Did you know? Investing in the best sex toy cleaner can actually help you have better sex. Yes, really - because safe sex is always better, and it's not just people that can spread bacteria and STIs, but even the best sex toys, too.
That's right - STIs can be spread on sex toys if you use the same toy as someone who has an infection (best sex toys for couples, we're looking at you). That said, even if you're using one of the best sex toys on Amazon or best sex toys for beginners solo style, they still need to be wiped before and after use. This is to get rid of dust and debris before and to avoid bacteria overgrowth (and a sticky mess in your drawers, tbh) afterward.
"Day-to-day washing of sex toys is essential, but if you want to properly sterilise your toys, you need to invest in a UV light cleaner," says Lucy Rowett, a sex coach at The Lowdown.
The type of toy will also change the cleaner you use. "If the toy is made of glass, steel or silicone and isn't an electric toy, then you can pop it in the dishwasher too (although maybe do them in their own rinse, rather than with the roast dinner plates)," says Rowett.
Cecile Gasnault, brand director Smile Makers, adds: "For cleaning product for silicone sex toys, look for products with a lower pH and natural and soft ingredients that better preserve the quality of the silicone. Ideally, you won't be using porous sex toys as these harbour bacteria, but remember they will need a really good sterilisation, if so."
We bought you a guide on how to clean your sex toys. For the best sex toy cleaners you can buy, we've spoken to our panel of experts to find out, including:
- Ness Cooper, clinical sexologist and sex toy reviewer
- Aysha Bell, a master trainer of tantra and connective partner coach
- Lucy Rowett, sex coach at The Lowdown
- Stacy Rybchin, sexual health and wellness educator and founder of My Secret Luxury
- Jordan Dixon, psychosexologist and couples therapist
What to consider in a sex toy cleaner?
- Sex toy material: As above, consider the types of toys you use and the best cleaner for them.
- Convenience: You'll probably want a different kind of cleaner to use mid-sex than for a proper post-coital scrub.
- Cost: How much you spend will depend on whether you want to treat yourself to a luxury cleaner that you can proudly display or use something effective yet affordable.
Ready to shop? Don't miss our guides to the best sex toys on Amazon, best sex toys for beginners, and best sex toys for couples, while you're here.
Best sex toy cleaner: 7 to buy now
Pros: Convenient | Ph friendly
What the expert says: "These are one of my go-tos, especially during sex when I want to swap from using a toy on me to using it on my partner. These wipes clean and dry the toy quickly, so mid-play clean up doesn’t disrupt the erotic flow. The bonus is that they also don’t upset the vaginal pH balance either," says Cooper.
Pros: Natural ingredients | Fresh smell
What the expert says: "Using natural ingredients that are safe to clean both toys and your body, this sex toy cleaner is alcohol-free and is infused with tea tree oil, lavender oil and a natural anti-bacterial ingredient, Guava Bark, for a delicious smelling, clean toy," says Rybchin.
Pros: Convenient | Gentle on skin
What the expert says: "These are super convenient to use to clean yourself and/or your sex toys before and after sex. The unique formula contains aloe for skin conditioning and has antiseptic and disinfectant ingredients that are safe for your skin," says Rybchin.
Pros: Affordable | Gentle on skin
What the expert says: "You do not need to spend a fortune on buying sex toy cleaner, as fragrance free soap or soap for sensitive skin will do just as well. I like Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar for cleaning that won't irritate the skin when you come to use your toy again," says Rowett.
Pros: Subtle packaging | Convenient
What the expert says: "If you're looking for something more compact and easy, I love the Lelo toy cleaner as it leaves no residue, is light and the bottle looks chic so it's perfect for travelling," says Bell.
Pros: Wipe-clean | Subtle packaging
What the experts say: "This is my number one toy cleaner for the beautiful bottle and effective, wipe-clean application," says Bell.
Pros: Natural ingredients | Easy to use
What the expert says: "This foamy cleaner makes sanitising toys easy. The antibacterial, non-greasy formula is really gentle on all material types and skin too," says Dixon.
