Always check the instructions that came with your specific toy first — materials and waterproofing vary by product. With that said, here's the general approach that works for most toys.
Even when a toy doesn't look like it needs cleaning, residue you can't see can build up on the surface, and that matters more for porous materials than non-porous ones like silicone. Cleaning before and after every use is the simplest habit that prevents most issues down the line.
Warm water and a mild, unscented soap is enough for most silicone toys. Avoid harsh or heavily scented chemical cleaners — they can break down the material's surface over time, even if the damage isn't visible right away. If a toy isn't rated fully waterproof, don't submerge it; wipe it down with a damp cloth instead, paying attention to seams and buttons where moisture can get into electronics.
Skip alcohol-based or heavily scented cleaning products — they can dry out or degrade silicone over time. Never put a motorized or electronic toy in a dishwasher or washing machine, and never fully submerge a toy that isn't explicitly rated waterproof, even briefly.
Let everything dry completely before putting it away — trapped moisture is exactly the kind of environment bacteria need to grow. Store toys separately from each other rather than piled together; silicone touching silicone (or certain plastics touching each other) can bond or degrade the material's surface over time. A simple fabric pouch, like the ones many toys ship in, solves this cheaply and effectively.
If a toy uses removable batteries and you're storing it for a while, take the batteries out — corrosion from an old battery left inside is a common and avoidable way toys get ruined in storage. For rechargeable toys, an occasional top-up charge during long periods of non-use helps keep the internal battery healthier long-term, the same way it does for phones or laptops left unused.
A quick clean — soap, water, dry — is appropriate after every single use. A more thorough clean, checking seams, buttons, and any textured surfaces closely, is worth doing periodically, especially for toys with more complex shapes where residue can hide in small crevices.
Yes, with proper cleaning between uses, or by using a condom over the toy for extra hygiene — especially useful if you're switching between partners or between body areas during the same session.
A faint smell on new silicone is common and usually fades after the first few uses and washes. A strong, persistent chemical smell that doesn't fade over time can be a sign of lower-quality material.
It varies a lot based on use and care, but a well-made silicone toy that's cleaned and stored properly can reasonably last for years.