This is the topic nobody talks about, yet it matters more than anything else. A poorly cleaned intimate accessory can lead to irritation or infection. Properly maintained, it will last you for years. The good news: it only takes two minutes.
The golden rule: before and after
We always remember to clean after. We often forget before. However, between uses, an accessory stored in a drawer accumulates dust, fabric fibers, and cleaning product residue. A quick rinse before use prevents introducing all of that.
After use, never put an accessory away without having washed it and dried it completely. Residual moisture is the main cause of bad odors and bacterial growth.
Material by material
Silicone
The easiest material to maintain. Lukewarm water, mild pH-neutral soap, thorough rinsing, air drying or with a clean cloth. If the accessory is entirely silicone and without electronics, you can immerse it in boiling water for a few minutes for deep disinfection.
Borosilicate glass
The easiest of all: non-porous, it retains nothing. Hot soapy water is sufficient. Simply check before each use that there are no chips or micro-cracks; if in doubt, stop using it.
Metal
As simple as glass. Stainless steel tolerates hot water without a problem. Dry it well to avoid streaks.
ABS and rigid plastics
Also non-porous, but often associated with electronics. Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, without immersing if the accessory is not specified as waterproof.
TPE, TPR, jelly
These flexible materials are porous: they retain micro-residues that no amount of washing can completely eliminate. Clean them carefully, dry them thoroughly, preferably use them with a condom, and replace them as soon as the surface becomes sticky or changes odor.
The three mistakes that truly cause damage
- 90° alcohol or household disinfectants. They dry out silicone and make it permanently sticky.
- Dishwasher. Even on a waterproof accessory, heat and harsh detergents ruin seals and finishes.
- Immersing a non-waterproof accessory. Look for the IPX7 rating: without it, clean with a damp cloth, never under the tap.
Do you need a specific cleaner?
Mild soap is sufficient in most cases. A dedicated cleaner has two real advantages: it is formulated not to damage silicone, and it can be used as a spray without rinsing, which is convenient when you don't want to get up. However, avoid scented or antibacterial soaps from supermarkets, which are too harsh for mucous membranes.
Storage, the often-neglected step
Never store two silicone accessories in direct contact: some formulations react with each other and the surface becomes sticky. A fabric pouch for each accessory, in a dry place away from light, solves the problem. Remove batteries from models you won't be using for several weeks.
What about lubricant in all this?
A crucial point: never use silicone-based lubricant on a silicone accessory. The two materials react and the surface degrades permanently. On silicone, use a water-based lubricant. On glass or metal, anything goes. We detail all of this in our article on choosing lubricant.
Two minutes of maintenance, and your accessory will remain healthy and pleasant for years. It's the best effort/benefit ratio in your entire intimate life.