Toy Cleaners

What are toy cleaners?

A toy cleaner is a cleansing product formulated for sex toys and the skin they touch. Regular soaps can leave residue in textured surfaces, and some household cleaners are too harsh for soft materials or for anything that goes inside the body. A toy cleaner is designed to lift away lubricant and body fluids, rinse off easily and leave nothing behind that would irritate. Most come as a pump foam or a misting spray; a few are wipes for travel. Used before and after every session, a cleaner is the simplest way to extend the life of your vibrators, dildos and anal toys.

Types of toy cleaners

Foaming toy cleaners

Think Clean Thoughts, Wicked Foam N' Fresh, JO Refresh, CalExotics foaming cleaners, Intimate Earth foams, Good Clean Fun, Clean AF and After Dark Essential pump out a foam that clings to the toy long enough to work into ridges and textures before rinsing.

Misting toy cleaners

Pjur, JO Misting, Bathmate Clean, ID Mist, Wicked Cleene and Doc Johnson's spray deliver a fine mist that covers a toy quickly. Sprays are fast for smooth toys and easy to use on large items.

Anti-bacterial toy cleaners

Nasstoys, Before and After and Think Clean Thoughts anti-bacterial cleaners, and the Aneros anti-bacterial wipes, are labelled for hygiene-focused cleaning, which many people prefer for anal toys and shared toys.

Botanical and organic toy cleaners

Sliquid Shine and The Rabbit Company organic cleaners, Intimate Earth's Lavandula and Green tea tree cleaners and CalExotics' tea tree oil and aloe vera cleaners use plant-based scents and ingredients for people who prefer a gentler profile.

Travel sizes, wipes and refills

JO's travel-size mist, Aneros wipes and Swiss Navy's small toy and body cleaner fit a bag; the Wicked refill pouch and Swiss Navy's gallon size keep a well-used bedside stocked.

How to choose toy cleaners

Format and ingredients are the main differences.

• Format: Foam clings to textured toys and sleeves; mist is quicker on smooth silicone, glass and metal; wipes are for travel and quick refreshes.
• Fragrance: Unscented or fragrance-free formulas are the safest choice for toys used internally or if you have sensitive skin.
• Ingredients: If you prefer plant-based products, look for tea tree, aloe or organic labelling; always patch test if you react easily.
• Toy material: Check the label says it is suitable for silicone and soft materials, and avoid alcohol-heavy products on strokers and sleeves.
• Volume: Buy a travel size to try a brand, then a larger bottle or refill once you know you like it.

How to use and care for toy cleaners

Spray or foam the cleaner over the whole toy, let it sit for a moment, work it into any ridges with your fingers, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and air dry. Clean before and after every use, and always between anal and vaginal use or between partners. Keep motors and charging ports dry unless the toy is rated for water.

• Rinse well; cleaner left on a toy can irritate skin.
• Let toys dry completely before storing so moisture is not trapped in pouches or boxes.
• Store silicone toys separately so they do not react with each other.
• Use a water-based lubricant with silicone toys, which also makes cleaning easier.
• Keep the cleaner itself capped and out of direct sun.

Toy cleaners for beginners and every toy box

If you are buying your first toy, add a cleaner to the order; it is the one accessory every toy needs. Beginners do well with a fragrance-free foam, which is forgiving on all materials. People with several toys often keep a mist by the bed for quick cleaning and a foam for textured items like sleeves from our male sex toys range. For travel, wipes or a small mist are discreet and light.