Spring cleaning: how to properly clean and store your sex toys

This not just in: toys are so. much. fun. You get to explore new territory, reach new heights, and pave new pathways to unadulterated pleasure—all from the comfort of your sin-soaked bed. What could be better, really? 

But with great power comes great responsibility, friends. It's one thing to deviantly defile every toy in your toy-box until you can no longer see straight, but at the end of the sesh, someone's gotta clean and store those babies properly so they live to play another day. Otherwise they run the risk of not retaining their splashin' high quality, and they can even cause you undue health and hygiene issues. Nobody needs that, nobody wants that.

How to do your toys justice by keeping 'em squeaky clean

1. Wash 'em like you mean it

Maybe you're in a rush (it's hard not to feel rushed these days for reasons X, Y, and Z). But whatever you do, resist just giving your toy a half-assed rinse. Soap it up like it’s had a wild night (because it probably has). You'll want to use a mild, unscented soap and warm water for most toys. And if it’s 100% waterproof, don't be afraid to submerge it. Feeling fancy? You could also always use a proper toy cleaner. 

2. Go for the deep clean

Once you've washed away your naughty sexploration, you might follow up with isopropyl alcohol or a 10% bleach solution with standard household bleach and water for an even deeper clean. You probably don't want to do this every time (maybe a monthly ritual?), but if you do, just make sure to rinse thoroughly again afterwards with water to prevent irritating your skin on your next use. If your toy is made of glass or metal, or silicone and doesn’t have a motor inside, you can opt for boiling it in hot water.

3. Know thy material

Not all toys are created equal! Bellesa toys, which are mostly made of premium silicone, are easy to clean, as is glass and stainless steel. Porous materials on the other hand, need some extra TLC. Porous materials are absorbent, meaning they can't be completely sterilized. Here we're talking about materials like hard plastic, cyberskin, elastomer, jelly rubber, nylon, vinyl, acrylic, leather, neoprene, and some hard plastics. If your toy is porous consider using a condom over top of it to keep things extra hygienic—because no one likes a mystery infection. Bonus tip: always use a condom with jelly toys, as they contain potentially dangerous chemicals called phthalates. 

4. Ditch the dish towel

Towels can hold bacteria/lint/debris, so let your toys breathe after their bath if at all possible. Air dry them like they’re sunbathing in Ibiza. Set 'em down on a nice, clean paper towel and let 'em shed their moisture au naturel (if you have pets, leave them drying somewhere inaccessible to your furry friends!). If you must dry them more proactively them because you've got a hottie waiting patiently in your boudoir, use a fresh, clean paper towel, and dab gently—cross-contamination is for chumps. 

5. Choose the right lube

Silicone or oil-based lubes will stick to silicone toys and break down the material. Instead, choose a water-based lube, and always be sure to wash your toy after each use. Meanwhile, oil-based lubes are great for non-silicone toys, anal play, and long-lasting fun, but they don't mix with latex condoms (they can wear 'em down and make 'em less effective) and can degrade some materials. Then you have silicone-based lubes which offer an ultra-slick, water-resistant glide—perfect for shower play—but again, not so good for your silicone toys. 

6. Storage matters

Once clean and dry, it should go without saying that tossing your toy in a dusty drawer with some rogue bobby pins is not the way to go, as it defeats the entire purpose of your well-intentioned efforts. Instead, store it in a clean, lint-free pouch, a toy case, or at least a Ziploc bag to keep it away from dirt, hair, and other questionable particles. Bonus points if you get a cute little silk-lined case for it.

7. Batteries & charging basics

While Bellesa toys are USB rechargeable, if you have any toys that run on good old-fashioned batteries, take them out before storing them, unless you enjoy surprise corrosion. Battery corrosion is the leakage of potassium hydroxide or other chemicals, forming a white, crusty, or powdery residue that can damage electronic contacts and render your poor toys unusable. While USB rechargeable toys skip the battery drama,  always let them dry completely before charging to avoid short circuits, and unplug them once fully charged to prevent battery wear. 

8. Regular check-ups

Much like relationships with other human beings, toys need maintenance! Check for cracks, discoloration, or any funky smells—if it looks like it belongs in a horror movie, retire it. You deserve better. A damaged toy can trap bacteria in hidden crevices, turning your pleasure session into a potential health hazard—so when in doubt, toss it out!

So what if you DON'T clean and store your toys?

If you're wondering "will the world really end if I don't immediately clean and put away my good vibes following a specific set of protocols?" The short answer is yes. Allow me to explain: while the world at large may not end, dirty toys can certainly put a dent in your pleasure dome, and no one needs that. You spent hard-earned dough on your toys—the best you can do is give them a full life.

When you don't clean and store your sex toys properly, you run the risk of:

Premature wear 'n tear: poor storage and harsh cleaning methods can cause certain toy materials to break down, leading to cracks and harboring bacteria.  

Allergic reactions: residue from lubricants, cleaning products, or bacteria can cause skin irritation, itching, or allergic reactions upon reuse.  

Bacterial infections: improper cleaning can lead to bacterial buildup, increasing the risk of infections like UTIs and bacterial vaginosis.  

Yeast infections: leftover bodily fluids and moisture create a breeding ground for yeast, which can lead to discomfort and irritation.  

Bottom line: at the end of the dirty day, knowledge is power, you fiend. So now that you know, go forth and keep your pleasure tools as fresh and fabulous as you are! Your sex life will thank you later. <3