It's time to chat about what happens after sex.  

No, not the post-orgasm afterglow. We mean the after-sex ritual that involves post-playtime clean-up, and it's just as crucial as snuggles, eating a sandwich, watching TikToks, and whatever form of aftercare you practice after you get it on.

You wouldn't slip into day-old undies a week later, and following that logic, you shouldn't use a toy that hasn't been washed after sex. Thankfully, learning how to clean sex toys is quick and easy, especially if you narrow down the method by material. 

Why is cleaning sex toys important?  

When it comes to using your sex toys (again and again), cleanliness is an essential part of ensuring risk-free pleasure. You should wash your toys after every single use, regardless of how you use them, meaning even a swift solo session requires a wash. (This is especially true if for toys used anally, as they can carry more serious bacteria.) 

Unwashed sex toys are a breeding ground for bacteria that may cause unpleasant side effects — like fungal or urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bacterial vaginosis — when reintroduced to our bodies. Contracting a UTI happens when bacteria enter the urethra, and unwashed toys are a prime breeding ground. This type of infection can lead to sepsis and organ damage if left untreated. And fungal infections can spread between partners and often require prolonged courses of medication. 

Plus, if you’re sharing sex toys with a partner or multiple partners, unwashed ones have the potential to transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs), too. To get an STI from a sex toy, someone with an STI must first use the sex toy and not clean it properly. If it's then used by someone who doesn't have an STI, they can potentially contract it. STIs usually spread through skin-to-skin contact and through bodily fluids but are transmittable through unwashed sex toys.  

Porous materials absorb more bacteria and might be more prone to transmitting infection, so make sure you clean these extra thoroughly. Always check the instructions when you buy to see the best care method for that specific toy.  

Simply put, not cleaning your gadgets after each use just isn't worth the risk. As fun as it is for sex to be truly spontaneous, prioritizing sex toy hygiene (much like you prioritize showering and brushing your teeth daily) will keep you healthy. Plus, if you wash your toys immediately after use, you won’t need to worry when you have an unexpected reason to use them. 

The best ways to clean sex toys by material

Learning to sanitize sex toys keeps every sexual encounter safe and pleasurable, whether you're going solo or rocking your partner's world — and it will prolong the life of your toys. Different materials require unique care, and these tips will help make sure you're doing it right: 

Silicone 

Silicone's supple, skin-like feel makes this material very popular for vibrators, couples’ sex toys, G-spot toys, prostate stimulation toys, and more. Learning how to clean silicone toys is simple: Use mild soap and warm water or a sex toy cleaner. Thoroughly rinse them, ensuring you leave no soapy residue, and pat dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. Nonmotorized silicone toys can also be boiled or put in the dishwasher. Motorized toys should be rinsed unless it says they can be submerged in water. 

Glass

Glass sex toys, like silicone sex toys, aren’t porous. Clean them with sex toy cleaner or unscented, mild soap and water, boil them, or put them in the dishwasher. You can also spray them with rubbing alcohol and wipe them down with water.  

Smooth and sturdy, glass sex toys provide a unique sensation that many people love, and how easy they are to care for is a bonus. After rinsing, air dry glass sex toys thoroughly and store them safely in a padded container or fabric bag to prevent any potential chips or cracks. 

Stainless steel  

Stainless steel sex toys are sleek, solid, and resilient. They might look high maintenance, but a quick wash under warm water with some gentle antibacterial soap is all they need to maintain their cleanliness and shine. You can also disinfect stainless steel sex toys with a sex toy cleaner, by boiling them, or in the dishwasher, but don’t submerge toys with motors.  

Dry your stainless steel sex toy thoroughly after cleaning, and store it somewhere safe. If you have a dildo or toy that goes inside your vagina or anus, use a condom on it for easier clean-up. 

Crystal  

While crystal sex toys might appear delicate, these luxurious sex toys can be long-lasting companions when cared for properly. Crystal is nonporous, depending on the coating used, so washing these sex toys with warm water and gentle soap is ideal. You can also use a vinegar or salt-water solution. Rinse crystal sex toys gently, avoiding hot water, and store them carefully to prevent damage.  

Polished wood  

Polished wood sex toys are unique and deserve special attention. Depending on how they're made, these toys can be porous or nonporous, and most wooden sex toys have a body-safe polyurethane or lacquer finish. In cases where only a few coats are applied, the toy may only be temporarily nonporous. Some have an oil or wax finish, which also wears off. Examine wood sex toys before and after use to see if the finish is still there.  

Use a soft cloth combined with a small amount of mild soap to clean wooden sex toys. Dry them immediately to preserve their finish, and store them in a lint-free fabric bag or padded container.  

ABS plastic  

Sex toys made from ABS plastic are durable and easy to clean. Get rid of bacteria with mild soap and warm water or a sex toy cleaner. Rinse well, dry thoroughly, and store in a fabric bag. ABS sex toys are compatible with all types of lube, but avoid using alcohol on them if they have a polyurethane coat. 

Non-waterproof  

Non-waterproof sex toys need careful cleaning. Instead of submerging them in water, use sex toy cleaner or a damp cloth with a small amount of soap. Don't let their internal bits and pieces get wet, and dry them meticulously to keep the toy in good working order for next time.  

Using UV light to clean sex toys 

The age of technology has brought us innovative smart sex toys for singles and couples alongside cutting-edge ways to clean them.  

UV light, a game-changer for toy hygiene, harnesses the power of ultraviolet rays to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. UV light kills an extensive range of microbes, making it highly effective in stopping bugs from spreading. This quick, low-effort cleaning method thoroughly disinfects sex toys without chemicals.  

You can purchase a UV sanitizing chamber or pouch, which you then place your sex toy inside to sterilize. The UV rays work their magic, and your toy is ready when you are.   

About sex toy cleaners  

While soap and water can be perfectly adequate, specialized sex toy cleaners are perfect for disinfecting toys almost anywhere with a quick spray and wipe of a washcloth. These products are formulated with the materials of intimate toys in mind, but not all sex toy cleaners are created equal.  

When choosing a sex toy cleaner, review the ingredients to make sure they're compatible with the vibrator, dildo, or other sex toy in question. Some cleaners contain ingredients that can degrade certain toy materials or leave a residue that might upset sensitive skin. For the sake of your body and the longevity of your gadget, always double-check the manufacturer's guidelines for your toy and read cleaner labels. 

Elevate your sex life with Quinn 

Now that you've cleaned your sex toys, you can pair solo or partnered play with Quinn.

Quinn's ethical sexual content elevates playtime with your favorite toy. With so much audio erotica to choose from, you're guaranteed a satisfying session, and an incredible orgasm is just a bonus. 

Created by women for everyone, Quinn offers thousands of narrated sex stories, playlists, and guided masturbation sessions. 

Download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.