MATERIALS & CARE

Sex-toy materials and cleaning: what the label should tell you

3 min read · Updated 25 October 2026

Good care starts before purchase. If a listing does not identify the material, the water resistance and the cleaning method, you cannot confidently judge how the product should be maintained.

Porous and non-porous materials

Porosity describes whether a surface can contain microscopic spaces that make complete cleaning more difficult. Planned Parenthood lists 100% silicone, hard plastic, stainless steel, aluminium and break-resistant glass among the non-porous options to consider for insertable products. Some silicone blends, jelly rubber, PVC, vinyl, TPR, TPE and other elastomers may be porous.

That distinction affects care, but it does not make every product in one category identical. Seams, coatings, charging ports and multi-material construction also influence how easily a product can be cleaned.

Common material categories

100% silicone

Quality silicone is soft, flexible and non-porous, but shoppers should distinguish 100% silicone from an unspecified blend. Some silicone lubricants can affect some silicone products, so a water-based lubricant is the cautious default unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility.

ABS and other hard plastics

Hard plastic is rigid, non-porous and often used for handles, control housings and some complete products. Inspect joins and textured areas carefully when cleaning. Do not immerse a motorised product unless its instructions explicitly allow it.

Stainless steel and break-resistant glass

These rigid, non-porous materials can be easy to clean when intact. Inspect glass for chips or cracks and metal for damaged coatings or rough edges. Keep temperature changes moderate: extreme temperatures can harm tissue.

Soft blends and rubbery plastics

TPE, TPR, jelly rubber, PVC, vinyl and unidentified elastomers may be porous or contain mixtures that are hard to judge by appearance alone. Follow the care instructions, consider a compatible barrier such as a condom, and replace the product if the surface becomes sticky, cracked, discoloured or difficult to clean.

Additives and origin

In the EU, several phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP) have been restricted in consumer articles since July 2020, according to the German consumer-health magazine Apotheken Umschau. A rule on paper is not a guarantee about a particular product, which is why a listing that names the manufacturer, the material and the country of manufacture is easier to assess than one that does not. A strong chemical smell can also be a sign of poor quality.

A cleaning routine is product-specific

1. Read first: check the manual for water resistance, removable components and prohibited cleaners.
2. Power down: unplug chargers and remove batteries where required.
3. Clean promptly: use the method recommended by the maker. Many products permit mild unscented soap and warm water, but not all do. Harsh cleaners can damage some materials.
4. Check joins: buttons, seams, bases and battery covers can retain residue.
5. Rinse when appropriate: remove cleaning-product residue from surfaces that are permitted to contact water.
6. Dry fully: moisture trapped before storage can damage materials or electronics.
7. Store separately: use a clean, dry pouch away from heat and direct sunlight. See our storage and travel guide.

“Waterproof” does not mean everything is allowed

A waterproof claim does not automatically mean a product can be boiled, placed in a dishwasher or left submerged. Electrical products, rechargeable ports and bonded materials need their own instructions. When no care guide exists, contact the manufacturer before using an aggressive cleaning method.

When to replace a product

• Cracks, tears, chips or sharp edges appear.
• The surface becomes permanently sticky, flaky or discoloured.
• A seam opens or liquid reaches an electrical compartment.
• The charger, cable or battery housing is damaged.
• Odour remains after the recommended cleaning process.
• The maker issues a recall or safety notice.

Sharing and barriers

Products can carry bodily fluids between people or body areas. Health organisations advise cleaning between users and using a fresh condom where appropriate. Change the barrier for each person and when moving between body areas. A condom can reduce exposure, but it does not repair a damaged product.

Related guides

New to the category? Begin with how to choose a first sex toy. For general precautions, read our safe-use basics. If privacy matters, use our discreet-delivery checklist before checkout.

Sources

• Planned Parenthood: sex toys, materials, cleaning and safer use
• Apotheken Umschau: how to use sex toys properly (German)
• Sexual Medicine Society of North America: how can one use sex toys safely?
• NHS Sexual Health Oxfordshire: lubricant compatibility