23 June 2026 · Sam

How to Clean a Dildo

Ava Noir — Dildo Guides

How Do You Clean a Dildo?

A complete guide to cleaning and sterilising dildos by material — so every session starts fresh and safe.

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Every useclean before and after every single session
Unscentedalways use unscented soap to avoid irritation
3 minsboiling time to sterilise non-motorised silicone toys
Dry fullymoisture in storage causes bacterial growth
Cleaning your dildo is not optional — it is the single most important thing you can do to protect your health and extend the life of your toy.

Dildos come into direct contact with the most sensitive areas of the body. Bacteria, lubricant residue and bodily fluids left on the surface can cause infections, irritation and material degradation. The right cleaning method depends on what your dildo is made from — the guide below covers every material.

Why Cleaning Matters

Sex toys come into close contact with intimate areas and mucous membranes. Without proper cleaning between uses, bacteria can accumulate on the surface and cause infections such as bacterial vaginosis, thrush or urinary tract infections. This applies even to toys used only for solo play.

Perfumed or scented soaps should never be used to clean a dildo intended for vaginal use. They can disrupt the body's natural pH balance and trigger irritation. Use plain, unscented soap or a dedicated sex toy cleaner every time.

Cleaning by Material

Material Basic Cleaning Deep Sterilisation Notes
Medical-grade silicone (no motor) Warm water and unscented soap Boil up to 3 minutes or top-rack dishwasher Non-porous. Can be fully sterilised.
Borosilicate glass Warm water and unscented soap Boil or dishwasher Non-porous and very easy to clean thoroughly.
Stainless steel Warm water and unscented soap Boil a few minutes then dry to prevent water spots Extremely durable and hygienic.
Hard ABS plastic Warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner Wipe with toy cleaner Non-porous. Do not boil.
Jelly / PVC / TPE Warm water and soap — surface only Cannot be fully sterilised Porous. Use a condom with these materials.
Silicone: Boil or WashNon-motorised silicone dildos can be boiled for up to 3 minutes for a full sterilise, or washed with unscented soap and warm water.
Glass: Soap and WaterBorosilicate glass is non-porous and easy to clean. Wash with warm soapy water or run through the dishwasher for a thorough clean.
Steel: Warm Wash and DryStainless steel is very hygienic. Boil briefly, then dry thoroughly to prevent water spots. Store dry to avoid any tarnishing.
Avoid Scented ProductsPerfumed soaps can disrupt vaginal pH and cause irritation or infection. Use plain, unscented soap or a dedicated sex toy cleaner.
Dry CompletelyUse a lint-free cloth to pat dry, then allow to air dry fully before storing. Moisture trapped in storage encourages bacterial growth.
Use Condoms on Porous ToysJelly, rubber and TPE toys cannot be properly sterilised. If you use them, always cover with a fresh condom for each session.

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All dildos in the Ava Noir collection are made from non-porous materials — silicone, glass and steel — making hygiene simple and reliable.

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Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Silicone Dildo

Step 1. Rinse the dildo under warm running water immediately after use to remove surface residue.

Step 2. Apply a small amount of unscented, mild soap and lather it across the entire surface of the toy, paying particular attention to any textured areas or ridges where residue can collect.

Step 3. Rinse thoroughly under warm water until all soap is removed. Any residue left on the toy can cause irritation on next use.

Step 4. Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Avoid fluffy towels as they can leave fibres on the surface.

Step 5. Allow to air dry completely for 30 to 60 minutes before storing in a breathable pouch. Never store a dildo while it is still damp.

For a deeper sterilisation of non-motorised silicone, place the toy in a pan of boiling water for up to three minutes. Remove with tongs, allow to cool and dry before storing.

Storing After Cleaning

Once your dildo is fully dry, store it in a breathable fabric pouch or the bag it came with. Avoid plastic bags — any trapped moisture will encourage bacterial growth. Store toys separately from one another to prevent chemical reactions between different materials, particularly silicone and TPE or jelly toys.

For full guidance on where and how to store your dildo, see our guide to how to store a dildo discreetly.

Related Guides

How to Store a Dildo Discreetly Dildo Materials and Body Safe Options How to Use a Dildo Back to All Dildo Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my dildo in the dishwasher?Only if it is made from non-porous, non-motorised material such as silicone, glass or steel, and has no electronic components. Place on the top rack without detergent. This is a thorough sterilisation method for these materials.
How often should I clean my dildo?Before and after every single use. Even if a toy has been stored in a pouch, cleaning before use removes any dust or contaminants that may have accumulated in storage.
Can I use antibacterial hand gel to clean a dildo?No. Alcohol-based sanitisers can damage certain toy materials and leave chemical residues that irritate sensitive tissue. Use warm water and unscented soap or a dedicated sex toy cleaner.
What is the best sex toy cleaner to buy?Any cleaner specifically formulated for sex toys and labelled as pH-balanced and body-safe will work well. They are available from most reputable sex toy retailers and are often preferable to soap for quick cleaning between sessions.
Is it safe to share a dildo with a partner?Yes, provided you sterilise it between uses or use a fresh condom for each partner. For non-porous toys, a thorough boil between users is the safest approach. Porous toys should not be shared even with cleaning.