You spent real money on that vibrator. The least it deserves is a proper home.
Sex toy care isn't glamorous — but it is important. Done right, it keeps your toys hygienic, extends their life, and means you never have to panic-clean something 30 seconds before you need it.
Here's the no-nonsense guide to keeping your collection in top shape — plus the products we actually recommend to make it easy. (Spoiler: it doesn't have to be complicated.)
Why Proper Toy Care Actually Matters
Sex toys come into contact with your most sensitive areas. Bacteria, mold, and material degradation are real concerns — especially with toys that get used regularly and stored carelessly.
The good news: a solid cleaning and storage routine takes maybe 5 extra minutes of your life. That's it. And it means your toys stay safe, last longer, and perform just as well on use 200 as they did on use 1.
Cleaning Your Toys: The Right Way by Material
Not all toys clean the same way. Using the wrong method can damage the surface, create micro-tears where bacteria hide, or just... ruin an expensive toy. Here's what actually works:
Silicone Toys
Silicone is non-porous, which makes it the easiest to clean and the most hygienic material you can buy. Warm water and mild soap work perfectly — or use a dedicated sex toy cleaner for an even faster clean. We love Sliquid Shine Toy Cleaner — it's fragrance-free, body-safe, and rinses clean in seconds.
Glass & Metal Toys
These are also non-porous and incredibly easy to maintain. Soap and water is all you need for everyday cleaning. For a deeper clean, a diluted bleach solution (10% bleach, 90% water) works well — just rinse thoroughly afterward.
Rubber & Latex Toys
These are porous materials, which means bacteria can hide in the surface even after cleaning. Use gentle soap and water, avoid soaking them, and consider using a condom over these toys for an extra layer of hygiene. If a rubber or latex toy shows any signs of deterioration — sticky texture, smell, cracking — replace it.
Electronic & Vibrating Toys
Never submerge electronics in water unless the toy is explicitly rated as waterproof. For most vibrators and app-controlled toys, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and use a toy-safe spray cleaner. Pay attention to seams and charging ports — bacteria love to hide there.
💡 Quick tip: Always clean before AND after use — not just after. You don't know what dust or lint your toy picked up in storage.
Storing Your Toys: Out of Sight, Out of Harm's Way
Tossing your toys in a bedside drawer with random stuff is probably the most common mistake people make. Dust, lint, contact with other materials, temperature fluctuations — all of this affects your toys over time.
The fix is simple. Get dedicated storage. Here's what we carry at Oh Sensa:
Toy Bags — The Easy, Affordable Option
Soft drawstring bags keep toys dust-free and protected from scratches. Our Pleasure Pouch is a great budget-friendly pick, and the Zappa Toy Bag comes in a range of colours with a more premium microsuede feel. Perfect for individual toys or travel.
Toy Boxes — For the Serious Collector
If you've got more than a couple of toys, a dedicated box is worth it. The Discreet Box Luxury is lockable, lined, and looks completely innocent on a shelf. The Secret Box V2 is a sleek, book-style option that stores flat and blends in anywhere.
Bedside Storage — For the One You Reach For Most
Keep your most-used toy accessible without leaving it exposed. The Bedside Caddy ($24.50 CAD) clips onto your mattress or nightstand and keeps things private but within reach.
⚠️ Important: Store toys separately by material type. Silicone toys stored touching rubber or latex can chemically react and degrade. Individual bags solve this completely.
🌡️ Storage environment: Cool, dry, away from direct sunlight. Not the bathroom — humidity is bad for most materials and electronics.
A Quick Note on Lube Compatibility
This trips people up constantly. Silicone-based lube will degrade silicone toys over time — it causes the surface to break down and become sticky or porous. Always use water-based lube with silicone toys.
Glass and metal toys are compatible with any lube. Rubber and latex are compatible with water-based lubes only. Browse our full Lubes & Lotions collection if you're not sure what you're working with.
Keeping Your Collection in Check
Beyond cleaning and storage, a few habits will keep your collection in great shape long-term:
- Inspect toys before use for cracks, tears, or sticky texture — any of these means it's time to replace
- For vibrators and rechargeable toys, follow the manufacturer's charging instructions to protect battery life
- Replace batteries in battery-powered toys if you're storing them for a while — dead batteries can leak
- If a toy comes with a storage pouch, use it — it's there for a reason
Ready to Level Up Your Toy Care Routine?
We've got everything you need — from toy cleaners to dedicated storage solutions — all in one place. Taking care of your collection is taking care of yourself.