Introduction
Buying (or using) a sex toy is easy. Using it safely is where people accidentally mess up—usually because the packaging was vague, the internet was loud, or nobody told them that lube + material can quietly ruin a toy.
The result isn’t just “ew, gross.” It can be skin irritation, infections from poor cleaning, toy damage, or shared bacteria between partners—all avoidable with a few quick checks.
This checklist is built to be used the way you actually live: fast, practical, and not based on vibes.
Sex Toy Safety Checklist
Below is the full checklist, then deeper explanations (so you know why the rules exist, not just what to do).
Pre-use checklist (60 seconds)
Use this before every session—especially with a new toy or one that’s been stored a while.
| Check | What you’re looking for | Why it matters | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual check | Cracks, splits, sticky film, discoloration, peeling seams | Damage can trap bacteria and make cleaning unreliable | Don’t use it; replace or contact brand |
| Smell check | Strong chemical/plastic smell that doesn’t fade | Often a sign of low-quality porous material or additives | Avoid; choose body-safe options |
| Surface feel | Unexpected tacky, gummy, or “sweating” texture | Material breakdown can happen from heat, oil, or silicone lube | Stop using; replace |
| Battery/charging | Corrosion, swelling, exposed wires, overheating | Safety + hygiene risk | Replace device / stop using |
| Condom plan (if sharing or switching) | You have condoms that fit the toy | Reduces cross-contamination and simplifies cleanup | Use a fresh condom when changing holes/partners |
Material check (the safety “gate” most people skip)
What materials are generally lower-risk?
Non-porous materials are easier to clean thoroughly.
Typically non-porous:
- 100% silicone (body-safe, non-porous)
- Borosilicate glass
- Stainless steel
- ABS plastic (hard plastic used in many toys)
- Sealed ceramics (depends on glaze quality)
Often porous or “it depends”:
- Jelly rubber
- TPR/TPE (varies by formulation)
- “Soft plastic” / “rubber” with no details
- Unsealed/unknown materials
Porous doesn’t automatically mean “forbidden,” but it does mean:
- harder to fully disinfect
- can hold onto smell/stains
- higher risk if shared or used anally without a barrier
Quick decision rule
If the product listing doesn’t clearly say what the material is (not just “medical-grade” as a vibe), treat it as unknown.
Scan anchors to look for:
- “100% platinum-cured silicone” (great sign)
- “phthalate-free” (helpful, but not the whole story)
- Clear care instructions + real brand contact info
Lube compatibility (this is where toys quietly die)
The simplest safe default
If you’re unsure: use water-based lube. It’s the most broadly compatible.
Compatibility table
| Toy material | Water-based lube | Silicone-based lube | Oil-based lube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | ✅ Best default | ⚠️ Often not recommended (can degrade) | ⚠️ Can stain; not ideal |
| Glass / steel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (but messier) |
| ABS plastic | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ May weaken some plastics over time |
| TPR/TPE / jelly | ✅ (best option) | ⚠️ risk of damage | ⚠️ can degrade + harder to clean |
| Latex condoms on toys | ✅ | ❌ (weakens latex) | ❌ (weakens latex) |
The “spot test” (when labels are unclear)
If you must use silicone lube and the toy is silicone: test a tiny hidden spot. If it gets tacky, cloudy, or sticky after a few hours—don’t use that combo.
Cleaning check (match the cleaning to the risk)
Cleaning isn’t about being “extra.” It’s about removing bodily fluids + lube residue where microbes can grow.
Cleaning table by material
| Material | Routine cleaning | Disinfection option | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone (non-motor) | Warm water + mild unscented soap | Boil 3–5 min if truly non-motor | Harsh detergents, scented soaps |
| Silicone (motor) | Soap + water on exterior, avoid ports | Toy-safe cleaner as needed | Submerging unless rated waterproof |
| Glass/steel | Soap + water | Boil or dishwasher (top rack) if safe | Abrasive scrubbers if it scratches |
| ABS plastic | Soap + water | Toy cleaner; wipes | Boiling (can warp), harsh alcohol soaking |
| TPE/TPR/jelly | Soap + water, extra rinse | Barrier use recommended | Boiling, dishwasher, strong solvents |
Three cleaning mistakes that cause most problems
- “Rinsed it quickly.” Lube residue can cling and trap microbes.
- Using harsh alcohol or bleach casually. Can damage materials and irritate skin later.
- Not cleaning before first use. Manufacturing + storage residue is real.
If you share toys or switch between partners
Use a new condom on the toy per partner and per body area (vaginal ↔ anal). Cleaning helps, but barriers reduce risk a lot.
Storage check (clean toy + dirty drawer = still dirty)
Storage is where toys pick up lint, bacteria, and chemical reactions (some materials hate touching each other).
Storage rules that actually matter
- Store fully dry (moisture + darkness = bacteria party).
- Keep toys separate (especially silicone and soft plastics). Some materials react and get sticky.
- Use a breathable pouch or original box (not loose in a makeup bag with crumbs from 2019).
- Keep away from heat and sunlight (material breakdown).
- Don’t store next to charging cables that strain ports or bend seals.
Quick storage table
| Storage method | Good for | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Individual cloth pouch | Most toys | Must be clean + dry first |
| Original box with insert | Many toys | Can trap moisture if stored damp |
| Airtight plastic container | Travel | Bad if toy isn’t bone-dry |
| Loose in drawer | Nothing | Lint, bacteria, scratches, damage |
Replacement signs (when “just wash it” stops working)
A toy isn’t meant to last forever, and you don’t get extra points for toughness.
Replace immediately if you see:
- Cracks, tears, peeling seams
- Sticky/tacky texture that returns
- Discoloration + persistent smell
- Pain/irritation that starts after introducing the toy (pause use and reassess—could be cleaning, lube, material sensitivity)
- Charging/battery issues: swelling, overheating, corrosion
- Surface scratches that won’t smooth out on porous or soft toys (microbe traps)
“It still works” isn’t the same as “it’s still safe”
If the surface is degrading, cleaning becomes unreliable. That’s the whole game.
Quick checklist you can screenshot
- Material: known, non-porous preferred (silicone/glass/steel/ABS)
- Lube: default water-based; avoid silicone lube on silicone unless confirmed safe
- Clean: soap + warm water; disinfect only when material allows
- Barrier: condoms for sharing, switching holes, or porous toys
- Store: dry, separated, pouch/box, away from heat/sun
- Replace: cracks, sticky breakdown, smell, irritation, battery problems
Conclusion
If you follow this sex toy safety checklist, you’re covering the stuff that actually causes problems: unclear materials, wrong lube, half-cleaning, and storage damage. It’s boring in the best way—because “boring” is how you avoid surprises.