Shop Our Best Sellers

Our most-loved picks — discreet delivery, same day.

Shop all best sellers →

How to Clean Sex Toys: A Material-by-Material Guide for Edmonton Adults

I get asked about toy care more than almost anything else—and it makes sense. You want your collection to stay safe, hygienic, and ready whenever the mood strikes. The truth is, how to clean sex toys depends entirely on what they're made of. A silicone vibe needs different care than a jelly stroker, and mixing up the rules can shorten their lifespan or cause irritation.

Whether you're in Old Strathcona or Mill Woods, keeping your toys in great shape doesn't require a chemistry degree—just a few material-specific habits. Let's walk through each type, storage do's and don'ts, and when it's time to say goodbye.

Silicone Toys: The Low-Maintenance Favourite

Silicone is nonporous, body-safe, and forgiving. After each use, wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap. For a deeper clean, boil nonmotorized silicone toys for 3-5 minutes, or run them through the top rack of your dishwasher (no detergent). Motorized toys? Wipe them down with a dedicated toy cleaner spray instead.

Avoid silicone-based lube with silicone toys—it can degrade the surface over time. Store them separately or in individual pouches; silicone can react when two toys touch, leaving a sticky residue. If your toy develops a tacky feel or discoloration despite proper care, it's time to replace it.

Jenifer's picks at Heaven Boutique Edmonton

TPE and TPR: The Budget-Friendly (But Higher-Maintenance) Option

TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and TPR (thermoplastic rubber) are soft, stretchy, and affordable—but they're porous, meaning bacteria can settle into microscopic spaces. Always use a condom with TPE/TPR toys if you're sharing them, and clean immediately after use with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Pat dry thoroughly—moisture trapped in porous material breeds bacteria. Let air-dry completely before storing. These materials can't handle high heat, so no boiling or dishwashers. Dust them lightly with cornstarch (not talc) if they feel sticky after drying.

Replace TPE and TPR toys every 6-12 months, or sooner if you notice odor, stickiness, or visible wear. They're not forever toys, and that's okay—they serve a purpose.

Glass and Metal: The Easy-Care Luxury Set

Glass and stainless steel are nonporous, hypoallergenic, and nearly indestructible. Wash with warm soapy water, or boil for 5-10 minutes (only if there are no electronic components). Both materials are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.

These toys work with any lube type, and they're perfect for temperature play—run them under warm or cool water before use. Store them in padded pouches to prevent chips or scratches (especially glass). Inspect glass toys before each use; even a tiny crack means it's time to retire them.

Metal and glass toys can last decades with proper care. If you drop a glass toy and it survives without visible damage, you're probably fine—but when in doubt, replace it.

Jelly and Rubber: The 'Use with Caution' Category

Jelly toys are soft, squishy, and inexpensive—but they often contain phthalates and are highly porous. If you already own one, always use a condom over it and wash with antibacterial soap immediately after use. Never boil or share jelly toys.

Honestly? I recommend upgrading to silicone when you can. Jelly toys degrade quickly, can cause irritation, and harbor bacteria no matter how well you clean them. If a jelly toy smells chemical-sharp, feels oily, or shows surface changes, toss it.

More from the Edmonton shelf

Storage Do's and Don'ts

Good storage extends toy life and keeps things discreet. Here's what works:

  • Do store toys in individual fabric pouches or breathable bags—keeps dust off and prevents material reactions.
  • Do keep motorized toys away from extreme heat or cold (your bedroom dresser is fine; a garage in January is not).
  • Do remove batteries from toys you won't use for a while—prevents corrosion.
  • Don't pile silicone toys together without barriers—they can fuse or get sticky.
  • Don't store toys while damp—moisture invites mold, especially in porous materials.
  • Don't keep toys in direct sunlight or near heat sources—some materials warp or discolor.

When to Replace Your Toys

Even well-loved toys don't last forever. Replace any toy if you notice a strong or changing odor, visible cracks or tears, sticky or tacky surfaces that won't wash off, discoloration (especially darkening), or mechanical failure (motor dying, buttons sticking). If you're unsure, err on the side of safety—your body deserves better than a questionable toy.

For Edmonton residents, keeping a small bottle of toy cleaner and a few storage pouches on hand makes maintenance effortless. Heaven Boutique offers 1-2 hour delivery across the city—from Downtown Edmonton to Terwillegar—so restocking supplies or upgrading to body-safe materials is always convenient. We deliver discreetly between 9am and 11pm for $10 CAD, because self-care shouldn't wait.

Before you go — bestsellers in Edmonton

Prices at time of writing. All available with discreet 1-2 hour delivery in Edmonton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hand sanitizer to clean my toys?
No—it can irritate sensitive tissue and doesn't remove lubricant or bodily fluids effectively. Stick with soap and water or a dedicated toy cleaner.

How do I clean a toy with batteries I can't remove?
Wipe it down carefully with a damp cloth and toy cleaner, avoiding the battery compartment. Never submerge waterproof-rated toys beyond their specified limits.

Is it safe to share toys between partners?
Only if the toy is nonporous (silicone, glass, metal) and you clean it thoroughly between uses—or use a fresh condom each time. Never share porous toys like TPE or jelly.

Can I store all my toys in one box?
Not ideal—silicone toys can react with each other, and different materials have different care needs. Individual pouches are your best bet.

Back to blog