The Afterparty: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Storing Sex Toys

Introduction: The Unsexy Truth

You’ve had a great night. The candles are blown out, the mood is relaxing, and you are ready to drift off to sleep. But wait—there is one crucial step standing between you and dreamland: The Cleanup.

Cleaning sex toys is admittedly the least sexy part of owning them. However, it is arguably the most important. A poorly cleaned toy can turn a tool of pleasure into a petri dish of bacteria, leading to infections that will put your sex life on pause for weeks. Furthermore, improper storage can actually destroy the materials of the toys you spent hard-earned money on.

This guide isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about asset protection. We will walk you through exactly how to clean every type of material and how to store your collection so it stays discreet, safe, and ready for action.

Part 1: The General Cleaning Rules

Before we get into specific materials, here are the three golden rules of toy maintenance:

1. Clean Before AND After: We often remember to clean after sex, but dust collects while toys sit in drawers. A quick rinse before use is always a good idea.
2. Remove the Batteries: If your toy takes AA or AAA batteries, take them out before washing. Even “waterproof” toys can have battery compartments that aren’t perfectly sealed against submersion.
3. Check the Manual: Manufacturers know their products best. If the box says “Splash-proof only,” do not dunk it in the sink.

Part 2: Cleaning by Material

Silicone, Glass, and Stainless Steel (Non-Porous) These are the easiest to clean because bacteria cannot penetrate the surface.

• The Soap & Water Method: Use warm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap. Lather it up for at least 20 seconds (just like washing your hands). Rinse thoroughly.
• The Boil Method (Silicone/Glass Only): If you want to be 100% sure it’s sterile, you can boil 100% silicone or borosilicate glass in water for 3–5 minutes. Note: Do not do this with vibrators containing batteries or motors!
• The Dishwasher: solid glass or steel dildos (no electronics) can often go in the dishwasher.

Cyberskin, Jelly, and TPR (Porous) These materials are tricky. Because they have microscopic pores, you cannot “sterilize” them, you can only “clean” them.

• Gentle Wash: Use warm water and soap immediately after use. Do not scrub too hard, or you might damage the texture.
• Toy Cleaners: For these materials, buying a dedicated “Toy Cleaner” spray is a good investment. These sprays are formulated to break down biological fluids without degrading the soft plastic.
• Cornstarch: Some realistic materials (like Cyberskin) become sticky after washing. Once they are bone dry, lightly dust them with cornstarch or “renewal powder” to restore that velvety skin-like feel.

Part 3: Drying Matters

Never store a wet toy. Moisture in a dark drawer is a recipe for mold.

• Air Dry: This is best. Lay them on a clean towel.
• Lint-Free Cloth: If you must wipe them dry, use a microfiber cloth. Regular cotton towels or tissues will leave lint stuck to silicone and jelly toys, which is annoying to pick off later.

Part 4: Storage Wars

You’ve washed them, dried them, and now you’re throwing them all into a shoebox under the bed. Stop! You might be ruining them.

The “Melting” Phenomenon This sounds like an urban legend, but it is real. If two different types of soft plastic (like a silicone vibrator and a jelly dildo) touch each other for a long period, they can chemically react. This reaction causes the materials to fuse and melt, leaving you with a sticky, ruined mess.

• Rule: Every toy needs its own house.

Storage Solutions:

1. Toy Bags: Most high-quality toys come with a satin or cotton drawstring bag. Keep these! They allow air to circulate while keeping dust out.
2. Tupperware/Plastic Bins: If you have a lot of toys, use a plastic bin, but wrap each toy individually in cloth or a Ziploc bag before placing them inside.
3. The Battery issue: If you store a toy for months with alkaline batteries inside, the batteries can corrode and leak acid, destroying the motor. Always store batteries separately.

Part 5: Discreet Storage Ideas

If you live with roommates, parents, or curious kids, security is key.

• Lockable Boxes: You can buy “vanity cases” that look like makeup train cases but have combination locks.
• Hollow Books: A classic for a reason. Great for hiding smaller items like bullet vibes or condoms on a bookshelf.
• Travel Cases: Many brands now make “odour-absorbing” bags (originally designed for cannabis) that are excellent for discreetly storing sex toys.

Conclusion

Treat your toys with respect, and they will return the favor. A clean, well-maintained collection ensures that when the mood strikes, you aren’t killing the vibe by scrubbing off lint or wondering if that sticky spot is safe.