Cleaning a vibrator takes about 60 seconds and prevents real health problems. Bacteria from your genitals can live and multiply on the toy’s surface between uses, and reintroducing those bacteria can cause yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginosis. The cleaning method depends on two things: what material your vibrator is made of and whether it’s waterproof.
Why Cleaning Matters
This isn’t just about keeping things fresh. Bacteria left on a toy after use will continue to grow and get reintroduced to your body the next time you use it. That bacterial buildup is a common trigger for yeast overgrowth, UTIs, and BV. If you share toys with a partner, the stakes go up further. Some sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis and scabies, can survive on surfaces for months.
Know Your Toy’s Material
Vibrators fall into two categories based on their surface: nonporous and porous. This distinction determines how thoroughly you can actually get them clean.
Nonporous materials (medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, hard plastic, polyurethane-coated surfaces) have a smooth surface that doesn’t absorb fluids or harbor bacteria in microscopic pores. These can be fully sanitized.
Porous materials (TPR, jelly rubber, PVC, latex) have tiny surface holes that trap moisture and germs even after washing. You can clean the surface, but you can’t truly sterilize them. If your vibrator is made of a porous material, using a condom over it each time is the most reliable way to keep things hygienic.
If you’re not sure what your vibrator is made of, check the packaging or the manufacturer’s website. When in doubt, treat it as porous.
Check the Waterproof Rating First
Before you run your vibrator under water, you need to know whether it can handle that. Most vibrators list an IPX rating on their packaging or product page. Here’s what the common ratings mean for cleaning:
- IPX4 (splash-proof): Safe for a damp cloth or a very light rinse. Don’t submerge it.
- IPX6 (water-resistant): Can handle strong jets of water, like rinsing under a faucet.
- IPX7 (fully waterproof): Can be submerged up to about 3 feet deep for 30 minutes. You can hold this one under running water without worry.
If there’s no rating listed, assume it’s not waterproof and follow the non-waterproof cleaning steps below.
Cleaning a Waterproof Vibrator
For vibrators rated IPX6 or IPX7, the process is simple. Run the toy under warm water and lather it with a mild, unscented soap. Avoid dish soap, heavily fragranced soaps, or anything with oils, as these can irritate sensitive tissue on your next use or degrade certain materials over time. Work the soap over the entire surface, paying attention to any textured areas, seams, or crevices where fluids can collect. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is gone.
If your vibrator is nonporous silicone (with no motor or electronics, like a simple silicone dildo), you can also boil it in plain water for 3 to 5 minutes for a full sterilization. This is especially useful if you’re sharing the toy with a partner. Obviously, don’t boil anything with a battery, motor, or charging port.
Cleaning a Non-Waterproof Vibrator
If your vibrator isn’t waterproof, or you’re unsure, keep water away from any openings. Start by removing the batteries if it uses them. Then dampen a clean cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild, unscented soap. Wipe down the entire surface of the toy. Follow up with a second clean, damp cloth (no soap this time) to remove any soap residue. For the area around a USB charging port or battery compartment, use only a dry cloth.
Antibacterial wipes designed for sex toys are another option for non-waterproof vibrators. They let you clean the surface without introducing any moisture near the electronics.
How to Dry and Store It
Putting a damp vibrator straight into a drawer is a recipe for bacterial growth. After cleaning, let the toy air dry completely, or pat it down with a paper towel or clean lint-free cloth. Make sure it’s fully dry before you put it away.
For storage, keep the toy in a breathable pouch or a sealable case, away from moisture and dust. Most vibrators come with a storage bag for exactly this purpose. Avoid tossing it loose in a drawer where it can collect lint, or sealing silicone toys in airtight plastic bags, which can trap odors. If your vibrator uses removable batteries, take them out before storing to prevent corrosion in the battery compartment. Store toys separately from one another, since certain materials (particularly different types of silicone or rubber) can react and degrade when pressed together over time.
When to Clean
Clean your vibrator both before and after every use. Cleaning afterward removes body fluids before bacteria have time to multiply. Cleaning before use removes any dust or lint that may have settled during storage. This two-step habit is the single most effective thing you can do to avoid infections from toy use.
If you’re switching the toy between body parts during a single session (for example, from anal to vaginal use), clean it in between or use a fresh condom. Bacteria that are normal in one area of the body can cause serious infections when transferred to another.