How to Clean Silicone Sex Toys?

Cleaning your sex toys might not be the most thrilling part of playtime, but it’s absolutely essential. Whether you’ve got a trusty pocket pussy, a high-tech male masturbator, a big bum toy or even a life-like sex doll torso, giving your silicone companion a proper clean keeps it hygienic, prolongs its life, and ensures it’s always ready for action. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean each type of toy step by step. It’s easier than you think – and with a few cheeky tips along the way, you might even (almost) enjoy the process!

No need to feel awkward – cleaning your toys is just good routine, like washing your car or your favourite trainers. A clean toy means no funky smells, no unwanted bacteria, and a much nicer experience next time. So put the kettle on, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get these toys sparkling clean, shall we?

What You’ll Need: Cleaning Essentials

• Warm water – your main cleaning partner (not too hot to avoid damage).
• Mild unscented soap or specialised sex toy cleaner – gentle and non-irritating.
• A soft cloth or sponge – for wiping exteriors.
• Soft-bristle brush or bottle brush (optional) – to reach inside textured areas.
• Clean, lint-free towel or paper towels – for drying outside and absorbing moisture inside.
• Cornflour (renewing powder) – to keep realistic-feel toys smooth after drying.
• Optional: Antibacterial toy cleaning spray or wipes – handy for quick cleans.

How to Clean Pocket Pussies

Pocket pussies (sometimes called strokers or Fleshlight-style toys) are handheld sleeves designed to resemble and feel like a real partner. They’re usually made of soft silicone or lifelike materials and often have a removable inner sleeve inside a hard case. Cleaning a pocket pussy is simple but it’s important to do it thoroughly. Here’s how:

1. Rinse immediately after use: As soon as you’ve finished, take the pocket pussy to the sink. Remove the soft sleeve from its case (if it has one) and hold it under warm running water. Flush water through the canal to rinse out any fluids or lube.
2. Apply mild soap or toy cleaner: Use a mild, unscented soap or a sex toy cleaner spray. Gently lather the inside and outside of the sleeve with your fingers. Make sure to clean all the nooks and crannies – these toys often have textured interiors for your pleasure, which means extra spots to clean. If the design allows, you can carefully turn the sleeve inside out to clean it, but do this gently to avoid tearing.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse away all soap from the sleeve with warm water. Any soap residue left could irritate your bits later or degrade the material, so be thorough. If your pocket pussy has a plastic outer case, wash that too with soap and water, then rinse.
4. Dry inside and out: Shake off excess water and pat the outside of the sleeve dry with a clean towel. To dry the inner canal, use a twisted paper towel or a clean cloth and gently insert it to soak up moisture. You can also let the sleeve air dry by propping it upright (open end facing down on a towel) so water can drip out. Patience is key – ensure the interior is completely dry to prevent mould.
5. Optional – renew the material: Once the sleeve is 100% dry, sprinkle a bit of cornflour (yes, the same stuff in your kitchen, also called renewing powder for toys) over the sleeve. This keeps the material soft, smooth, and stops it from feeling sticky. Lightly dust off any excess powder.
6. Reassemble and store: Put the sleeve back into its case (if it has one) and make sure any caps or lids are left off or loose for a while to let any hidden moisture evaporate. Store your clean pocket pussy in a cool, dry place – ideally in a cloth bag or the case it came in, separate from other toys.

Tip: If you’re in a rush or can’t wash it immediately, at least rinse your pocket pussy with warm water right after use. This will make the thorough cleaning easier later and prevent anything from drying on or smelling funky.

How to Clean Male Masturbators

Male masturbators come in many forms – from simple open-ended sleeves and textured eggs to fancy automatic strokers with moving parts. Cleaning depends on the type, but the goal is the same: remove any fluids and lube, and keep the device fresh. Always check if your masturbator has electronic components or a removable sleeve. Here’s a general guide:

1. Disassemble if possible: If your masturbator has multiple parts, take it apart. Remove any inner sleeve or canal from its outer casing. If it’s battery-operated or rechargeable, make sure it’s turned off and remove batteries if possible. This prevents any electrical mishaps and gives you better access for cleaning.
2. Clean the sleeve or interior: Treat the soft sleeve or internal canal just like a pocket pussy sleeve. Rinse it with warm water, then wash with mild soap or toy cleaner. Use your fingers or a soft brush to gently scrub any textured areas inside. For non-removable sleeves (for example, a one-piece toy), run warm water into the opening and shake it around to reach all internal surfaces. Never submerge a toy that isn’t waterproof – instead, use a damp cloth on the interior if you can’t remove it.
3. Clean the exterior and any case: Wash any hard plastic casing or outer shell with warm soapy water as well. If the device has buttons or a motor, be careful to keep water away from those parts. Use a cloth dampened with soapy water to wipe the exterior, rather than dunking the whole unit in the sink.
4. Rinse and check: Rinse off all soap from every part. Double-check tiny areas like grooves, openings for charging cables, or caps to ensure no soap is trapped. You want no slippery soap residue left.
5. Dry completely: Allow all parts to dry. Pat them with a towel first, then let them air dry. For sleeves, dry as described earlier – use a cloth or paper towel for the insides and let them breathe. For electronic parts, ensure no water is hiding around buttons or seams; dabbing with a cotton swab can help for small crevices. Wait until everything is fully dry before reassembling (water and electronics don’t mix!).
6. Store safely: Once dry, reassemble your masturbator. If it has a cap or lid, you can loosely put it on but it’s wise to leave a little gap for airflow if any hint of moisture remains. Store it in a clean state, ideally in its own bag or box. If it’s a toy with a delicate sleeve, a light dusting of cornflour can keep it supple during storage.

Note: For high-tech masturbators, always check the manual for specific cleaning instructions. Some luxury models might have washable components or even drying functions, but as a rule, keep water away from motors and charging ports.

How to Clean Big Bum Sex Toys

“Big bum” toys (also known as butt or hip masturbators) are larger, heavier toys that offer a life-sized backside for your pleasure. They usually include vaginal and/or anal openings built into a soft silicone or realistic skin material. Cleaning these larger toys is a bit more of a workout (consider it part of your exercise!), but it follows similar principles:

1. Rinse out the openings: Take your big bum toy to a bath or shower (it might not fit well in a small sink). Pour warm water through each opening (vaginal, anal) to flush out fluids. You can use a jug or detachable shower head on a gentle setting. Let gravity help – hold the toy so water can drain out as you rinse.
2. Wash with mild soap: Apply a mild soap or toy cleaner inside each hole and over the surface of the toy. Use your fingers to gently scrub inside the canals. Don’t be shy – get in there and swirl around to clean any textured inner walls. Avoid using anything too abrasive that could damage the material (your fingers or a very soft brush are best).
3. Clean the exterior: Wipe down the outer cheeks and any other surfaces with soapy water using your hands or a soft cloth. These toys can have lovely lifelike curves and details, so make sure to clean any folds or creases in the material.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse off all the soap from both the inside tunnels and the outside. It may take a few passes of filling and pouring out water from the holes to ensure it’s all clear (soap suds have a habit of hiding). Leftover soap can lead to irritation or degrade the toy, so keep rinsing until everything is clean and the water runs clear.
5. Drain and dry the inside: This is the tricky bit. First, tip the toy and let as much water as possible drip out of the openings. Then, use something to help dry inside – a few strips of paper towel or a clean cloth can be inserted into each canal to soak up moisture. You may need to leave the toy propped up (with the openings facing downward) on a towel for a while to let it drip dry. Some people use special drying sticks or even a small fan pointed at the openings. The key is to get the inside as dry as possible to avoid mould.
6. Dry the outside: Pat the exterior dry with a towel. Because these toys are big and usually pliable, be gentle when handling them wet (they can be slippery little – or not so little – devils!). Make sure you’ve dried any hard-to-reach spots like under the cheeks or between any molded thighs, if applicable.
7. Refresh the material: Once completely dry (inside and out), dust a light layer of cornflour over the toy’s surface and inside the openings. This will absorb any remaining moisture and keep the material velvety and non-sticky. Use a large makeup brush or your hand to distribute the powder evenly and shake off excess.
8. Store properly: Place your clean, dry big bum toy in a safe storage spot. Ideally, keep it in a breathable fabric cover or wrapped in a clean cloth. Avoid letting it touch other toys directly (different materials can sometimes react or stick together). Also, store it in a natural position – lying as it would normally – to prevent any misshaping. And as always, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

Tip: Cleaning a heavy toy can be a bit of a workout, so take your time. It might help to clean it right after use, when any fluids haven’t had a chance to dry. If you wait, remember to re-lube the insides a bit before rinsing to loosen anything dried on. Your toy (and your muscles) will thank you!

How to Clean Sex Doll Torsos

Sex doll torsos are like a midway between a full sex doll and a masturbator – they offer more body (often a chest, stomach, and hips, sometimes with partial limbs), but without the weight of a full doll. They’re typically made of silicone or TPE and have realistic openings for penetration. Cleaning a torso is similar to cleaning a big bum toy, but with a bit more surface area to care for:

1. Prepare a cleaning area: Because torsos can be large and heavy, it’s best to clean them somewhere like a bathtub or shower where you have space. Lay down a folded towel at the bottom of the tub or shower floor to protect the doll’s skin from rough surfaces (and to cushion your knees!).
2. Rinse internal canals: Gently flush warm water into the vaginal and anal canals (and mouth if the torso includes a head, although most “torso” models do not). You can use a hand-held shower head or a squeeze bulb (often called a douche or irrigator) to squirt water inside. Tilt the torso so that water can run back out, carrying any fluids with it.
3. Wash the surface: Using a mild soap or your toy cleaner, wash the entire exterior of the torso. Use a soft sponge or cloth on the skin-like surface, cleaning around breasts, between any folds, and across all curves. If there are any painted features (nipples, etc.), be gentle around those to avoid rubbing off any colour.
4. Clean the cavities: Put a small amount of mild soap on your fingers and gently clean inside the vaginal and anal openings. Just like with the big bum toy, reach in as far as you comfortably can, or use a very soft brush or sponge stick designed for this purpose. Ensure you clean any textured sections inside.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse off all soap from the torso’s surface and from inside the openings. It might take a few rounds of filling and draining the canals with clean water. Make sure no soapy residue remains – these torsos can be an investment, so treat them kindly.
6. Dry carefully: Pat the outside dry with a soft towel (microfiber works well to avoid lint). For the insides, use the same trick – insert a rolled cloth or paper towels into each hole to absorb moisture. You may need to replace them a couple of times as they soak through. Leave the torso in a cool, dry spot (away from direct heat) to air dry further. It helps to prop it up so that gravity lets remaining water drip out. This is a good time to go make a cuppa whilst you wait – drying might take a bit.
7. Final touches: Once completely dry, lightly dust the torso with cornflour (especially any areas that feel tacky). This includes inside the openings and all over the skin. It will keep the material smooth and prevent any stickiness or dust accumulation. Brush off excess powder gently.
8. Safe storage: Store your torso lying down in a neutral position (to avoid any warping of shape). If possible, keep it in a storage box or wrap it in a clean sheet. Make sure it’s not pressing against any hard or sharp objects. Keep it out of sunlight and extreme temperatures, as those can degrade the material over time. If your torso has any built-in electronic features (some have heating elements or vibrations), ensure those components are completely dry and remove any batteries before storing long-term.

Note: Never submerge a torso that has a metal skeleton or joints (some larger dolls/torsos might) completely under water – it could rust the metal. These cleaning steps assume your torso is all silicone/TPE with no metal frame. If there’s a removable vaginal insert, take it out and clean it separately just like a pocket pussy, then dry and reinsert it.

Recommended Cleaning Products

You don’t need anything fancy to get your silicone sex toys clean, but a few products can make life easier or give extra peace of mind. Here are some cleaning items UK toy owners swear by:

• Gentle, unscented soap: A mild hand soap or baby soap is perfect. Avoid heavily perfumed soaps as they can leave residues or upset your body’s natural balance. (A plain antibacterial hand soap is fine too, but not strictly necessary if you clean thoroughly.)
• Sex toy cleaner sprays or foams: These are specially formulated cleaners made just for intimate toys. They usually come in a spray or foam form and are antibacterial and body-safe. Toy cleaner is great for a quick spritz and wipe, or as an extra step after soap – just follow the instructions on the bottle. Many also help condition the toy’s material, keeping it supple.
• Antibacterial wipes: Toy cleaning wipes are handy for quick clean-ups, especially for non-waterproof parts. Keep a pack in your bedside drawer for an initial wipe-down right after use. Just remember, they’re not a substitute for a proper wash, but they help tide you over until you can rinse properly.
• Drying stick or drying rack: Some companies make drying sticks (often silica gel-based wands) that you insert into a toy’s canal to absorb moisture. These can be very useful for things like Fleshlights, big bum toys, or torsos. If you don’t have one, no worries – a bit of kitchen roll (paper towel) works too, it just might take a couple of passes.
• Cornflour (renewing powder): We’ve mentioned this a few times because it’s a lifesaver for maintaining that soft, skin-like feel. You can buy “renewal powder” from sex toy shops, but it’s essentially plain cornflour (called cornstarch in the US) without any additives. Just make sure it’s 100% cornstarch/cornflour. A light dusting after drying keeps TPE/silicone toys supple and fresh.
• Storage bags or cases: A clean storage solution is also part of keeping toys “clean”. Many higher-end toys come with their own storage pouch. If not, you can use a cotton drawstring bag or even a clean pillowcase for larger toys. Storing toys individually prevents them from touching each other (and avoids any material reactions or a big tangle of toys in your drawer!). Plus, it keeps dust and lint off your freshly cleaned equipment.

Drying and Storage Tips

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: drying your toys completely is just as important as washing them. Any moisture left can lead to mould, bacteria, or degrade the toy’s material. Here are some top tips for drying and storing your silicone companions:

• Air dry whenever possible: Let your toys air out on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area. Turn them occasionally if water pools on one side. Patience pays off – have that cup of tea while you wait.
• No hairdryers or heaters: It might be tempting to speed things up, but keep your toys away from hairdryers, radiators, or direct sunlight. High heat can warp or melt certain materials, and UV light can make them age faster. Slow and steady drying is safest.
• Get creative with drying: For hard-to-dry interiors, use the paper towel “tampon” technique: roll a piece of kitchen roll and insert it into the canal to soak up water. Replace it a couple of times until it comes out mostly dry. You can also use a small fan aimed at the openings of a toy to circulate air. Just ensure the toy is secure so it won’t tumble off – some of those toys are heavy!
• Store separately: Once dry, give each toy its own space. Silicone toys can sometimes have reactions if stored touching toys of different materials (like a silicone toy sitting against a jelly rubber toy – bad idea). Keeping them separate also stops any colours from bleeding between toys and avoids scratches or dents from them knocking together.
• Cool, dark, and dry: Store toys in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A drawer or closet works great. If you’re storing a very large toy or torso, lying it on a flat surface (under a bed or in a large box) is better than standing it on end, to avoid it deforming under its own weight. Think of it as giving your toy a comfy bed of its own.
• Regular check-ups: Even when stored, it’s good to check on your toys every so often. Make sure no dust or moisture has snuck in. Give them a quick rinse or wipe if they’ve been sitting unused for a long time, so they’re fresh when you need them.

What Not to Do (Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid)

To wrap up, let’s go over a few big no-no’s. These are things you shouldn’t do when cleaning your silicone sex toys (unless you fancy ruining your expensive kit or having a very awkward conversation at the dinner table):

• Don’t use boiling water on realistic toys: While pure silicone dildos without any mechanical parts can be boiled for sanitising, boiling is not recommended for most masturbators, pocket pussies, or torsos. The extreme heat can warp or damage lifelike materials (and absolutely wreck anything with a motor or plastic casing). Stick to warm water, not boiling.
• Don’t put toys in the dishwasher or washing machine: It might sound like an easy solution, but dishwashers get too hot and use harsh detergents, and the vigorous sloshing in a washing machine can batter your poor toy. Plus, do you really want yesterday’s dinner remnants or laundry soap up your bits? Probably not.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Bleach, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, hand sanitisers, or general household cleaners are too strong for your delicate toys (and your delicate parts). They can degrade silicone and other materials, cause discolouration, or leave residues that could cause irritation or infections. Always stick to gentle soap or cleaners made for sex toys.
• Don’t use a hairdryer or radiator to dry toys faster: We get it, waiting isn’t fun. But blasting your masturbator with a hairdryer or parking it on a hot radiator can lead to misshapen or melted sections. It can also dry out TPE materials in a bad way. Patience, grasshopper – air drying is the way.
• Don’t store them damp or dirty: Never toss your toy in the drawer right after use without cleaning it – that’s how you get mould, nasty smells, and an unpleasant surprise next time. Similarly, if it’s even slightly damp from cleaning, don’t seal it up. A closed, moist environment is basically a bacteria party. Make sure it’s bone dry and clean before it goes into storage.
• Don’t share without protection: If you happen to be sharing a toy with a partner, don’t skip cleaning (obviously!). In fact, use a fresh condom over the toy for each person during use. It just adds a layer of safety and makes cleaning easier. But even then, wash it thoroughly afterwards. Better safe than itchy.
• Avoid mixing materials in storage: As mentioned, different toy materials can react. A silicone toy can sometimes become discoloured or tacky if it’s been in contact with a toy made of PVC or rubber for a long time. So keep each toy in its own little home.
• Don’t forget the little bits: This is more of a “do” than a “don’t”: If your toy has removable components (like a bullet vibrator in a sleeve, or a screw-on cap), don’t forget to take them apart to clean separately. A tiny bit of fluid trapped in a cap or a battery compartment can go rancid over time. So always double-check you’ve cleaned and dried every piece.

Follow these guidelines, and you’ll avoid the common pitfalls that can damage your toy or, worse, put a damper on your fun. Cleaning might not be the highlight of your day, but it’s a small price to pay for many nights of worry-free pleasure!

Now you’ve got the know-how to keep all your favourite toys in tip-top condition. It might not be the sauciest part of your routine, but a good clean ensures your next solo adventure is worry-free and as pleasurable as ever. Take care of your kit, and it’ll take care of you – and that’s a win-win for any modern bloke!