How to Clean and Store Silicone Sex Toys: A Care Guide
By VUSH USA | Sexual Wellness for All | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
A step-by-step silicone toy care guide covering how to clean silicone sex toys, dry them fully, and choose sex toy storage ideas that keep them ready and hygienic.
Quick answer
Clean silicone toys with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap before and after every use, then dry them completely before storing. Keep them separate from other materials, away from direct sun and heat, and check them for damage every few weeks. If a toy is motorized, keep the charging area dry and follow the maker's cleaning limits.
What silicone needs (and what it does not)
Silicone is non-porous, which means it does not hold onto bacteria the way porous materials can. That is why warm water, a mild soap, and a full dry are usually enough. Skip oil-based or heavy cream cleansers, which can leave a film that traps lint and dust. If a toy is motorized, never submerge the motor or charging port unless the maker says it is waterproof. For non-motorized silicone, a full rinse is safe. A quick checkpoint: if water beads on the surface after rinsing, you have not removed all residue yet.
How often to clean sex toys
Clean before and after each use, and clean again if you switch between partners or between anal and vaginal play. For toys that sit unused, a rinse and dry every few weeks keeps dust and lint from building up. If you use a toy with a partner, clean it before it touches anyone, even if it was cleaned after the last session. A common mistake is waiting until the next use to clean; residue sits longer and is harder to remove. A checkpoint: if you cannot remember when you last cleaned it, clean it now.
Drying and inspecting before storage
Water left in crevices or suction cup bases can encourage mildew and break down the surface over time. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or let air dry completely before putting anything away. While it dries, look for tears, tacky spots, or a dull finish. Small changes are normal with use, but deep cracks or sticky patches mean it is time to replace the toy. A checkpoint: run a finger along the base and seams. If it feels rough or sticky, do not store it with other toys.
Storage that protects silicone
Store silicone separately from other materials. Some soft plastics and TPE can interact with silicone and cause it to degrade or become tacky. A breathable pouch, a hard case, or a dedicated drawer divider works well. Keep toys out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or hot cars, since heat can affect both silicone and motorized parts. For suction cup toys, store them upright or lying flat so the base does not stay compressed. A checkpoint: if two toys can touch, separate them with a cloth or pouch.
Your silicone care routine, step by step
- Rinse and wash with mild soap: Use warm water and a small amount of fragrance-free soap. Work it over the whole surface with your fingers or a soft cloth, paying attention to seams and the suction cup base. Checkpoint: no slippery film remains after rinsing.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under running warm water until no soap residue is left. Soap left behind can irritate skin and attract dust. Checkpoint: the surface should feel squeaky-clean, not slick.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, then let air dry before storage. Water trapped in a suction cup base is the most common cause of odor. Checkpoint: run a finger inside the base; it should be dry.
- Inspect for wear: Look for tears, tacky spots, or a dull finish. Silicone is durable, but deep cracks or sticky patches mean it is time to replace the toy. Checkpoint: if it feels sticky after drying, do not store it with other toys.
- Store separately and safely: Place the toy in a breathable pouch, a hard case, or a divided drawer. Keep it away from other materials, direct sun, and heat sources. Checkpoint: if two toys can touch, separate them with a cloth.
Silicone toys that fit this routine
- Peep Non Vibrating Dildo - 7.5": PEEP is a 100% silicone dildo with a squishy, flexible body and a strong suction cup base, and it needs no batteries. Because it has no motor or charging port, you can rinse the whole toy under warm water and dry the suction cup base fully before storing it.
- Soos Non Vibrating Dildo - 6.6": SOOS is a 100% silicone dildo with a squishy, flexible body and a strong suction cup base, and it also needs no batteries. Its silicone surface wipes clean easily, but the suction cup base can trap water, so dry that area completely to avoid mildew.
- Carter Rabbit Vibrator: Carter is a suction rabbit vibrator with dual stimulation arms that combine internal pleasure with external suction technology. Because it is motorized, keep the charging area and suction openings dry and follow the maker's cleaning limits rather than soaking the whole toy.
