Sex toy hygiene 101: how to stay safe and satisfied

Maximise pleasure and minimise risk

While some risks are commendable—the real Khatron Ke Khiladi are women who wear white underwear on their period—others are just not worth taking. A sense of bravado, when it comes to sexual health for instance, feels misplaced. That’s why, as conversations around pleasure become increasingly mainstream, and sex toys sit alongside household essentials on delivery apps like Swiggy and Blinkit, awareness of sexual health and hygiene feels just as important.

Once whispered in hush-hush tones, there is a growing acceptance of female pleasure as a vital part of holistic well-being. The emergence of homegrown sexual wellness brands like MyMuse, MsChief, That Sassy Thing, Leezu’s, Love Treats and more, along with the anonymity of online shopping, has fuelled a growing openness toward sex toys (let your zodiac decide which sex toy will be your next ‘chaddi buddy‘). According to a report by TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm, the Indian sex toy market was estimated at around USD 112.45 million in 2023 and is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.24%. And this growth extends beyond metros like Mumbai and Delhi, with these products finding a customer base across Tier 2 and 3 cities as well.

But alongside the crucial work of normalising pleasure, let’s not forget an essential—and often overlooked—component: sex toy hygiene. These products, which are meant to enhance your sensual experience, can also lead to infections, irritation, and other health issues if improperly cleaned. So, as we embrace the benefits of sexual wellness, and navigate newer avenues of pleasure, let’s also focus on how to keep things clean, safe, and fun for everyone.

Why sex toy hygiene matters

Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned collector, cleaning your sex toys is non-negotiable for maintaining sexual wellness. Sexuality educator and health anthropologist Artika Singh explains, “Sex toy hygiene is important because you’re introducing an external element into your body—it’s crucial to ensure it is clean.” She adds that women are at a higher risk of infections, since inserting dirty toys or even unclean hands into the vagina can result in UTIs and other health concerns.

Surat-based gynaecologist Dr Nidhi Sharma elaborates on the risks of neglecting toy hygiene: “If not cleaned properly, they can harbour bacteria, viruses, or yeast, which can lead to infections due to the build-up and transfer of fluids or debris. Also, never use the same toy for anal and vaginal penetration without cleaning it thoroughly as this can cause serious infections.”

Get to know your sex toy

MyMuse co-founder Anushka Gupta emphasises that adequate cleaning ensures the safety and longevity of your toys, and prevents infections. “Always clean your toys before and after each use with mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner,” she says.

One of the key factors in maintaining sex toy hygiene is understanding what material they’re made of. Not all materials are created equal—some are easier to clean and more durable, while others are more porous and prone to harbouring bacteria. Here, Dr Sharma breaks down the basics of commonly used sex toy materials:

1. Silicone

Silicone is a favourite in the sex toy industry for being non-porous, body-safe and durable. Most high-quality vibrators, dildos, and other insertables are made of silicone since it doesn’t absorb bacteria or fluids, making it one of the easiest materials to clean.

Cleaning method: Wash silicone toys with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. If the toy doesn’t have any electrical components, you can even boil it for 3–5 minutes to sanitise it.

2. Glass

Glass sex toys, often made from borosilicate glass, are non-porous and easy to clean. They’re also known for their aesthetic appeal and temperature play capabilities (who doesn’t like a little hot-and-cold action?).

Cleaning method: Just like silicone, glass toys can be cleaned with warm water and soap. They can also be boiled for a deeper clean, but always check for cracks before using them again.

3. ABS plastic

Often used to make more affordable vibrators, ABS plastic has traditionally been used to manufacture toys like Lego. While it might not feel as luxurious as silicone or glass, it is non-porous and body-safe.

Cleaning method: For ABS plastic toys, a good wash with soap and water will suffice. If the toy is motorised, avoid submerging it in water; instead, wipe it down with a damp cloth.

4. TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic elastomers/rubber)

TPE and TPR are porous materials, which means they can absorb fluids and bacteria. While they may feel soft and lifelike, these materials require more diligent cleaning.

Cleaning method: Wash these toys with warm water and an antibacterial soap after each use. Consider using condoms with toys made of TPE/TPR to reduce the risk of bacterial build-up, especially if you plan to share them with a partner.

5. Jelly rubber

Sharma cautions against jelly rubber sex toys, often used as a low-cost option: “Avoid them if possible. Jelly rubber is highly porous and can contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, which can leach into the body over time, especially if they’re not properly stored and cleaned.”

Cleaning method: If you do own a jelly rubber toy, be vigilant about cleaning it with warm water and soap after each use. However, given the risks, it’s worth upgrading to a higher-quality material like silicone or glass.

Sex toy hygiene dos and dont’s

Some common mistakes made by sex toy users include failing to clean them immediately after use, which allows bacteria to build up. Secondly, storing toys together can cause materials to degrade over time. Gupta also warns against using silicone-based lubes with silicone toys, as it can break down the material over time. The solution? Clean them right after use, store them separately, and stick to water-based lubricants for silicone toys.

Even with regular cleaning, your toy won’t last forever. Dr Singh points out a few signs that it might be time to throw your toy out: “If you notice cuts, cracks, chips, or any damage to the material—especially in glass or silicone toys—it’s time to say goodbye. These imperfections can harbour bacteria and lead to infections. Additionally, if the motor feels weak or the toy isn’t charging properly, it’s clearly on its way out.” Discolouration and changes in shape or texture also indicate that the toy is no longer safe to use.

Whether you use warm water and soap or a dedicated toy cleaner, use this quick hygiene checklist from our experts to keep your toys in shape:

• Always clean your toys before and after use.
• Waterproof toys can be washed with warm water; non-waterproof ones should be wiped down.
• Store toys separately in cool, dry places to avoid material degradation.
• Use water-based lubes with silicone toys to prevent damage to the material.

Dr Singh also advises those who share toys with their partners to be extra careful. “You can share toys, but if they’ve been used internally, you risk transferring bodily fluids, which can lead to infections or even STIs. The best practice is to clean them thoroughly and use a condom on the toy before switching between partners or body areas,” she explains.

A clean toy is a safe toy, and taking a few extra minutes to clean your products will pay off in the long run, keeping both your body and your toys safe. As India’s sex toy market booms, it’s the perfect time to (responsibly) embrace sexual wellness and care for your toys, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—pleasure.