Silicone Dildo Cleaning 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Care for Long-Term Safety

Keep it clean! Keep it safe! Keep it sexy!

So, you got yourself one of our gorgeous silicone dildos—maybe swirled with mica, shaped like a fantasy creature, a human creature, or just one of our sleek, satisfying, modern abstract design.

Hey! Thanks for your purchase and support of my products! Maybe you found your way here otherwise. If so, welcome! And maybe check out our stuff if you found this post useful.

But now that you've got it, you might be wondering how do I properly clean this thing?

Great news! Platinum cure silicone is super easy to clean! With the right care, your toy can last for years, even decades. But there are a few important do’s & don’ts to keep in mind to protect both your toy and your body.

Here’s your crash course on how to clean, sanitize, and store your silicone dildo like it’s your job!

I’ll try to keep it brief and to the point.


Why is it so important to clean your dildo?

Cleaning your toy isn’t just about dildo upkeep and good hygiene, it’s also about:

  • Preventing infections or irritation
  • Protecting sensitive tissues
  • Avoiding unwanted bacteria, mold, or residue buildup

Even though silicone is non-porous (meaning it won’t absorb fluids), it can still carry bacteria on the surface, especially if used for anal play, shared between partners, or used with fluids/lube.

Side Note: For these reasons, I suggest using condoms on your dildos, as they make cleanup a bit easier, as well as prolonging the need to sanitize. Condoms can also reduce friction between skin and silicone—soft silicone in particular can produce a drag against skin—and they are easy to quick-change when using with a partner. Make sure the condoms do not have silicone or oil lube, as they can damage the silicone of your dildo.


How to clean your silicone dildo 

For standard after-use cleaning (solo or with a partner), basic soap and water will do just fine.

Step-by-step:

  1. Rinse off any lube or fluids under warm water.
  2. Wash with mild, unscented soap* and a soft cloth or your hands**.
  3. Rinse thoroughly—make sure no soap residue is left.
  4. Let air-dry completely or pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel.

*If used vaginally, it's best to clean with a pH balanced soap.
**If the dildo is textured (veins, skin texture, crevices), you can use a soft bristle brush to scrub it. Also, use microfiber towels to dry, as they leave no lint behind.

You can also safely toss your toys in the top rack of the dishwasher (just water rinse, no detergent) for a quick, effective clean. I’m not a fan of this method for general health reasons, and we will speak more of this just below.

How to Sanitize

After some time, or in use cases outlined below, you will want to sanitize your dildos. Consider it like a car detailing—you can do a good job yourself, but a detailer can do a great, more thorough job.

So, if your dildo has been:

  • Used anally
  • Shared with a partner
  • Stored for a while without use
  • Exposed to bodily fluids

...then it’s probably time to sanitize.

Three safe methods:


1. Diluted bleach soak
This is, in my opinion, the best method, as significant heat can discolor silicone.

  • Mix 1 part unscented bleach to 10 parts water
  • Soak for 10 minutes
  • Rinse thoroughly with water
  • Let air-dry completely or pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel.


2. Boiling

  • Place in a pot of boiling water for 3–5 minutes
  • Make sure the toy is fully submerged
  • Don’t let it touch the bottom of the pan if it has suction cups or painted details—use tongs or a silicone mat

3. Dishwasher sterilization

  • Place on top rack, do not use any detergent
  • Select the Sanitize option on your dishwasher* and start the cycle
  • Let air-dry completely or pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel.

* Not all dishwashers have a Sanitize option, and if yours does not, disregard this option as the regular wash cycle is just not hot enough to completely clean and kill bacteria.

IMPORTANT: Never boil or sanitize toys with electrical parts. These methods are for 100% solid silicone only.


What About Lube Residue?

Water-based lubricants are the absolute best and safest choice for silicone dildos. Silicone dildos should not be used with silicone-based lubes unless the toy specifically says it’s compatible. These lubes can break down the surface of your toy over time.

If you accidentally use the wrong lube:

  • Quickly wash your toy thoroughly with soap and hot water
  • Check for changes in texture; any tackiness, dullness, or weird residue may mean damage
  • If it feels “off,” it’s best to retire the toy, it's no longer safe to use


What Not to Do

  • Don’t use harsh cleaners, scented soaps, or alcohol—they can irritate skin and degrade your toy
  • Don’t store your dildo touching toys made of jelly rubber, TPE, or unknown materials (they can react and melt!)
  • Don’t skip cleaning just because it “looks clean”


Storage Tips for Long-Term Safety

Once your toy is clean and dry, store it like the body-safe treasure it is:

  • Let it dry completely before putting it away
  • Use a clean pouch, case, or soft cloth to prevent lint and dust (our products come with such packaging)
  • Store away from direct sunlight or heat
  • Keep separate from toys made with unsafe or porous materials


Final Thoughts: Care Is Pleasure

Taking care of your silicone dildo isn’t a chore, it’s part of the pleasure process. A clean, well-maintained toy is safer, smoother, and just more fun to use.
Just like anything else, if you treat your toy with love, and it’ll love you back for years to come.


Want toys that are safe and easy to care for?

Explore our collection of 100% platinum-cure silicone toys—hand sculpted, hand-poured, non-porous, body-safe and beautiful.

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