Properly Cleaning Silicone Toys – For Hygiene and Longevity
Thorough cleaning is essential for the hygienic and safe use of silicone toys. At the same time, proper care helps preserve the material properties and longevity of high-quality toys over the long term. In this guide, you will learn what matters when it comes to cleaning, care, hygiene, and proper storage, as well as how simple measures can help you avoid common hygiene mistakes.
Why hygiene matters
Meticulous hygiene is the foundation for the safe and enjoyable use of silicone toys. It not only protects your health but also helps ensure that high-quality silicone toys retain their pleasant texture and material properties for years to come. With just a few simple habits, you can reliably incorporate toy hygiene into your daily routine. However, toy hygiene involves more than just cleaning after use; it also includes proper storage and regular inspections for any damage or changes. These simple measures ensure that a high-quality silicone toy remains hygienic and ready for use at any time.Hygiene protects both health and the material
During use, bodily fluids, lubricants, or tiny skin particles can remain on the toy's surface. Removing these residues promptly keeps the toy hygienically clean and makes the cleaning process much easier. The material itself also benefits from careful handling. A silicone toy that is cleaned, thoroughly dried, and stored properly will generally retain its pleasant texture and material properties for many years. That is why cleaning after every use is a simple routine that supports both hygiene and longevity.Anal and vaginal use – what to look out for
Special care is required if a toy is to be used both anally and vaginally. Bacteria can be transferred between the two areas, potentially promoting infections, particularly in the vaginal area.Therefore, a toy should be thoroughly cleaned after any anal use before being used vaginally. It is even safer to use separate toys for each type of play. Careful cleaning is also essential if toys are shared with another person or passed between different people. Additionally, using a condom on the toy can be a sensible hygiene measure.
Properly cleaning silicone toys
Regular cleaning ensures hygienic use of silicone toys and requires very little effort. Below, you will find out when, how, and with what to properly clean your toy.Cleaning before first use
Even a new silicone toy should be thoroughly cleaned before its first use. Dust or other impurities may settle on the surface during manufacturing, packaging, or transport. To protect the surface, our silicone toys are also coated with talc. This can easily be removed before first use using warm water and mild soap or a little dishwashing liquid.If a toy has not been used for an extended period, cleaning it again is also recommended. This removes any dust or deposits that may have accumulated on the surface during storage.
Cleaning after every use
Residue from lubricants and bodily fluids should be removed promptly after every play session. This keeps the toy hygienically clean and prevents residue from drying onto the surface.For regular cleaning, washing with warm water and a suitable cleaning agent is usually sufficient. Afterward, the toy should be thoroughly rinsed, checked for damage or alterations, and dried completely. The following section explains which cleaning agents are suitable for silicone toys and what you should keep in mind.
Suitable Cleaning Agents
For regular cleaning, warm water and a mild, preferably unscented soap—or a toy cleaner specifically designed for silicone toys—are sufficient. In most cases, this combination is perfectly adequate for everyday use. Many high-quality platinum-silicone toys can also be boiled, cleaned in the dishwasher, or sterilized using suitable equipment, provided the manufacturer explicitly approves these methods. Always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions. You should strictly avoid harsh household cleaners, solvents (such as cleaning spirits), or abrasive cleaning agents, as they can damage the silicone surface.Storing Silicone Toys Properly
Thorough cleaning is only truly effective if the toy is stored correctly afterward. Storing the toy in a clean, dry environment protects it from dust, dirt, and damage, helping to preserve the material's properties over the long term.Store Clean and Dry
The toy should dry completely after cleaning before being put away. Residual moisture can attract dust and dirt, making hygienic storage difficult.
Storing the toy in a clean, dry place protected from dust—such as in a fabric pouch or a separate storage box—is a proven method. The cardboard tube in which you received your toy from us is also a great option for keeping it dry, dust-free, and protected from light.
Avoid Contact with Unsuitable Materials
Silicone toys should ideally be stored separately from other toys or materials. In particular, products made from unknown plastics or containing plasticizers can sometimes damage the silicone surface. Certain base metals (e.g., copper) or untreated woods (e.g., raw oak) can also potentially stain the surface of your toy. Storing it separately also protects the toy from unnecessary damage and ensures it remains clean and ready for use at all times.
Avoiding common hygiene mistakes
Cleaning and caring for silicone toys is straightforward. However, minor oversights can easily creep into your routine—mistakes that are easily avoided with a few simple steps.Not cleaning thoroughly enough
Residue from lubricants and bodily fluids should be completely removed after every use.
Using unsuitable cleaning agents
Harsh household cleaners, solvents (e.g., cleaning spirits), or abrasive cleaners can damage the silicone surface. Warm water and mild soap—or a dedicated toy cleaner—are sufficient for regular cleaning.
Storing while damp
The toy should be allowed to dry completely before storage and then kept in a clean place, ideally protected from dust.
Not cleaning between anal and vaginal use
If a toy is used both anally and vaginally, it should be thoroughly cleaned before switching between the two areas. It is even safer to use separate toys for each type of play.