How to Clean and Store Dildos: A Complete Guide
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Why Proper Cleaning Actually Matters
Cleaning a dildo isn't just a nice-to-have step — it's what keeps the material safe, hygienic, and long-lasting. Skipping it, or doing it the wrong way, can lead to bacteria buildup, material breakdown, and a shorter lifespan for a product you've already invested in. The good news: proper cleaning takes less than a minute once it's part of your routine.
Cleaning by Material Type
Not every dildo is made from the same material, and how you clean it should reflect that.
Silicone Dildos
Silicone is non-porous, which makes it one of the easier materials to keep hygienic. Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap, or use a dedicated toy cleaner formulated specifically for silicone. A quick spray, a few seconds to work, then wipe clean — no soaking required.
TPE Dildos
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is softer but slightly more porous than silicone, which means it needs a bit more consistent attention. Clean after every single use, not just occasionally, and avoid letting residue sit for long periods. The same toy cleaner used for silicone works well here too.
Dual-Density Designs
Several of our thicker, dual-layer silicone dildos combine a firmer core with a softer outer layer. Clean these the same way as standard silicone — the layered construction doesn't change the cleaning process, just the feel.
What to Avoid When Cleaning
A few common mistakes actually do more harm than good:
- Alcohol-based sanitizers — these can dry out and gradually degrade both silicone and TPE over repeated use
- Antibacterial dish soap with heavy fragrance — strong fragrances and dyes can occasionally irritate skin on sensitive use
- Boiling or dishwasher cleaning — unless a product is specifically labeled as safe for this, high heat can warp or damage the material
- Skipping the drying step — storing anything even slightly damp encourages bacteria growth
How to Clean, Step by Step
- Rinse with warm water immediately after use
- Apply a mild soap or dedicated toy cleaner
- Gently work it over the entire surface, including any texture or grooves
- Rinse thoroughly
- Pat dry with a clean towel, or allow to air dry fully before storing
For textured or deeply grooved designs — like our 11 Inch Huge Thick Dildo with its pronounced detail — pay extra attention to the grooves specifically, since residue can collect in the deeper texture more easily than on a smooth surface.
Why Lubricant Choice Affects Cleaning Too
The lubricant you use during play directly affects how easy cleanup is afterward, and what it does to the material over time.
- Water-based lubricant is compatible with every material we carry, including silicone, and rinses away easily
- Silicone-based lubricant should never be used with silicone toys — it can bond with and degrade the material
- Oil-based lubricant isn't recommended with silicone or TPE products, and can also leave a harder-to-clean residue
Our Lubes & Essentials collection covers this in more detail if you're unsure what's compatible with what you own.
Storage: The Step Most People Skip
Cleaning gets most of the attention, but storage matters just as much for keeping a product in good condition long-term.
Keep It Dry and Cool
Moisture is the enemy of proper storage. Always make sure a product is completely dry before putting it away — even a small amount of leftover moisture, combined with a closed storage space, creates the exact environment bacteria need to grow.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight and heat can gradually degrade silicone and TPE over time, causing the material to become tacky or lose its shape. A drawer, closet shelf, or dedicated storage bag out of direct light is ideal.
Store Items Separately
If you own more than one product — say, our 10 Inch Brown Dildo alongside a TPE product — store them separately rather than letting them touch for extended periods. Different materials can sometimes react with each other if left in prolonged contact, causing one or both to degrade.
A Simple Storage Routine
- Clean and fully dry the item
- Store in a breathable pouch or dedicated container, not sealed plastic
- Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Keep separate from other toys made of a different material
Why This Matters More With Larger or More Detailed Designs
If you own one of our larger designs — like the 12 Inch Oversized Dildo with its pronounced deep-fill texture, or the 14.4 Inch Huge Dildo — proper storage space matters even more. These need enough room to lay flat without bending or being compressed into a small space, which can affect shape over time.
A Few Common Questions
How often should I actually clean my dildo?
Before and after every single use — not just after. Cleaning before use removes any dust or residue from storage; cleaning after removes anything from use itself.
Can I use regular soap if I don't have a toy cleaner?
In a pinch, yes — mild, unscented soap and warm water work fine. A dedicated toy cleaner is simply formulated specifically for these materials, without the drying effect some soaps can have with repeated use.
Does storage really make that much difference?
Yes — poor storage (damp, direct sunlight, touching other materials) is one of the most common reasons a product degrades faster than expected, even when cleaning has been done correctly.
Is it different for a beginner-sized product versus a larger one?
The cleaning process is the same regardless of size. Storage space requirements simply scale up with size — larger designs need more room to store flat and undisturbed.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning and storing a dildo properly isn't complicated, but it does need to be consistent. A quick clean after every use, the right lubricant pairing, and a dry, cool, separate storage spot are really all it takes to keep any product in good condition for a long time. If you're still building your routine, our Expert's Guide covers material safety more broadly, and our toy cleaner is a simple way to make the cleaning step second nature.