How to Clean and Care for Your Sex Toy: The Complete NZ Guide

Cleaning your sex toys properly is not optional — it is essential. Bacteria, bodily fluids and lubricant residue can build up on toys and cause infections if not properly removed. The good news is that cleaning your toys correctly takes less than two minutes and becomes second nature very quickly.

This guide covers everything New Zealanders need to know about cleaning, storing and caring for their sex toys — by material type, by toy type and with specific product recommendations available in NZ.

Why Cleaning Your Sex Toys Matters

Unclean sex toys can harbour bacteria, yeast and viruses that cause infections including bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and UTIs. Even if you only use a toy solo, cleaning is still essential because:

• Bacteria from your body can multiply on toy surfaces between uses
• Lubricant and body fluid residue degrades toy materials over time
• Some materials are porous and can harbour pathogens deep in the surface if not cleaned immediately after use

The Two Methods: Toy Cleaner vs Soap and Water

Purpose-Made Toy Cleaner (Recommended)

A purpose-made sex toy cleaner is the easiest and most reliable cleaning method. These sprays are pH-balanced, antibacterial and safe for all toy materials. Simply spray on, leave for 30–60 seconds, then wipe clean with a soft cloth. No rinsing required for most formulas. Naughty Hut stocks toy cleaners from Pjur and other trusted brands from around $15–$25 NZD.

Warm Water and Mild Soap

If you do not have a toy cleaner, warm water and a tiny amount of unscented mild soap works well for most non-motorised toys. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Never submerge motorised toys unless they are rated IPX7 waterproof.

Cleaning by Material

At a glance, here is how to clean each common toy material — with the detail for each below.

Medical-Grade Silicone

The safest and easiest material to clean. Non-porous, so bacteria cannot penetrate the surface. Options for cleaning silicone toys:

• Toy cleaner spray — fastest and easiest method
• Warm water and mild soap — rinse thoroughly
• Boiling for 3 minutes (non-motorised only) — fully sterilises
• Top rack of the dishwasher, no detergent (non-motorised only)

Never use bleach, alcohol or abrasive cleaners on silicone — they degrade the material.

ABS Hard Plastic

Non-porous and easy to clean. Wipe with a damp cloth and toy cleaner or mild soap. Do not submerge if motorised. ABS is alcohol-safe if you need a deeper clean on a non-motorised toy.

Borosilicate Glass

Non-porous and completely sterilisable. Can be boiled, soaked in a 10% bleach solution (rinse thoroughly afterwards), put in the dishwasher or simply cleaned with toy cleaner or soap and water. Glass is one of the easiest materials to keep clean.

Stainless Steel

Same as glass — non-porous, can be boiled, dishwasher-safe (non-motorised), bleach-safe. Very easy to clean and virtually indestructible.

TPE and TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer / Rubber)

Porous materials that cannot be fully sterilised. Clean thoroughly with toy cleaner or soap and water after every use. Use condoms with porous toys to reduce bacteria transfer, especially if sharing between partners. Replace porous toys more frequently than silicone.

Cyberskin and Realistic Materials

Highly porous and require careful cleaning. Rinse with warm water — never hot, as it damages the material. Pat dry gently. Dust with renewal powder (cornstarch or purpose-made toy renewal powder) after drying to maintain texture. Store separately from other toys.

Motorised vs Non-Motorised Toys

The most important distinction when cleaning:

• Non-motorised toys (dildos, plugs, glass toys, metal toys) — can be submerged, boiled or dishwashed if made from non-porous body-safe materials.
• Motorised toys (vibrators, massagers, app-controlled toys) — unless rated IPX7 waterproof, clean the surface only. Do not submerge the charging port or motor housing. Use a toy cleaner spray or damp cloth.

Always check your toy's specific waterproof rating before cleaning with water.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine

1. Remove batteries or disconnect from power before cleaning any motorised toy.
2. Rinse non-motorised body-safe toys under warm running water to remove surface residue.
3. Apply toy cleaner or a small amount of mild soap and clean the entire surface thoroughly — including any ridges, grooves or textured areas.
4. Rinse thoroughly (if using soap) or wipe clean with a cloth (if using spray cleaner).
5. Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or leave to air dry completely before storing.
6. Store in a clean pouch, bag or the original box — away from other toys unless they are made from the same material.

Lubricant and Cleaning Compatibility

Lubricant is the residue you most often clean off — and using the wrong lube damages toys in the first place. Use a water-based lubricant with silicone toys; silicone-based lube bonds with silicone surfaces and leaves them tacky and harder to clean over time. Oil-based lube is difficult to wash off fully and degrades latex condoms. When in doubt, water-based lube is safe with every toy material and rinses off easily.

How to Store Your Sex Toys

Proper storage extends the life of your toys significantly:

• Store each toy in its own pouch or bag — silicone toys stored touching each other can degrade.
• Keep toys in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — heat and UV light degrade materials.
• Store away from dust and lint, which can get into charging ports and motors.
• Remove batteries from battery-powered toys for long-term storage.
• Charge rechargeable toys before storing — lithium batteries last longest kept around 50–60%; do not leave a rechargeable toy flat for months.
• Check toys for damage before each use — discard any toy with cracks, peeling or unusual odour.

When to Replace Your Sex Toys

Even with perfect care, sex toys do not last forever. Replace your toy if you notice:

• Cracks, chips or peeling on the surface
• A strong or unusual chemical smell
• Discolouration that does not wash off
• Reduced motor power that does not improve with charging
• Any visible damage to the charging port or cord

Porous toys (TPE, cyberskin) should generally be replaced every 1–2 years even with good care.

Recommended Toy Care Products Available at Naughty Hut NZ

• Pjur Clean Toy Cleaner — Spray-on, wipe-off formula. Safe for all materials. Around $20 NZD.
• Sliquid Shine Toy Cleaner — Organic ingredients, fragrance-free, pH-balanced. Around $22 NZD.
• Doc Johnson Toy Renewal Powder — For maintaining cyberskin and TPE toys. Around $15 NZD.
• Satisfyer Toy Cleaner — Great value spray cleaner from a trusted brand. Around $18 NZD.

FAQ — Sex Toy Care NZ

How often should I clean my sex toy?

Before and after every single use. Even if a toy looks clean, bacteria accumulate quickly on the surface.

Can I use hand sanitiser to clean my sex toys?

No — alcohol-based hand sanitisers can damage silicone and other toy materials. Use a purpose-made toy cleaner or mild soap and water instead.

Can I share sex toys between partners?

Non-porous body-safe toys (silicone, glass, stainless steel) can be shared between partners if sterilised between uses. For porous toys, use a fresh condom with each partner.

Where can I buy toy cleaner in NZ?

Naughty Hut stocks a range of purpose-made toy cleaners and care products with discreet delivery across New Zealand and Australia. Browse our wellness section for the full range.

Does Naughty Hut ship toy cleaner discreetly?

Yes — all Naughty Hut orders arrive in plain, unbranded packaging with a neutral billing descriptor.

Keep your toys clean and lasting longer. Browse Naughty Hut's toy care and wellness range — cheapest prices in NZ, discreet shipping, same-day dispatch before 2pm NZT.