Hi, it's Sunny! One of the most common questions we get at the boutique is a wonderfully practical one: how do I actually take care of my toys?
Cleaning and storing them the right way isn't just about tidiness — it keeps them body-safe, helps them last for years, and means they're always ready when you are. Here's everything you need to know, minus any awkwardness.
Why It's Worth Doing Right
Your toys come into contact with the most delicate parts of your body, so hygiene matters. Proper cleaning prevents bacteria from building up, and proper storage protects the materials so they stay smooth, safe, and looking new. A little care goes a long way — for your health and for your investment.
First, Know Your Material
How you clean a toy depends on what it's made of:
- Non-porous (medical-grade silicone, glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic) — the gold standard. These don't trap bacteria and are the easiest to keep clean.
- Porous (some jelly, TPR/TPE, and novelty materials) — these can absorb bacteria, so they need extra care and are best used with a condom.
Not sure what yours is made of? Bring it up next time you're in — we're happy to help you figure it out.
How to Clean Them
Clean your toy before and after every use. The method depends on whether it has a motor:
- Non-motorized toys (glass, steel, solid silicone): wash with warm water and a mild, unscented soap, or use a dedicated toy cleaner. Fully waterproof silicone can even be boiled or run through the top rack of the dishwasher (no soap).
- Motorized or rechargeable toys: never submerge these unless the label says they're waterproof. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and a little mild soap or toy-cleaner spray, taking care around the charging port and buttons.
Skip harsh soaps, alcohol, and anything abrasive — they can damage the surface and irritate skin.
Dry Before You Store
Let everything air-dry completely on a clean towel before putting it away. Trapping moisture is the fastest way to invite mildew, so this step really matters.
Storing Them the Right Way
- Keep toys somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.
- Store silicone toys separately — different materials (and even two different silicones) can react and get sticky when they touch. A soft cloth bag or individual pouch is perfect.
- Use a breathable storage bag rather than a sealed plastic one, so nothing stays damp.
- Remove the batteries from battery-operated toys if you won't use them for a while.
A Little Battery & Charging Care
For rechargeable toys, top them off every so often even when they're not in use — letting a battery fully drain for months can shorten its life. Keep the charging contacts clean and dry, and store them somewhere they won't get knocked around.
When to Say Goodbye
Even well-loved toys don't last forever. Replace anything with cracks, tears, a sticky surface, a changed smell, or a motor that isn't working like it used to. When in doubt, it's always safest to retire it.
That's it — a few simple habits that keep everything clean, safe, and ready to go. If you'd like a body-safe toy or a good cleaner to make this even easier, come see us at any of our boutiques. We'll point you in the right direction, judgment-free, every time.
Until next time — take care of yourself.
— Sunny