Sex Toys

What are sex toys?

Sex toys are designed to enhance your sexual pleasure – whether you’re playing solo or with others. There are literally thousands of sex toys, ranging from tiny bullet vibrators to sex dolls, and plenty more. If you can imagine it, it probably exists.

Whether you’re into vibrators, strokers, wands, cock rings, beads, dildos, plugs, fleshlights, strap-ons or suction toys, taking care of your toys will reduce your risk of STIs and bacterial infections – and will help your toys last longer, too.

Playing safely with sex toys

Here are our golden rules to keep your toys safe and fun for yourself and others. When in doubt, always check the health and safety information that comes with your specific toy. And don’t forget to choose the right lube for your toy!

Using insertive sex toys?

Use a different condom every time.

Insertive (also known as penetrative) toys like dildos, strap-ons, butt plugs and vibrators are a great way to not only increase your own sexual pleasure, but also that of your sexual partners.

Using a different condom every time can help prevent STIs, and protect your toys. So, when you’re switching your toy between body parts (yours and other people’s!) switch your condom, too. Going from vagina to ass? Switch it out! New person? Switch it out!

Remember: if you’ve used your sex toy in anal play of any kind, use a new condom and make sure the toy has been cleaned properly before you use it anywhere else on you or your partner/s. This helps stop the spread of bacteria that can cause infections.

Keeping your sex toys clean

Proper cleaning protects you, your partners, and your toys. The safest method depends on your toy’s material and whether it’s waterproof. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions.

General cleaning methods

Warm soapy water: Suitable for most non-porous, waterproof toys. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry. While it helps remove fluids, soap alone cannot reliably kill all STI-causing bacteria or viruses.

Alcohol wipes (≈70% isopropyl): Effective for disinfecting hard, non-porous surfaces. Let the toy dry completely before use. Avoid alcohol on soft, porous materials.

Chlorine-based sterilisers (for example, Milton baby-bottle solution): Provide deep cleaning when used correctly. Follow dilution and contact-time instructions, rinse thoroughly afterward. Safe for non-porous, waterproof toys.

Medical-grade cleaners (e.g., Viraclean): Useful for toys with grooves or textured surfaces. Leave on for recommended time, then wipe or rinse.

Boiling: Safe only for non-motorised silicone, stainless steel, or glass toys. Boil for 2–3 minutes, cool, and dry. Never boil toys with electronics.

Barrier use: If sharing toys or switching between anal, vaginal, or oral play, place a new condom over the toy each time. Check out our page on STI and BBV prevention for more information.

Material-specific guidance

Silicone (non-motorised): These toys are durable and hypoallergenic. Can be washed with soap, disinfected with Viraclean, or boiled. Motorised silicone toys should only be surface-wiped.

Plastic, acrylic, glass, metal: Wash with warm soapy water, then disinfect with alcohol, Milton solution or Viraclean. Glass and stainless steel toys (without motors) can be boiled. Avoid boiling plastic.

Rubber, latex, jelly: Porous materials trap bacteria and viruses. Wash thoroughly with warm soapy water, then disinfect with Milton or Viraclean. Condoms are strongly recommended for insertable use, and toys should be replaced more frequently.

Cyberskin, vinyl, leather, spandex: Clean gently with warm (not hot) water and mild antibacterial soap or Viraclean. Air-dry completely and dust with cornstarch or the manufacturer’s renewing powder. Do not use talc or baby powder. Avoid soaking, boiling or exposing to heat.

Vibrators and other motorised toys: Wipe with a damp soapy cloth and disinfect with Viraclean or alcohol wipes. Pay attention to grooves or crevices; a soft toothbrush can help. Do not immerse in water, boil or use the dishwasher.

Enemas and douching equipment: Wash bulbs, bags or buckets with hot soapy water or Viraclean. Fill bulbs with soapy water, shake, empty, then rinse. Soak in diluted Milton or Viraclean solution for at least 30 minutes, rinse and dry. Do not immerse electrical components.

Toy storage

Keep toys in a cool, clean, dry place, away from sunlight.

Store toys separately to prevent reactions between materials. Use storage bags if possible.

Remove batteries from battery-operated toys, and “lock” rechargeable ones to avoid accidental activation.