A little care goes a long way.

Intimate toys are meant to bring pleasure, connection and exploration into your life. Taking a few minutes to clean, dry and store them properly helps keep your favorites ready for the next time you want to enjoy them.

If you're new to intimate products, don't worry—toy care doesn't have to be complicated.

The most important rule is simple:

Always follow the cleaning and care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your specific product.

Different materials, motors, batteries and waterproof ratings can require different care.

Why Cleaning Your Toys Matters

Cleaning your intimate toys before and after use is a good personal-care habit. Toys can come into contact with lubricant, body fluids, oils, dust and other residue during use or storage.

A simple routine makes caring for your collection easier:

Clean. Dry. Store. Repeat.

Step 1: Check the Care Instructions

Before putting a toy under running water or reaching for a cleanser, check the manufacturer's instructions.

Pay particular attention to whether the product is:

• Waterproof or water-resistant

• Rechargeable or battery-operated

• Made from a material requiring special care

• Designed with removable components

• Compatible with the cleanser you plan to use

Waterproof and water-resistant are not always the same thing. Never submerge a product unless its manufacturer specifically says that it can be submerged.

Step 2: Clean Before and After Use

Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning your particular toy.

Depending on the product, care may involve warm water and an appropriate cleanser or a toy-care product designed for routine cleaning.

Pay attention to textured areas, seams and other places where residue can collect.

For electronic toys, keep charging ports and electrical components away from water unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically indicate otherwise.

Step 3: Choose Your Cleaner Carefully

Not every cleaning product belongs on every intimate toy.

When selecting a toy cleaner, check both the cleaner's directions and your toy manufacturer's care recommendations. This is especially important when caring for products made from specialty materials.

Avoid assuming that a household cleaner is appropriate simply because it works on other surfaces.

When you're unsure, follow the toy manufacturer's recommendations first.

Step 4: Let It Dry Completely

Don't rush from washing directly to storage.

After cleaning, allow your toy to dry completely according to its care instructions before putting it away.

Storing an item while it is still damp can leave moisture trapped inside a pouch, drawer or storage container.

Once completely dry, your toy is ready to be stored.

Step 5: Store With Care

Give your intimate products their own clean, dry storage space.

A storage pouch, case or dedicated drawer can help keep them away from dust and everyday household items.

Depending on their materials, some toys may be better stored separately rather than touching one another for long periods. Follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations when available.

Keep toys away from excessive heat, direct sunlight and other conditions the manufacturer advises against.

Don't Forget Your Charger

Rechargeable toys deserve a little attention too.

Keep charging cables clean, dry and organized, and use the charging equipment recommended for your product.

It's also a good idea to keep each toy's charger with that toy whenever possible. If you own several rechargeable products, this can save you from wondering which cable belongs to which one later.

What About Lubricant?

Lubricant and toy care go together.

But not every lubricant is compatible with every toy material.

Before applying lubricant, check the manufacturer's compatibility instructions for both products. Water-based lubricants are commonly used with many intimate products, but the directions for your particular toy should always come first.

When you're finished, clean away remaining lubricant according to the toy's care instructions.

Sharing Toys With a Partner

If an intimate toy is being shared, hygiene deserves extra attention.

Clean the product according to manufacturer directions between users and before moving a toy between different areas of the body. Depending on the product and how it's being used, a new compatible barrier may also be appropriate.

If you're unsure whether a particular toy can be safely cleaned or shared in the way you intend, check the manufacturer's guidance before use.

When Is It Time to Replace a Toy?

Your favorites won't necessarily last forever.

Regularly look over your toys while cleaning them. Consider discontinuing use if you notice significant deterioration such as:

• Cracks or splits

• Peeling or damaged surfaces

• Persistent unusual odors

• Damage around charging areas

• Exposed electrical components

• A motor or battery behaving abnormally

• Changes that prevent the product from being cleaned according to its instructions

When something doesn't look or function the way it should, check with the manufacturer rather than continuing to use a damaged product.

Create a Simple Care Routine

Toy care doesn't need to feel like another chore.

Keep the essentials together so they're easy to reach:

Toy cleaner + clean towel + storage pouch + your favorite lubricant

That's it.

A simple routine makes it much easier to care for your collection consistently.

Explore Care & Comfort

The right essentials can make both play and cleanup easier.

Explore CARE & COMFORT for Suddenly Intimate's selection of lubricants, toy cleaners and everyday intimacy-care essentials chosen to complement your favorite products.

Explore confidently. Care intentionally. Enjoy at your own pace.

Suddenly Intimate — Embrace Connection. Celebrate Intimacy.

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Please note: This article provides general educational information. Always follow the use, cleaning, storage and compatibility instructions supplied by the manufacturer of your specific intimate product. Stop using a product if it becomes damaged or causes irritation or discomfort.