fully before charging or storing.
Safety callout: waterproof vs splashproof. Waterproof toys can be rinsed and submerged. Splashproof toys only tolerate a wipe-down. Check the rating before you run any toy under water.
Cleaning male masturbators and strokers
Open-ended sleeves need extra care because they hold fluid inside.
- Rinse the inner sleeve under warm water.
- Use a mild soap or a dedicated sleeve cleaner.
- Rinse thoroughly, working water all the way through.
- Pat the outside dry.
- Air-dry the sleeve completely, inside and out.
- Many sleeves last longer with a light dusting of renewal powder once dry.
Trapped moisture is the main cause of odor and wear. Drying is the most important step.
A word on lube and cleaning
Use water-based lube with silicone toys. Silicone lube can degrade a silicone surface over time.
Water-based lube also rinses off easily. That makes cleanup faster and gentler on the material.
Glass and steel work with any lube, but water-based still cleans up the simplest.
How to dry and store
Drying is where most people rush. Damp storage is where problems start.
- Air-dry each toy fully before it goes away.
- Store toys separately. Different materials can react when they touch.
- Use a fabric pouch, a lined box or individual bags.
- Keep them somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight.
- Remove batteries from battery-powered toys during long storage.
A dedicated pouch per toy is the easiest fix. Many of ours ship with one.
Safety callout: keep silicone apart. Two silicone toys stored touching can sometimes mark or stick to each other. Store each in its own bag.
When cleaning is not enough
Cleaning cannot reverse wear. Watch for these signs and replace the toy:
- Cracks, tears or sticky spots on the surface
- A smell that will not wash out
- Cloudy or discolored material
- A coating that flakes or peels
- Charging or motor faults on electronic toys
Replace porous and jelly toys early. They cannot be fully sanitized.
Who should take extra care
If you share a toy with a partner, use a fresh condom on it or clean it fully between uses.
If you have sensitive skin or known allergies, choose non-porous materials and fragrance-free soap. Stop using any toy that causes irritation.
If you are unsure about a health condition, check with a clinician before use. This is general care guidance, not medical advice.
A simple weekly habit
Clean before and after each use. Do a quick check once a week. Look at every toy you own for wear, smell and finish.
This keeps small problems from becoming reasons to replace a toy early.
Want body-safe toys that are easy to clean? Browse the collection at Cosara.
FAQ
Can I use rubbing alcohol or bleach to clean my toys?
Mild soap and warm water is enough for most toys. Harsh chemicals like bleach can damage finishes and irritate skin. For non-motorized silicone, glass or steel, boiling is a safer deep-clean. Always rinse fully and dry before storage.
How do I clean a toy without a charging port getting wet?
Use a damp cloth with a little soap and wipe the surface, avoiding the port. Wipe again with a clean cloth, then dry fully. Only rinse or submerge toys rated fully waterproof. Check the product rating before running any toy under water.
How often should I replace a body-safe toy?
A well-cared-for non-porous toy can last for years. Replace it when you see cracks, sticky spots, lingering smell or motor faults. Porous and jelly toys wear out faster and should be replaced sooner, since they cannot be fully sanitized.
Do I really need to clean a toy before the first use?
Yes. New toys can carry residue from packaging and manufacturing. A quick wash with mild soap and warm water before the first use is a simple, sensible step for any material.
What is the best way to store toys discreetly?
Give each toy its own fabric pouch or lined box, then keep them in a cool, dry drawer away from sunlight. Separate storage protects the finish, keeps materials from reacting and keeps everything private and dust-free.