How to Clean and Store Silicone, ABS, and TPE Toys Without Damaging Them

Quick answer

Clean silicone and ABS toys with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap or a dedicated toy cleaner, then dry them completely before storing. TPE needs the same wash but also a light dusting of cornstarch to stop it getting tacky. Keep everything in a cool, dark, dust-free place, and store silicone separately from TPE so the materials don't react.

Your toys are an investment in pleasure, and how you clean and store them decides how long they last and how safe they feel next time. The good news: silicone, ABS plastic, and TPE each have simple care rules, and once you know them, the whole routine takes minutes.

This guide walks through an ordered process you can follow after every use, with the common mistakes to avoid at each stage. It also covers storage ideas that keep toys dust-free and ready, plus a few product picks that make the job easier.

Know your material before you wash

Silicone is non-porous, heat-resistant, and safe to wash with soap and water; it can also be boiled or run through a dishwasher if the toy has no motor. ABS plastic is rigid, smooth, and usually found in vibrator bodies and bullet casings, so it wipes clean easily but should never be boiled if it contains electronics. TPE is soft and stretchy but porous, which means it holds onto moisture and oils more than the other two.

That porosity matters because TPE can degrade over time, especially if it sits against silicone or another TPE toy. Check the box or product page if you are unsure, and when a toy has a motor, treat it as ABS or silicone on the outside and keep the battery compartment dry.

• Silicone: non-porous, can be boiled if motor-free.
• ABS: wipe clean, never submerge a battery compartment.
• TPE: porous, needs drying and dusting after washing.

Gather the right cleaning supplies

You do not need a cabinet full of specialty products. A mild, unscented, antibacterial soap works for most silicone and ABS toys, and a dedicated toy cleaner is convenient when you want a spray-and-wipe option. Avoid harsh household cleaners, alcohol on TPE, and anything with strong fragrances if you are sensitive.

For TPE, add a small container of cornstarch to your kit. It absorbs surface oil and keeps the material from turning sticky between uses. A soft cloth or microfiber towel and a small cleaning brush for textured toys round out the basics.

• Mild soap or toy cleaner
• Cornstarch for TPE
• Soft cloth and small brush for crevices

Wash, rinse, and dry in the right order

Start by removing batteries or turning off the toy. Apply a small amount of soap or cleaner to a damp cloth or directly to the toy, then wipe all surfaces, paying attention to seams, ridges, and the base. Rinse with warm, not hot, water unless the manufacturer says the toy is fully waterproof.

Dry immediately with a clean cloth and let the toy air-dry completely before storing. Moisture left in a crevice or battery compartment is the fastest way to shorten a toy's life. For TPE, once it is fully dry, dust it lightly with cornstarch and shake off the excess.

• Never submerge a toy that is only splash-proof.
• Dry the battery compartment before closing it.
• Dust TPE only after it is completely dry.

Store toys so they stay dust-free and separate

Store silicone toys away from TPE and jelly toys, because the materials can interact and cause a tacky or melted surface over time. A fabric pouch, a hard case, or a dedicated drawer divider works well. Keep everything out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat, which can warp TPE and degrade silicone over time.

If you use a shared toy box, wrap each toy individually or use labeled pouches. This also makes it easy to grab the right toy without digging, and it keeps lint, pet hair, and dust off surfaces that will go back on your body.

• Separate silicone from TPE and jelly toys.
• Use pouches or dividers to prevent dust and scratches.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

Handle batteries and motors with care

Battery-powered toys need a little extra attention. Remove batteries if you will not use the toy for a while, since leaking batteries can corrode the compartment. When you do store batteries, keep them in a cool, dry spot and check the contacts for residue before inserting them.

For rechargeable toys, charge them as the instructions recommend and avoid leaving them plugged in for days. A charged toy that sits unused for months may still need a top-up before play, so check it before you are in the mood.

• Remove batteries for long storage.
• Wipe battery contacts if you see residue.
• Top up rechargeable toys before use.

Your step-by-step toy care routine

1. Check the material and power source: Identify whether the toy is silicone, ABS, or TPE, and remove batteries or confirm it is off before washing. Mistake to avoid: guessing the material and using the wrong cleaner.
2. Wash with mild soap or toy cleaner: Apply cleaner to a damp cloth or directly to the toy, working into ridges and seams, then rinse with warm water if the toy is waterproof. Checkpoint: never submerge a toy that is only splash-proof.
3. Dry completely: Wipe with a clean cloth and let air-dry, especially around buttons and battery compartments, before storing. Mistake to avoid: putting a damp toy back in its pouch.
4. Dust TPE with cornstarch: Once TPE is fully dry, sprinkle a little cornstarch and shake off the excess to prevent tackiness. Checkpoint: skip this step for silicone and ABS.
5. Store separately and dust-free: Place each toy in its own pouch or divider, keep silicone away from TPE, and store in a cool, dark place. Mistake to avoid: tossing everything into one box where materials can touch.

Products that make cleaning and storage easier

• Doc Johnson Alkaline Batteries | reliable and long lasting: Doc Johnson alkaline batteries give your little exploits power every single time you need it. Keeping a spare pack on hand means a dead battery never interrupts a session, and you can remove them for long-term storage without hunting for replacements.
• Pipedream Royal Rabbit Kit | classic vibe with soft sleeves, beads, c-ring, kegal balls: The Royal Rabbit Kit includes seven items, including a multi-speed silver vibe and two sleeves. Kits with multiple pieces and sleeves need a cleaning routine that covers each material separately, so you can dry and store the vibe apart from the sleeves.
• First Time® Satin Teaser | bullet vibe with remote control: This is a beginner-friendly bullet vibe that is small in size and multi-speed. Small bullets are easy to wipe clean and store in a pouch, but the remote and battery compartment should stay dry, so follow the splash-proof guidance.

A consistent sex toy cleaning routine takes a few minutes and protects both your toys and your body. Match the method to the material, dry everything thoroughly, and store toys separately to keep them dust-free and ready for next time.