⏱️ 7min read

We talk a lot about choosing the right toy.

What it does.

How powerful it is.

Whether it's waterproof.

What lube goes with it.

Whether the reviews suggest it might change your life.

But there's another part of owning adult toys that isn't quite as glamorous:

You have to clean the things.

😂

Thankfully, toy care doesn't need to become a complicated laboratory procedure involving rubber gloves, six disinfectants and a degree in microbiology.

For most toys, a simple routine is all you need.

The trick is knowing what your toy is made from, whether it can safely get wet and what the manufacturer recommends.

So if your bedside drawer contains everything from silicone vibrators to metal accessories, here's how to keep your collection clean, cared for and ready for next time.

Why Cleaning Your Toys Actually Matters

Yes, cleaning keeps your toys looking nice.

But that's not really the important part.

Adult toys can come into contact with bodily fluids, lubricant, skin cells and bacteria. Cleaning them properly between uses helps reduce the chance of transferring unwanted bacteria and residue back onto your body.

Cleaning also gives you an opportunity to inspect the toy itself.

Has the surface changed?

Is there a crack?

Has something started peeling?

Is a seam separating?

Does the charging port look okay?

That thirty-second inspection can tell you a lot about whether your favourite toy still deserves its position in the drawer.

And proper care can help your toys stay in good condition for longer.

So yes...

Cleaning your toys is part of using your toys.

Sexy? Debatable.

Important? Absolutely.

Meet Your Toy-Care Sidekick: Wet Stuff Clean

One of the easiest ways to make toy cleaning part of your routine is to actually keep a dedicated toy cleaner nearby.

Enter:

Wet Stuff Clean 235g Toy Cleaner.

Rather than rummaging through the bathroom wondering which household product might be suitable, having a purpose-made cleaner gives your toy-care kit an obvious starting point.

Keep it wherever your toys normally live.

Bedside drawer.

Bathroom cupboard.

Toy storage box.

Wherever makes sense for you.

Because the easier you make the clean-up routine, the more likely you are to actually do it.

Lube Lady rule: playtime might be spontaneous. Cleaning shouldn't be optional.

The Basic Toy-Cleaning Routine

Before doing anything, check the manufacturer's instructions.

That's step number one because not every toy should be cleaned in exactly the same way.

Once you know what your particular toy allows, your routine may look something like this:

1. Clean Your Hands First

There's little point in carefully cleaning your toy and then handling it with dirty hands.

Wash your hands before you begin.

Simple.

2. Remove Batteries or Disconnect Power Where Applicable

If your toy uses removable batteries, take them out when appropriate before cleaning.

Rechargeable toys should be switched off.

And please don't assume that rechargeable = waterproof.

Those are two completely different things.

We'll come back to that.

3. Clean According to the Toy's Material and Instructions

For suitable toys, this might involve warm water and an appropriate mild cleanser or dedicated toy cleaner.

This is where having Wet Stuff Clean nearby makes your routine much easier.

Pay attention to grooves, seams, textured areas and anywhere lubricant or residue might collect.

Don't aggressively scrub delicate surfaces.

We're cleaning it.

Not removing three layers of paint from a Queenslander.

😂

4. Follow the Cleaner and Manufacturer Directions

If you're using a dedicated cleaner, use it according to its label directions.

Don't assume that more product means more cleanliness.

And don't start combining cleaning products.

Your bedside drawer does not require experimental chemistry.

5. Dry Thoroughly

This part gets overlooked.

Your toy should be properly dry before you store it.

Use the drying method recommended for the material and allow any remaining moisture to evaporate before putting it away.

Then - and only then - back into storage it goes.

Waterproof, Water-Resistant and Definitely Keep It Away From the Bath

This distinction matters.

A toy described as waterproof may be designed to tolerate immersion to the level specified by its manufacturer.

A water-resistant toy may only tolerate splashes or limited exposure to water.

And a toy with no water-resistance rating?

Treat it accordingly.

Never assume you can drop something into a sink because:

“It looks waterproof.”

Technology does not recognise optimism as an IP rating.

😂

If your toy isn't suitable for immersion, clean the permitted surfaces carefully while keeping moisture away from charging points, controls, battery compartments and other openings.

Again:

Read the instructions that came with your toy.

They outrank TikTok.

Cleaning Silicone Toys

Silicone is extremely common in modern adult toys because it can create beautifully smooth, flexible surfaces.

But even when a toy is described as silicone, you still need to consider everything else attached to it.

Is there a motor inside?

A charging connection?

Electronic controls?

A different material around the handle?

Is it waterproof?

This is why the material alone doesn't determine the entire cleaning method.

For routine cleaning, follow the manufacturer's directions and use products suitable for that surface.

And while we're talking silicone...

Remember your lube compatibility too.

As we've covered in our other Lube Lady guides, water-based lubricant is generally the easiest starting point when you're unsure about compatibility with a silicone toy.

Some silicone lubricants can interact with some silicone toy materials, so check the recommendations for both products rather than assuming they're compatible.

Clean toys and compatible lube?

Look at us being responsible.

Glass Toys

Quality body-safe glass toys can be relatively straightforward to care for because their smooth, nonporous surfaces don't have lots of little places for residue to hide.

But glass deserves another check before every use:

inspect it carefully.

Look for chips.

Cracks.

Damage.

Rough areas.

If a glass toy is damaged, don't take chances with it.

Retire it.

Your favourite toy does not receive a ceremonial farewell tour.

Stainless Steel & Metal Toys

Quality stainless-steel toys are another relatively straightforward category to maintain when they're made from appropriate body-safe materials.

They're durable and have smooth surfaces that are easy to inspect.

But again, don't assume every silver-coloured toy is solid stainless steel.

Some products may have coatings, decorative elements, gems, joins or components made from different materials.

That means:

Manufacturer instructions first.

This becomes particularly relevant with products such as metal anal trainers or decorative plugs where the product may contain more than one component or finish.

ABS Plastic & Hard Toys

Hard plastic toys are another common sight in adult-toy collections.

Routine care is generally straightforward, but electronic components change the equation.

If your vibrator has a hard ABS handle, silicone section, buttons, charging port and motor, you can't simply choose a cleaning method based on one material.

Treat the whole product according to its care instructions.

That principle applies throughout this guide.

What About Jelly, PVC and Other Softer Materials?

This is where toy care requires a little more attention.

Some softer materials can be porous or more difficult to clean thoroughly than nonporous materials.

They may also degrade over time.

Watch for changes such as:

• Tackiness or stickiness,

• Cracks or tears,

• Unusual changes in texture,

• Discolouration that wasn't originally present,

• Strong or changing odours,

• Peeling or surface deterioration,

If a toy's surface is breaking down, cleaning it harder isn't the solution.

It's probably time to replace it.

The Tiny Places Everyone Forgets

Here's where cleaning becomes a little more detective-like.

Look at your toy.

Really look at it.

See that tiny groove around the button?

That seam?

The textured ridge?

The area around the base?

Those are the places where residue can hide.

For toys whose manufacturer allows it, careful attention with a soft cloth or appropriately gentle cleaning tool can help reach awkward areas.

But don't attack seals or seams with something abrasive.

If the area contains electronics or a charging connection, keep moisture exposure within the manufacturer's instructions.

Anal Toys Need Particularly Good Cleaning Habits

If a toy is used anally, hygiene deserves extra attention.

Clean the toy thoroughly according to its care instructions after use, and don't move a toy directly from anal use to vaginal use without appropriate cleaning or a fresh barrier such as a new condom where suitable.

If a toy is being shared between partners, the same principle applies.

A new condom over a compatible toy can provide an additional barrier and make transitions easier - but it doesn't replace cleaning the toy itself.

Also inspect anal toys regularly.

A proper flared base or retrieval feature is important for toys intended for anal insertion, and any deterioration or damage is a good reason to retire the product.

Shared Toys: A Little Extra Care

Sharing can change the hygiene requirements around a toy.

If a toy is moving between people, barriers such as condoms can be useful where appropriate.

Use a fresh barrier between users.

Clean the toy according to its instructions.

And if a product can't be adequately cleaned for the way you're using it, consider keeping that item for individual use.

Simple precautions can make shared play considerably easier to manage.

Do You Need to Boil Your Toys?

This is one of those pieces of internet advice that often becomes:

“Silicone? Just boil it!”

Not so fast.

Some simple, non-motorised items made entirely from particular heat-safe materials may have sanitising options beyond ordinary washing.

But that doesn't mean every silicone, glass or metal toy belongs in boiling water.

A toy might contain:

Electronics,

Adhesives,

Coatings,

Motors,

Decorative components,

Multiple materials,

Or components that aren't designed for high temperatures.

So unless the manufacturer specifically says a particular sanitising method is suitable:

Don't improvise…

Routine cleaning and sanitising aren't necessarily the same process either. If you need a higher level of decontamination because of a particular health situation, follow the manufacturer's guidance and appropriate healthcare advice rather than experimenting with harsh household chemicals.

Please Don't Raid the Cleaning Cupboard

If something cleans your kitchen bench beautifully, that doesn't automatically mean it belongs on an intimate product.

Avoid randomly using harsh household cleaners, strong fragrances or abrasive products on toys unless the manufacturer specifically approves them.

They can potentially damage materials or leave residues you really don't want contacting sensitive skin.

A dedicated product such as Wet Stuff Clean 235g Toy Cleaner takes a lot of the guesswork out of your regular toy-care setup when used according to its directions and the toy manufacturer's recommendations.

There's a reason we make products for particular jobs.

Oven cleaner is excellent at cleaning ovens.

Let's allow it to stay in its lane.

Drying: Don't Skip It

You cleaned the toy.

Excellent.

But please don't immediately throw a damp toy into a dark storage bag and close the drawer.

Allow it to dry properly first.

Pay particular attention to:

seams,

grooves,

bases,

textured areas,

and other places moisture can collect.

Once it's completely dry, you can put it away.

That brings us neatly to...

How to Store Your Toys Properly

The bedside drawer containing:

Three vibrators,

Two chargers,

Loose batteries,

A bottle of lube,

A feather,

Six mystery cables,

One sock,

And something you haven't identified since 2023...

...could perhaps use some organisation.

😂

Where possible, store toys clean and completely dry in individual storage pouches or according to their manufacturer's recommendations.

Keeping toys separated can help prevent dust accumulation and avoid prolonged contact between materials that may not play nicely together.

Keep chargers with the correct toys.

Remove replaceable batteries for longer-term storage where appropriate.

Keep everything somewhere cool and dry.

And don't crush delicate toys beneath heavier products.

Your toy drawer shouldn't operate like airport baggage handling.

Build a Toy-Care Kit

Because this article belongs in Bundles & Kits, here's the part I particularly want readers to take away:

Make cleaning its own little kit.

You could keep together:

Wet Stuff Clean Toy Cleaner
A clean soft cloth,
Individual toy-storage bags,
Spare compatible batteries if needed,
Your toy chargers,
Condoms/barriers where appropriate,
A small towel or drying cloth,

That's it.

Nothing complicated.

You could keep the whole kit beside your toy collection so everything you need is already there.

And when you buy a new toy?

Add its charger and care information to the system.

Future you will be extremely grateful.

The 60-Second Pre-Play Check

Cleaning isn't only something that happens afterwards.

Before using a toy, take a quick look.

Is it clean?

Is it completely dry?

Does the surface look normal?

Any cracks, tears or peeling?

Any damaged cords or charging areas?

Is it charged?

That last one isn't technically hygiene.

But discovering a flat battery at the crucial moment is a health issue for morale.

😂

If everything looks good, you're ready.

When Should You Replace a Toy?

Adult toys don't necessarily last forever.

Retire a toy if you notice damage that compromises its surface or safe operation.

That could include cracks, splitting, peeling coatings, exposed components, damaged electrical parts, persistent tackiness, unusual degradation or another significant change from its original condition.

Don't keep something purely because:

“But I paid good money for that.”

You got your use from it.

Thank it for its service.

Let it go.

Clean Toys Make Better Bundles

When you're putting together a new toy bundle or gift kit, don't only think about the exciting product in the middle.

Think about what somebody needs to use it properly and look after it afterwards.

A really useful bundle might contain:

Toy + Compatible Lube + Toy Cleaner + Storage

That's a complete little ecosystem.

And it's one of the reasons I think Wet Stuff Clean 235g Toy Cleaner makes so much sense alongside toys in the Lube Lady store.

We spend plenty of time thinking about what we're going to buy.

We should spend another minute thinking about how we're going to look after it.

The Lube Lady Clean-Up Routine

Let's make the whole article ridiculously easy to remember:

CHECK IT.

Know the material, waterproof rating and manufacturer's instructions.

CLEAN IT.

Use the appropriate cleaning method and a suitable cleaner such as Wet Stuff Clean where compatible.

DRY IT.

Completely.

Not “eh, that'll do.”

INSPECT IT.

Check surfaces, seams, controls and components.

STORE IT.

Clean, dry and preferably separated from other toys.

Then when you're ready for next time?

Your toy is too.

Because taking care of your collection isn't the boring bit that happens after the fun.

It's how you make sure your favourites are ready for plenty more of it.

Stay Slippery 💗