Cleaning an intimate wellness product is not the most exciting part of ownership. But it is one of the most important.
A well-maintained product lasts longer, feels better, and gives you complete confidence every time you use it. The good news is that proper care is simpler than most people assume. You do not need a chemistry set or a ten-step ritual. You need the right information, a few minutes, and the right products.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what to use, what to avoid, how to clean different materials properly, and how to store your products so they stay in perfect condition.
Why Cleaning Matters More Than You Think
Your body deserves the same standard of hygiene you would expect from anything else that comes into close contact with your skin.
Intimate products are exposed to bodily fluids, lubricants, and bacteria. Without proper cleaning, residue can build up on the surface. Over time, this affects the material, creates unpleasant odours, and introduces hygiene risks that are entirely avoidable.
A clean product is not just about hygiene. It is about respect for your own body and peace of mind every time you reach for it.
What happens if you skip cleaning
Residue left on silicone or plastic can degrade the surface over time. Porous materials can harbour bacteria in microscopic openings. Even body-safe silicone, which is non-porous, can develop a sticky film if lubricants or bodily fluids are not washed away properly.
The result? A product that feels different, smells different, and needs replacing sooner than it should.
How often you actually need to clean
Before first use: Always. Manufacturing residue and packaging dust should be removed.
After every use: Yes, every time. Even if you only used it briefly.
Before use if stored for a while: A quick rinse removes any dust that settled during storage.
The entire process takes under two minutes once you know what you are doing.
What You Need (And What You Should Never Use)
The essentials
- Warm water — the foundation of every clean
- Mild, fragrance-free soap or a dedicated toy cleaner — designed for intimate products
- A clean, lint-free towel — for drying
- A storage pouch or clean container — to keep dust away
What to avoid
- Alcohol, bleach, or harsh disinfectants — these degrade silicone and irritate skin
- Scented soaps or body wash — fragrances can cause irritation and leave residue
- Boiling — only safe for pure, high-grade silicone without motors or batteries
- The dishwasher — heat and detergent damage motors and battery seals
- Scrubbing brushes with stiff bristles — micro-scratches create places for bacteria to hide
Why dedicated toy cleaner matters
Regular soap works for a basic clean, but dedicated toy cleaners are formulated specifically for intimate products. They are pH-balanced, fragrance-free, and designed to clean without leaving residue.
Every VOTIA product ships with a complimentary toy cleaning foam. It is formulated for body-safe materials, requires no rinsing, and dissolves residue without affecting the surface finish.
How to Clean Different Materials
Medical-grade silicone
Silicone is the gold standard for intimate wellness products. It is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.
Basic clean:
- Rinse under warm water
- Apply mild soap or toy cleaner
- Rub gently with your fingers for 30 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear
- Pat dry with a lint-free towel
- Leave to air dry completely before storing
Deep clean (monthly or after extended use):
- Wash as above
- Optional: soak in warm water with a small amount of toy cleaner for five minutes
- Rinse and dry thoroughly
Important: Only boil 100% pure silicone toys with no motors, batteries, or electronic components. Anything with internal mechanics should never be submerged in boiling water.
ABS plastic
Hard plastic is non-porous and straightforward to clean.
- Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap
- Pay attention to seams and buttons where residue can collect
- Dry completely before storage
Do not submerge unless the product is explicitly waterproof.
Stainless steel
Steel is non-porous, durable, and easy to sanitise.
- Wash with warm water and soap
- For a deeper clean, wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol and let it evaporate completely
- Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots
Products with motors or batteries
Always check the manufacturer's waterproof rating before submerging.
- Waterproof products: Can be rinsed under running water. Avoid high-pressure jets.
- Splashproof products: Wipe with a damp cloth. Do not run water directly over charging ports or buttons.
- Non-waterproof products: Use a damp cloth only. Keep moisture away from all electronic components.
When in doubt, use a cloth rather than running water. It is always the safer choice.
Step-by-Step: The Two-Minute Cleaning Routine
This routine works for almost every product VOTIA makes.
Step 1: Rinse
Hold the product under warm running water. If it is not waterproof, use a damp cloth instead.
Step 2: Clean
Apply a small amount of mild soap or your VOTIA cleaning foam. Gently rub all surfaces, including any ridges, buttons, or textured areas, for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Rinse again
Make sure no soap residue remains. Leftover soap can irritate sensitive skin and affect the material over time.
Step 4: Dry
Pat with a clean, lint-free towel. Then leave the product to air dry completely before putting it away. Trapped moisture is the enemy of both electronics and material longevity.
Step 5: Store
Place in a clean storage pouch or container. Avoid direct sunlight, extreme heat, or contact with other toys.
How to Store Your Products Properly
Cleaning is half the job. Storage is the other half.
The basics
- Dry completely before storing. Even a small amount of moisture can encourage bacterial growth or damage electronic components.
- Store separately. Different materials can react with each other over time. Silicone on silicone, in particular, can cause surface degradation. Use individual pouches or separate compartments.
- Avoid direct sunlight and heat. UV exposure and high temperatures degrade materials and shorten battery life.
- Keep away from dust. A simple fabric pouch is enough to keep a product clean between uses.
Travel storage
If you are taking a product with you, a dedicated travel pouch serves two purposes: it keeps the product clean and protects your privacy. Choose something opaque, zippered, and large enough that the product is not compressed or bent.
Charging and battery care
- Rechargeable products should be stored with some charge remaining. Completely drained batteries degrade faster.
- Do not leave products plugged in indefinitely after reaching full charge.
- If storing for an extended period (several weeks), charge to around 50% first.
Common Cleaning Mistakes
Using antibacterial hand soap
It seems logical, but hand soap often contains fragrances and moisturising agents that leave residue on silicone. Use plain, fragrance-free soap or dedicated toy cleaner instead.
Not drying thoroughly
A quick wipe with a towel is not enough. Products need to air dry completely before storage. Moisture trapped in storage is what causes odours and material breakdown.
Storing before cleaning
Even if you are tired, a 60-second rinse prevents residue from drying and becoming harder to remove later. Clean it now. Future you will be grateful.
Using the wrong lubricant
Silicone-based lubricants can degrade silicone toys. Water-based lubricants are safe for all materials and wash away easily. If you use silicone lubricant, clean the product immediately and thoroughly afterwards.
FAQ
How often should I clean my vibrator?
Before first use and after every single use. A quick rinse before storage is also wise if the product has been sitting unused for a while.
Can I use regular soap?
Yes, but choose a mild, fragrance-free variety. Avoid antibacterial soaps with moisturisers or perfumes. For the safest option, use a dedicated toy cleaner.
What about toy wipes?
Convenient for travel, but not a substitute for proper washing. Use them only when water and soap are genuinely unavailable, and clean the product properly as soon as you can.
Can I boil my vibrator to sterilise it?
Only if it is 100% pure silicone with no motors, batteries, or electronic parts. For anything with internal components, boiling will destroy the mechanics. Stick to soap and water.
How do I know if my toy is waterproof?
Check the product specifications or packaging. Look for terms like "waterproof," "IPX7," or "submersible." If you are unsure, assume it is not waterproof and use a damp cloth instead.
Why does my toy feel sticky after cleaning?
Sticky residue usually means soap or lubricant was not rinsed off completely. Wash again with warm water, rubbing thoroughly, and dry completely. If the stickiness persists, the material may be degrading — a sign it needs replacing.
Can I store different toys together?
It is better to store them separately, especially if they are different materials. Silicone toys in particular can react with each other over time. Individual fabric pouches are the simplest solution.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Clean
Caring for an intimate wellness product does not need to be complicated. Warm water. Mild soap or a quality cleaner. A clean towel. Proper storage.
Every VOTIA product includes a complimentary cleaning foam because we believe care should be as effortless as the pleasure itself. Clean well, store thoughtfully, and your products will serve you reliably for years.
