It's best to clean a dildo immediately after each use. This is important for your hygiene, helps to limit bacteria and fungi, and also ensures your toy stays looking good for longer. The correct approach mainly depends on the material and whether your dildo is completely waterproof. Warm water, a mild cleaner, or a suitable toy cleaner will usually get you a long way.
Are you unsure if you can use soap, or are you wondering if toy cleaner is necessary? Below, you'll find a step-by-step guide on how to clean a dildo, which products you should or shouldn't use, and how to store your toy properly afterwards.
How to clean a dildo in 5 practical steps
The safest basic routine is simple and suitable for most dildos. However, always check your toy's product information, especially for unusual materials or models with extra features.
1. Rinse your dildo with lukewarm to warm water
Start by rinsing off lubricant, bodily fluids, and other debris. Do not use boiling hot water if you are unsure whether the material can handle it. For a non-waterproof dildo, it's better to use a damp cloth instead of holding the toy completely under the tap.
2. Use a mild cleaner or toy cleaner
Clean the dildo with a special toy cleaner or with a mild, unscented soap if the material allows. A toy cleaner is useful because it is specifically developed for sex toys and is generally gentler on the surface. This is especially beneficial if you use your toy regularly or want to be extra sure of a thorough cleaning.
3. Pay extra attention to edges, texture, and seams
Does your dildo have ridges, a realistic shape, grooves, or a suction cup base? Clean these parts carefully. Residue can easily remain in small crevices. If necessary, use a soft cloth or your fingers to gently go over these areas.
4. Rinse thoroughly and remove all residue
You don't want to leave soap or cleaner residue on your toy. Therefore, always rinse thoroughly with clean water. This prevents any leftover residue from causing irritation during intimate use later on.
5. Dry completely before storing it
Pat the dildo dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and then let it air dry. Only store it when it is completely dry. Moisture in a sealed storage place is undesirable for hygiene.
Should you wash a dildo after every use?
Yes, washing a dildo after every use is the best practice. This reduces the chance of bacteria, fungi, odors, or dried residue remaining on the surface. Even if you only use the toy yourself, cleaning remains important.
If you use the dildo alternately vaginally and anally, or share it with a partner, cleaning is even more critical. In such situations, immediate cleaning is not a step you want to skip.
Is toy cleaner necessary?
Toy cleaner is not strictly necessary in all cases, but it is a practical and safe choice. Especially if you're unsure about regular soap, have sensitive skin, or if your dildo is made of a material you want to maintain as well as possible. A good toy cleaner is made for intimate toys and is therefore often better suited for use than standard hand soap or all-purpose cleaner.
Warm water alone can sometimes be sufficient, but water alone is not always enough to properly remove residue. That's why many people opt for a combination of water and a sex toy cleaner. This is simple, fast, and suitable for regular use.
Which cleaner should you use and which should you avoid?
Do use
- Mild, unscented soap
- Special toy cleaner for sex toys
- Lukewarm or warm water
- A clean, soft cloth
Preferably avoid
- Aggressive cleaning agents
- Abrasive cleaners or rough sponges
- Strongly scented soap
- Products with irritating antibacterial additives if you are unsure whether they are intimately safe
The goal is simple: to get your dildo clean without damaging the material or leaving residue that you'd rather not have on an intimate toy. If you want more background on materials and what can or cannot be done for cleaning, read everything about body-safe materials.
The material of your dildo determines the correct cleaning method
Not every dildo is cleaned in exactly the same way. The material plays a big role. This is also reflected in the top-ranking pages in Google: material differences are always an important part of the explanation there.
Non-porous materials
Dildos made of silicone, glass, or metal are usually easier to clean because the surface is less likely to hold dirt and bacteria. With these materials, thorough cleaning is generally simpler, provided you follow the product instructions.
More porous materials
Softer and more porous materials can be more sensitive because the surface is less closed. This makes careful cleaning extra important. If you see small cracks, damage, or permanent discoloration, it's wise to critically assess whether your toy is still hygienic to use.
Cleaning a glass dildo
Cleaning a glass dildo is usually very easy. The smooth surface cleans well with warm water and a suitable cleaner. Always check for damage or small chips, because a damaged glass dildo should no longer be used.
Cleaning a silicone dildo
It's best to clean a silicone dildo with warm water and a mild sex toy cleaner. Silicones are generally easy to maintain, but you want to keep the surface looking good. Therefore, do not use aggressive agents and always rinse thoroughly. Tip: for silicone toys, use a water-based lubricant; it is safe for the material and generally makes cleaning easier.
Waterproof or non-waterproof?
A classic dildo without electronics is often easier to clean than a toy with technical components. If your toy has a suction cup but no other electronics, you can usually rinse it thoroughly. If it does contain a motor or other electronic function, always check first whether it is waterproof or just splashproof.
- Completely waterproof - rinsing under the tap is usually possible
- Splashproof - clean carefully, do not keep under water unnecessarily long
- Non-waterproof - clean with a damp cloth and cleaner on the surface
Cleaning a dildo after anal use
After anal use, thorough cleaning is extra important. Clean the dildo immediately with warm water and a suitable cleaner, and rinse well. If you use a toy both anally and vaginally, do not do so without thoroughly cleaning it in between. This prevents bacteria from being transferred. Also read our article on how to use a dildo safely.
Many people also choose extra hygiene in this situation by using a condom over the dildo. This can make cleaning easier, but it does not replace normal cleaning afterwards.
How to store a dildo hygienically?
Proper storage is part of good cleaning. A clean dildo lying loosely in a drawer among dust, hair, or other toys will not stay truly clean for long. Therefore, preferably store your toy dry, dust-free, and separately.
- Store your dildo in a clean storage bag or in its original packaging
- Preferably do not let toys touch each other loosely
- Ensure the dildo is completely dry before storing it
- Store it in a cool, dry place
With this approach, you can extend the lifespan of your sex toys.
When should you replace a dildo?
Not every toy remains hygienically usable indefinitely. Replace your dildo if you see clear signs of wear that can no longer be kept clean. This includes cracks, damaged seams, stickiness that won't go away, persistent odor, or permanent discoloration. Such signals can mean that the surface is no longer intact.
Even if your dildo no longer looks or feels fresh despite good cleaning, replacing it is often wiser than continuing to doubt. Safe and pleasant use always comes first.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning dildos
Can you clean a dildo with just water?
That's fine for a quick initial rinse, but water alone is usually not the best complete cleaning. With a mild cleaner or toy cleaner, you generally remove residue better.
Can you use soap to clean a dildo?
Yes, if it's a mild and unscented soap and the material of your dildo is suitable for it. Always rinse well so that no residue remains.
How often should you clean a dildo?
After every use. That is the safest and most hygienic routine.
Can a dildo go in the dishwasher or in boiling water?
That depends entirely on the material and the product information. Some non-electric toys made of suitable materials can handle this, but this is certainly not true for every dildo. Therefore, always check the product's instructions first.
How do you best clean a Satisfyer?
That depends on the type of toy and whether it is waterproof. The basic principle here is: clean with warm water and a suitable sex toy cleaner, rinse well, and let it dry completely. For a Satisfyer or other electric toy, always check its waterproofness before holding it under the tap.
What if my dildo still feels sticky?
Clean the toy again and check if any lubricant or cleaner residue has been left behind. If the material remains sticky, it may indicate wear and tear, and replacement is sometimes the best choice.
Is a LoveSecret toy cleaner a good choice?
If you want to clean your dildo easily and specifically, a special Toy Cleaner is a practical option. This way, you choose a product that is designed for sex toys and fits well with regular maintenance.