How to clean your vibrator

Cleaning your vibrator takes a minute or two and makes a real difference. A clean toy is more hygienic, feels nicer to use and lasts longer. The right method depends mainly on one thing: how water-resistant your toy is. This guide walks you through it.

What does the IPX rating mean for cleaning?

Every product page lists an IPX rating. It tells you how much water your toy can handle:

Our guide to waterproof ratings explained goes into more detail.

Everyday cleaning, step by step

After each use:

1. Switch it off and, if it has one, make sure any charging cover is closed.
2. Wet it with warm water. Not hot: very hot water is unnecessary and can stress seals.
3. Wash with mild, unscented soap or a toy cleaner. Gently work it over the whole surface, including around buttons and seams, for about 30 seconds.
4. Rinse. Run fully waterproof toys under the tap. For splash-proof toys, use a gentle trickle or a clean, damp cloth, keeping water away from charging ports and battery compartments.
5. Dry. Pat with a lint-free towel, then leave it to air dry completely before storing.

That is it. A fully waterproof toy like the Lune Rechargeable Mini Bullet (IPX7) rinses clean in seconds, which makes this routine almost effortless.

How do you clean splash-proof and battery toys?

Splash-proof toys, such as the Rouge Lipstick Bullet, and toys with a removable battery cap need a slightly more careful approach. Keep any cap tightly closed while you clean, rinse briefly rather than soaking, and never submerge the toy. A damp cloth with a little soap, followed by a clean damp cloth, works perfectly.

If water ever gets inside, remove the battery straight away, leave the toy open to dry for 24 hours and then try again.

What should you clean a vibrator with?

Good choices:

• Warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
• A dedicated toy cleaner, which is gentle on silicone toys such as the Duet Dual Massage Wand.
• A soft, lint-free cloth.

Best avoided:

• Boiling, the dishwasher or the steriliser: they can damage the motor and electronics.
• Alcohol, bleach, household cleaners and strong antibacterial sprays: they can harm silicone and irritate skin.
• Scented soaps and wipes with heavy fragrance, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Abrasive sponges, which can scratch the surface.

How do you clean off lube?

Water-based lube washes off easily with warm soapy water. If you have used a silicone-based lube, it may take a little more washing to remove. Our guide to lube and compatibility explains which lubes work best with silicone toys.

How do you clean remotes, cables and pouches?

Remotes, charging cables and pouches need care too, just less often:

• Remotes: wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Most remotes are only splash-proof, so never submerge them.
• Charging cables: keep them dry and clean the magnetic contacts gently with a dry cloth if they look dusty.
• Storage pouches: hand wash in cool water with mild soap now and then and let them dry fully.

How should you clean a shared toy?

If a toy is shared, clean it before and after each use. Some people prefer to use a condom over a toy when sharing, changing it between partners, as an extra layer of hygiene. Clean thoroughly afterwards either way.

When should you replace a toy?

Body-safe silicone lasts a long time, but if the surface becomes sticky, cracked or permanently discoloured, it is time to retire it. Our guide to body-safe materials explains why non-porous materials matter, and our storage guide helps keep toys in good condition between uses.