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Our sex writers insist you keep it clean... with the 10 best sex toy cleaners in 2024
Wash this space
Fess up ladies, when was the last time you actually cleaned your sex toys? It doesn’t take an expert to work out that anything that comes in contact with semen needs a good scrub before it starts to pong. But if you stash your favourite dildo under the bed and pop it out for a quick clitoral-targeted solo pleasure session every night, there’s a strong chance it hasn’t been anywhere near running water for weeks, never mind a dedicated sex toy cleaning product.
Even if you're engaging in solo masturbation and there isn’t a drop of gism in sight, hygiene should still be at the top of your agenda. Sex toy cleaners are designed to remove harmful bacteria, sticky lube and vagina fluids that can linger on vibrators, dildos and rabbits.
So, if you find yourself asking, do I need a sex toy cleaner? The answer is almost definitely yes. And if you’re a fan of anal play, it goes without saying that butt plugs *definitely* need a good douche after every session too.
With the help of Gigi Engle, sexologist and sex educator at sextoys.co.uk, we’re here to show you how to suds up your well-loved sex toys. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about keeping your dildos squeaky clean, plus our pick of the best sex toy cleaners to shop now.
The best sex toy cleaners at a glance
- Best all-rounder: Lovehoney Fresh Toy Cleaner, £12.99
- Best on a budget: Bondara Wet N' Wash Antibacterial Toy Cleaner, £7.99
- Best premium sex toy cleaner: LELO Toy Cleaning Spray, £13.90
- Best sex toy cleaning spray: So Divine Pristine Antibacterial Sex Toy Cleaning Spray, £7.99
- Best sex toy cleaning wipes: Lovehoney Fresh Biodegradable Sex Toy Wipes, £6.99
- Best sex toy cleaning storage: Lovehoney Super Fresh UV Sex Toy Cleaning Pouch, £54.99
Why do you need to clean your sex toys?
Cleaning your sex toys after every single use is about more than lingering funky aromas. “Sex toys come in contact with body parts and bodily fluids — which means they get covered in bacteria,” explains Engle. “Not cleaning them can result in infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections — or skin irritations.
“Sex toy hygiene is important for several reasons, not least taking good care of your trusted vibes. It can also lead to degrading and breaking down of the materials of the sex toys themselves — and sex toys are expensive, so no one wants that,” adds Engle.
How often should you clean your sex toys?
For best results, you should clean your sex toys after each and every use, according to Engle. “If you're feeling lazy, you can use a vibrator over a blanket, underwear [cotton please!], or clothes externally on the clitoris — and this can allow you to skip such frequent cleaning, as it isn't coming into contact with any bodily fluids or skin,” she says. “If you do want to use that same toy with a partner, however, clean it first.”
How we test the best sex toy cleaners
We take our role as toy and sex accessory testers seriously, regularly getting down and, uh, dirty with the latest launches. So when it came to delivering our wash-up of the best sex toy cleaners, we wanted to make sure we made well-founded claims.
So, picture this: an enthusiastic team of volunteers — better known as Cosmo writers, editors and their willing partners — took an array of sprays, wipes and foaming washes home to pair with their playthings.
At the time of testing, those involved identified as female, male, or gender-neutral and were between 23 and 35 years old. Many also admitted to never having used a specific sex toy cleaner before, while two claimed they regularly used an anti-bac spray post-play.
10 best sex toy cleaners to shop now
From LELO’s premium sex toy cleaning spray to Lovehoney’s biodegradable sex wipes, we’ve rounded up the best sex toy cleaning products to keep your pleasure chest super fresh and bacteria-free. You can thank us later.
Pros
- Flight-friendly
- Fresh (without being fake) scent
Cons
- That glossy bottle is especially slippery when wet
If you’ve already done the sensible thing and indulged yourself with one of the world’s finest sex toys, it’s worth protecting your investment. LELO sex toys don’t come cheap, but boy do they deliver. The SMART WAND 2 Large is our personal fave.
But of course, if you use it as regularly as we do, you’re going to need to keep a quality cleaning product within arms reach at all times. We love the brand’s cleaning spray that’s alcohol and paraben-free, super easy to use and the 60ml bottle goes a surprisingly long way.
| Type | Spray |
|---|---|
| Size | 60ml |
Pros
- Safe to use on all sex toys — silicone, metal, glass...
- One fan girl wrote: “An absolute essential for all toy users. It cleans with just a pump and there's never any residue left behind”
Cons
- We'd argue that packaging isn't particularly discreet
If you’re on the lookout for a simple but effective sex toy cleaner that’s easy to use and won’t ruin your go-to dildos, this classic water-based formula from Lovehoney is just the ticket. Granted, it's not the prettiest or most discreet in terms of its packaging, but that fresh scent is certainly a perk.
All it takes is a couple of spritzes using the spray nozzle and a wipe-down before your stickiest vibes are brand new and ready for action.
Plus, with a generous 250ml of cleanser per bottle, it's seriously good value for money. Yeah, that *really* turns us on.
| Type | Spray |
|---|---|
| Size | 100ml and 250ml |
Pros
- Works out at just 28p a wipe
- The eco-conscious will be relieved to know they're biodegradable
- It's in the name, but these have a light fresh scent
Cons
- Requires regular re-purchasing as they have a tendency to dry out
Hands up who CBA to move after sex? If you’ve been busy enjoying several rounds of multiple orgasmic fun thrusting sex toys into every orifice and frankly you need to conserve your energy, we hear you. Great sex is exhausting and you deserve a break.
Simply pop a pack of these biodegradable sex toy wipes into your bedside drawer for a super-fast postcoital freshen-up and you’ll be ready to go again in seconds. Plus, what's more travel-friendly than a ready-to-go wipe?
| Type | Wipes |
|---|---|
| Size | 25 per pack |
Pros
- Completes a sanitising cycle in as little as 3 minutes
- Doubles as a carry case — and will help you skip any awkward questions at airport security
Cons
- You'll still need to give your tech a quick cleanse to remove thick lube and bodily fluids
There’s nothing worse than waking up naked in a mansion in the woods after a wild fetish orgy and having to do the walk of shame to wash your vibrator(s) in the bathroom sink. Fortunately, we have the solution.
Treat yourself to a super fresh UV sex toy cleaning pouch that doubles up as a chic-looking crossbody handbag and your dildoes will be minty fresh in no time. Powered by USB, it literally sterilises sex toys on the move, and we are here for it.
| Type | UV cleaning pouch |
|---|---|
| Size | 9.2 inches |
Pros
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Super simple to use — spray, wait, wipe, play!
Cons
- You'll have to spend another £32 to bag free delivery
If you’re worried about personal hygiene but also struggling to pay the bills, we’ve got your back, baby. Sex toys can get expensive, so shelling out on extra accessories can quickly make a dent in your wallet.
This nifty little spray is antibacterial and alcohol-free so it will restore your arsenal of insertable sex toys to their former glory after just a few spritzes, and all for under a tenner.
| Type | Spray |
|---|---|
| Size | 150ml |
Pros
- Doubles as a cleanser and conditioner for your rubber garms
- Spray pump makes for easy, precise application
Cons
- Takes a little extra time to dry
There’s nothing worse than hitting the club in your best latex fetishwear only to discover you’re still covered in sex goo and your rubber has lost its shine.
This clever cleaner doubles up as gloss spray so it will wipe away all your sexual effluent and restore your latex onesie to its former lustrous glory.
We're fully aware it's a pricier option — and you'll still need to find a spray or foaming wash for your pulsing playthings — but for the sake of looking your best at your next sex party, we say it's worth every penny.
| Type | Spray |
|---|---|
| Size | 150ml |
Pros
- 97% natural ingredients — and fully recyclable packaging
- Doesn't leave behind a greasy, tacky film
Cons
- A messy alternative to a spray or wipes
While soap and warm water will do the trick, there’s something about a foaming wash that feels like it delivers a proper deep clean.
So, if your beloved rabbit has seen better days and needs a really good scrub down, treat yourself to this delightful foaming sex toy cleaner from Ann Summers that will get into all the cracks and crevices and restore your vibe to its former glory.
FYI, you'll need running water and a dry cloth (or two if you're in a hurry to dry and try again), meaning you will have to vacate your post-coital bubble. It's either that or pause your play to do last round's dirty work.
| Type | Foaming wash |
|---|---|
| Size | 160ml |
So Divine Pristine Antibacterial Sex Toy Cleaning Spray
Pros
- Alcohol-free, meaning she's gentler on your tech and nostrils
- Safe to use on all toy types
Cons
- Toy cleaner isn't the most exciting purchase anyway, but the packaging could be prettier
Is germ warfare sabotaging your sex life? If you want to get down and dirty but you’re conscious of bacteria, we have the solution. This classic sex toy cleaner from So-Divine is ideal for giving your vibe collection a thorough clean before a solo or partnered sex session, so you can get busy without fear of contamination.
While you’re here we’re also big fans of the brand’s Pearl Vibe 2in1 G-spot & Suction Stimulator that tickles both your G-spot and your clit simultaneously. Blended orgasms + squeaky clean sex accessories = sexual nirvana.
| Type | Spray |
|---|---|
| Size | 100ml |
Pros
- That bottle's anything but an eye sore, so we insist you leave it on show
- Even that chocolate packaging is luxe, making it the perfect gift
Cons
- Be gentle with that glass bottle
This zesty sex toy cleaner from cult British lingerie designer Coco De Mer is a little on the pricey side, but you deserve nice things. What’s more, its lemony fragrance gives it an extra luxurious feel and it promises to cleanse your best sex accessories in a matter of seconds.
All you need is a premium clit stimulator (we can highly recommend The Seed if you fancy staying loyal to the female-founded brand) and a villa in St. Tropez and you’re good to go.
| Type | Spray |
|---|---|
| Size | 100ml |
Intimate Earth Intimate Earth Green Foaming Toy Cleaner
Pros
- That combo of tea tree oil, lavender and guava bark emits a delicious scent
- Another that's alcohol-free
Cons
- One (smallish) size only, so plan for regular restocks
Sure, sexual gratification is great. But if climate change is also high on your agenda, you’ll appreciate this foaming sex toy cleaner from Intimate Earth that’s packed with natural ingredients that won’t screw the planet.
It’s gentle enough to clean all plastic, silicone, glass and stainless steel toys so you can prolong the use of your best dildos and sidestep landfill, while the all-natural tea tree, lavender oil, and guava bark aromas will lull you into a sensual frenzy.
| Type | Foaming wash |
|---|---|
| Size | 100ml |
What are the benefits of using sex toy cleaner?
While you could just use soap and water to clean your vibrator, keeping a dedicated sex toy cleaner in your bedside drawer will also save you time. “Sex toy cleaners are mostly about convenience,” says Engle. “If you don't want to hop up and wash your toys immediately after sex, they can be a good alternative because you clean them off and they won't get all gross with dried bodily fluids.”
Do sex toys need a specific cleaner?
While investing in a sex toy cleaner is always a good idea, this won’t negate the need for a proper scrub using actual soap and water every once in a while too. “You can use a sex toy cleaner for quick clean-ups, but you should always wash toys with a mild soap and warm water before using the sex toy again, especially if you're using it internally,” advises Engle.
How to clean your sex toys
To keep your favourite sex toys squeaky clean try the following:
Read the label
Not sure what works for your beloved premium dildo? Always read the instructions on your specific toy before using and cleaning it.
Give it a spritz
Next up, read the cleaning product label. Some require spritzing before and after use while others just need a wipe.
Get soapy
You can clean sex toys in your sink. “If a toy has a motor, a mild soap and warm water is sufficient for cleaning,” says Engle.
Pop your dildo in the dishwasher
After a particularly vigorous session, some sex toys need a more thorough scrub. “If the toy doesn't have a motor, you can actually wash them on the top rack of your dishwasher,” adds Engle.
Boil them
Is your toy made from stainless steel, glass, or metal? “You can boil them on the stove,” says Engle.
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