Clean Your BDSM Toys: The Ultimate Guide to Safe, Long Lasting Kink Gear
When it comes to BDSM play, pleasure and safety go hand in hand and that includes how you take care of your toys. Whether you’re just starting to build your collection or you’re already deep into your journey, knowing how to clean your BDSM toys properly is a skill every kinkster should have. Good hygiene protects your health, extends the life of your gear, and keeps your scenes stress free. Yet surprisingly, it’s something many overlook until a problem arises.
We’ve created this no nonsense guide for people who love their gear and want to take care of it the right way. You’ll find practical cleaning methods for every material, storage solutions that work, and answers to the questions you might be too embarrassed to ask. Plus, we’ll showcase a few toys worth adding to your collection from our mates over at Adultsmart.
This is about making kink safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable without overcomplicating it. Because at the end of the day, if you take the time to clean your BDSM toys properly, you’re showing up with care and respect for yourself and your partners.
- Know Your Materials
- Cleaning Basics Before and After Use
- Deep Clean and Disinfection
- Lube Compatibility 101
- Storage Tips to Keep Your Toys in Top Condition
- Toy Longevity and When to Say Goodbye
- Safety, Consent and Communication
- 3 Must Have BDSM Toys from Adultsmart
- FAQs About How to Clean Your BDSM Toys
Know Your Materials – Clean Your BDSM Toys
Not all kink toys are created equal, and that’s especially true when it comes to what they’re made of. Different materials react to moisture, heat, and cleaning products in their own way, which means one method won’t work for everything. Knowing exactly what your toys are made of is the first step to making sure they last and stay safe to use.
Silicone is one of the most popular materials in the scene. It’s non porous, body safe, and easy to sanitise. You can usually clean it with warm soapy water or boil it if it’s 100 percent silicone with no added parts. Stainless steel and glass are also non porous and can handle more intense cleaning, including boiling or using a bleach solution. These are great for anyone who values durability and hygiene.
Leather, on the other hand, requires a bit more care. It’s a porous material, which means it can absorb bodily fluids and bacteria. You should never soak it. Instead, wipe it down gently with a damp cloth and use a leather safe cleaner or conditioner afterwards. The same goes for wood and certain rubbers, which can degrade quickly if handled the wrong way.
ABS plastic, jelly rubber, and other soft materials are often more affordable, but they’re not as durable and can break down over time. They’re also porous, so avoid sharing them unless you’re using a condom over the toy. If you want to clean your BDSM toys effectively, taking the time to understand the material is absolutely essential.
Cleaning Basics Before and After Use
Cleaning your toys before and after every session isn’t just a recommendation — it’s a basic rule of responsible play. Even if you’re the only one using them, bacteria, bodily fluids, and lubricants can all stick around and cause irritation or infection later. If you’re sharing toys with a partner, especially during penetration, it becomes even more important to start and end with a clean slate.
For non porous toys like silicone, stainless steel, or borosilicate glass, warm water and unscented soap is your go to. Make sure to get into any grooves or textured areas where residue might hide. Let the toy air dry completely before putting it away. For faster sessions or in between uses, body safe toy wipes or a pH balanced cleaner can do the trick, but they should never replace a proper wash.
Porous toys need more attention. Because they can’t be fully sterilised, you should use them with a barrier like a condom, especially during any kind of penetration. Clean them gently with mild soap and a damp cloth, avoiding full immersion unless the label says otherwise. Be cautious with temperature and cleaning agents, as these toys can react poorly and degrade over time.
Making it a habit to clean your BDSM toys both before and after use doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference. Not only does it keep everything safe and hygienic, but it also shows your partners you care about their wellbeing, which goes a long way in any type of scene.
Deep Clean and Disinfection
Sometimes a basic wash isn’t enough. If your toys have been used for anal play, with multiple partners, or during an especially messy session, a deeper clean is necessary. Disinfecting your toys helps eliminate bacteria and viruses that standard soap and water can miss, especially when it comes to items used internally.
Boiling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to disinfect toys made from pure silicone, stainless steel, or glass. Three to five minutes in a pot of boiling water is usually all it takes. Just make sure the toy doesn’t have electrical parts or coatings that could be damaged by heat. A steam steriliser used for baby bottles can also work for these materials and is handy for people who prefer a plug and play option.
A 10 percent bleach solution is another safe disinfecting option when used correctly. Mix one part bleach with nine parts water, soak non porous toys for about ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and let them air dry. Always label your bleach mix clearly and keep it away from anything porous or reactive.
You can also use UV light sterilisers for certain toys, but results can vary depending on the design and exposure time. Regardless of the method, deep cleaning is not something you need to do daily, but it should absolutely be part of your routine. If you want to clean your BDSM toys properly and keep everyone safe, a deep clean every so often is well worth the effort.
Lube Compatibility 101 – Clean Your BDSM Toys
Using the right lube with the right toy is more important than most people think. Some combinations can break down materials, leave behind residue, or even cause irritation. The last thing you want during a scene is for your favourite toy to get sticky, damaged, or unsafe to use because of a lube mismatch.
Water based lubricants are usually the safest choice across the board. They’re compatible with almost every toy material and are easy to clean off with warm water. The downside is they tend to dry out faster, but you can easily refresh them with a bit of water or saliva. For people with sensitive skin, look for glycerin free and paraben free formulas.
Silicone based lubes are great for long sessions because they’re smooth, long lasting, and won’t dry out. However, they can react badly with silicone toys. In most cases, using a silicone lube on a silicone toy causes the surface to degrade or become tacky over time. If you’re unsure, do a patch test on a small area or stick to another lube type.
Oil based lubes, including coconut oil and other natural oils, should only be used with non latex condoms and non porous toys. They’re difficult to clean and can trap bacteria, so they’re not ideal for toys that need to be kept sterile. If you want to clean your BDSM toys properly, always check what your lube is made of before it touches your gear.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Toys in Top Condition
Once your toys are clean and dry, where and how you store them makes a big difference in how long they last. Leaving toys piled in a drawer or touching each other can cause materials to break down or pick up unwanted lint and bacteria. A few simple changes in how you store them can keep them safer, cleaner, and ready for use any time.
The golden rule is to store each toy separately. Silicone toys, in particular, should not touch each other in storage as the material can react and degrade. Use soft pouches, cloth bags, or small containers to keep things from rubbing together. For toys with leather or metal parts, choose breathable bags that allow air circulation to prevent mould or rust.
Avoid humid areas like bathrooms where moisture can collect and cause bacterial growth. A dry, cool drawer or storage box is a better option. Some kinksters use lockable toolboxes or repurposed makeup organisers for a discreet and functional solution. Keeping cleaning wipes and a bottle of toy spray nearby can also encourage you to stay on top of care.
It takes just a little effort to store your toys correctly, but the payoff is huge. If you’re going to clean your BDSM toys, it only makes sense to keep them in a space that keeps them safe, too.
Toy Longevity and When to Say Goodbye
Even the best made kink gear won’t last forever. Over time, materials can break down, especially if they’ve been exposed to friction, body fluids, lubricants, or harsh cleaners. Silicone may start to feel tacky, leather might crack, and rubber can become cloudy or sticky. Checking your toys regularly for changes in texture, colour, or smell can help you catch issues early and avoid any mid scene surprises.
Small cracks or surface changes might not seem like a big deal, but they can create hiding places for bacteria. Any toy that smells strange even after cleaning, has permanent discolouration, or feels different than it used to should be retired. This is especially true for anything used internally or that comes into contact with mucous membranes. With electrical toys, be on the lookout for frayed cords, weak motors, or overheating during use.
You can clean your BDSM toys as often and thoroughly as you like, but once the material starts to degrade, no amount of scrubbing will make it safe again. Part of being a responsible kinkster is knowing when to say goodbye and replacing toys before they put your health at risk.
Safety, Consent and Communication
In BDSM, trust is everything. That trust isn’t just built through negotiation and aftercare — it extends to how you handle your gear. Taking the time to clean your BDSM toys shows that you care about your partner’s body, health, and boundaries. No one wants to be surprised by a dirty toy in the middle of a scene. By maintaining hygiene, you’re reinforcing that safety and mutual respect are core values in your play.
If you share toys between partners, communicate clearly about how they’re cleaned and whether barriers like condoms will be used. It’s also wise to label or separate toys used for anal play, vaginal play, or solo use to avoid any chance of cross contamination. Being upfront about your cleaning routine might feel overly cautious to some, but it actually strengthens consent and confidence. It’s one more way to create a safe and consensual space where everyone can relax and enjoy the experience.
3 Must Have BDSM Toys from Adultsmart
1. BANNED Soft Leather Elastic Sponge Cuffs
These cuffs are perfect for restraint play, combining soft sponge padding with secure leather construction. The elastic design provides flexibility and comfort, making them ideal for longer scenes where circulation and comfort matter. Because they’re made of leather, they require a bit more attention when cleaning — a light wipe with a damp cloth after each use is key. Follow that up with a leather safe cleaner or conditioner to prevent cracking or drying out. If you clean your BDSM toys with care, leather gear like this can last for years and still feel as good as the first time.
2. BDStyle Male Chastity Device with the FUFU Clip (Medium)
This stainless steel chastity device offers secure, structured control with a stylish and functional design. The FUFU Clip adds an extra layer of stimulation and restraint, making it a solid choice for those into long term chastity play. Because it’s made of metal, it can be fully sterilised — just make sure to clean all the small parts and grooves carefully. Warm soapy water followed by a rinse and air dry is a good everyday routine. To clean your BDSM toys like this thoroughly, you can also use a 10 percent bleach solution for deeper sanitation between partners or extended use.
3. Doc Johnson Merci The Stinger Electroplay Body Wand (Black)
This electroplay wand delivers sharp, teasing sensations that can range from light tingles to a satisfying sting, depending on intensity and technique. It’s a fantastic choice for sensory exploration and power exchange dynamics. Since it includes electrical components, never submerge it in water. Instead, wipe down the wand with a cloth dampened with mild soapy water or a toy safe cleaning spray. Avoid getting moisture near the power unit or buttons. Cleaning this type of gear properly is all part of the fun — when you clean your BDSM toys responsibly, even complex ones like this stay safe and satisfying.
FAQs About How to Clean Your BDSM Toys
1. How often should I clean my BDSM toys?
Always clean your toys before and after every use. Even if they haven’t been used in a while, it’s a good habit to give them a quick wash before they come into contact with skin. For toys used during penetration, especially anal play, thorough cleaning is non negotiable to avoid infection risks.
2. Can I share toys with my partner safely?
Yes, but only if you clean them properly between uses or use barriers like condoms. Non porous toys can be disinfected and reused between partners, while porous ones should be used with more caution. When in doubt, label toys for specific partners or body areas to minimise the chance of cross contamination.
3. What’s the safest way to clean leather toys?
Leather toys should never be soaked or scrubbed. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the surface, then follow up with a leather cleaner or conditioner. Keeping them out of direct sunlight and storing them in a breathable bag will also help preserve their look and feel.
4. Is boiling toys safe for everything?
No, only certain materials like pure silicone, stainless steel, and borosilicate glass can be safely boiled. Never boil toys that have motors, batteries, coatings, or are made of porous materials. If you’re unsure, stick with soap and warm water or consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. What should I do if my toy smells strange after cleaning?
A lingering odour can be a sign that bacteria is still present or that the material is starting to break down. If the smell doesn’t go away after cleaning, it might be time to replace the toy. It’s always better to clean your BDSM toys thoroughly and retire them when they stop feeling safe or fresh.
Join Frikki’s sensual journey! A part-time Miami resident with a penchant for erotic tales, BDSM, and exhibitionism. Join her escapades at adultsmart!
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