Butt Plug Guide

How Do You Clean a Butt Plug?

The complete cleaning guide for every butt plug material: what to use, when to clean, deep cleaning methods and how to dry and store correctly after cleaning.

Shop Butt Plugs Call Now
Every useClean before AND after every single session without exception
ImmediatelyClean straight after use, not later — bacteria multiply rapidly
Dry fullyAllow to air dry completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth
Material firstCleaning method must match the material of the toy

Cleaning a butt plug correctly after every use is not optional. The anal environment contains bacteria that must not be left on toy surfaces between sessions. The correct cleaning method depends on the material of the toy and whether it has an integrated motor. Getting these details right protects both your health and the longevity of the toy.

This guide covers the standard cleaning process for every butt plug material, when and how to perform a deep clean, how to dry correctly and the most common cleaning mistakes to avoid.

Why Cleaning Matters for Anal Toys Specifically

Anal toys require more thorough cleaning than toys used externally because the rectum contains naturally occurring bacteria, including E. coli, that can cause infection if transferred to other body parts or if they multiply on toy surfaces between sessions. A toy that looks and smells clean after a session may still carry a bacterial load that standard rinsing without soap will not remove. Thorough soap washing immediately after every session is the baseline minimum.

For anal toys shared between partners, the cleaning requirement is more stringent still: a plug used anally should either be cleaned and disinfected between partners using a boiling or dishwasher method (where the material allows) or a fresh condom should be placed over the toy between uses. Never use an anal toy on a different body part without thorough cleaning between uses.

Cleaning by Material: The Complete Guide

Material Standard Clean (Every Use) Deep Clean (Periodically) Never Do
Body-grade silicone (non-vibrating) Warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Work into all surfaces. Rinse thoroughly Boil in water for 3 to 5 minutes, or top rack dishwasher without detergent on a hot cycle Use silicone-based cleaner or harsh detergent. Do not boil vibrating toys
Body-grade silicone (vibrating) Warm damp cloth with mild antibacterial soap. Never submerge unless explicitly rated waterproof Wipe with antibacterial toy cleaner. Cannot be boiled or dishwashed Submerge in water unless waterproof rated. Boil. Dishwasher
Borosilicate glass (non-vibrating) Warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Rinse thoroughly. Glass is fully non-porous Boil for 5 to 10 minutes, or top rack dishwasher without detergent Use with cracked or chipped surface. Do not boil plugs with crystal gem settings (thermal shock risk)
Stainless steel (non-vibrating) Warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Rinse and dry to prevent water spotting Boil for 5 to 10 minutes, or top rack dishwasher without detergent Leave wet to prevent surface oxidation. Do not use with scratched or damaged surfaces
Hard ABS plastic (non-vibrating) Warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Rinse thoroughly Dishwasher top rack without detergent where manufacturer confirms compatibility Boil. Use harsh chemical cleaners

The Standard Cleaning Process (Every Use)

Step 1: Rinse immediately after removal. Hold the plug under warm running water to remove the immediate surface residue. Do this right after the session, before the residue has time to dry on the surface.

Step 2: Apply mild soap. Work a small amount of mild antibacterial soap (hand soap or body wash without strong fragrances or harsh chemicals) over the entire surface of the toy. Pay particular attention to the base area, any surface texturing and the transition points where the body meets the base.

Step 3: Work the soap in thoroughly. Use your fingers to work the soap across all surfaces for at least 30 seconds. For any toy with surface texturing, a soft cloth can help reach into grooves. Do not use abrasive brushes or sponges, which can scratch non-porous surfaces and create micro-crevices where bacteria can lodge.

Step 4: Rinse completely. Rinse under warm running water until no soap residue remains. Soap left on a toy can irritate tissue during the next session.

Step 5: Dry completely. Pat dry with a clean lint-free cloth and then allow to air dry for a minimum of 30 minutes before storing. A toy stored while still damp encourages bacterial and mould growth inside the storage pouch.

Deep Cleaning: When and How

A deep clean, using boiling water or a dishwasher cycle, sterilises the toy surface beyond what soap washing achieves. Deep cleaning is recommended: after any session where there was any possibility of cross-contamination, before using a toy with a new partner, if the toy has been in storage for an extended period and periodically for all anal toys every few weeks even with regular standard cleaning.

Boiling method: Suitable for non-vibrating silicone, glass and steel toys. Bring a pot of water to the boil. Submerge the toy and boil for 3 to 5 minutes for silicone, 5 to 10 minutes for glass and steel. Remove with tongs, place on a clean towel and allow to cool and air dry before storing. Never boil toys with motors, batteries or gem settings.

Dishwasher method: Suitable for non-vibrating silicone, glass and steel toys. Place on the top rack only. Run a hot cycle without detergent. Detergent-free dishwasher sterilisation uses heat rather than chemicals and does not risk soap residue on the toy. Check manufacturer guidance before using the dishwasher with any specific toy.

Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Cleaning Until LaterBacteria multiply rapidly on toy surfaces after use. Cleaning immediately after each session, while the toy is still close to hand, is far more effective than cleaning hours later. Make it part of the session close-down routine rather than a later task.
Using Harsh Chemical CleanersBleach, alcohol, harsh disinfectants and scented chemical sprays can damage toy materials and leave chemical residue that will contact your internal tissue during the next session. Mild antibacterial soap and warm water is the correct everyday cleaner. Reserve boiling for deep cleans of appropriate materials.
Submerging Vibrating ToysUnless a vibrating toy is explicitly rated waterproof or submersible by the manufacturer, submerging it in water permanently damages the motor. Clean vibrating toys with a damp soapy cloth and specific toy cleaner. Always check waterproof rating before any water contact.
Storing Before Fully DryStoring a toy in a pouch while still damp traps moisture in an enclosed space and encourages bacterial and mould growth on the toy surface. Pat dry, then air dry for at least 30 minutes on a clean surface before placing in the storage pouch.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Method for the MaterialBoiling a toy with an integrated motor destroys it. Boiling a glass toy with a crystal gem setting risks thermal shock cracking the stone. Check the material before applying any deep cleaning method and when in doubt use the standard soap-and-water approach.
Skipping the Pre-Session CleanA quick wash before each session removes any dust or surface bacteria accumulated during storage. Even a toy cleaned and stored correctly benefits from a brief rinse before use. This takes 30 seconds and significantly reduces infection risk.

Storage After Cleaning

Once fully dry, store the plug in a breathable fabric pouch or a dedicated toy case. Keep silicone toys separated from other silicone toys where possible, as silicone surfaces stored in direct contact can bond over time. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, which degrades silicone. For glass toys, use a padded pouch that protects against chips. Stainless steel is the most storage-tolerant material and needs only a fabric pouch.

For full storage guidance, see how to store a butt plug.

Shop Butt Plugs at Ava Noir

Every plug in our collection is made from non-porous body-safe materials that clean easily and safely. Discreet UK delivery on every order.

Shop Butt Plugs Call Now

Every product at Ava Noir's butt plug collection is made from non-porous body-safe materials that are straightforward to clean between sessions, with discreet UK delivery on every order.

The Butt Plug Guides hub covers every topic from cleaning and storage through to safety and care.

Read every guide: Butt Plug Guides at Ava Noir.

Related Guides

How to Store a Butt Plug Are Butt Plugs Safe Butt Plug Materials and Body Safety Back to All Butt Plug Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean a butt plug?Rinse under warm water immediately after use, apply mild antibacterial soap and work across all surfaces for 30 seconds, rinse completely until no soap remains, pat dry with a clean cloth and air dry for at least 30 minutes before storing. The cleaning method varies by material: vibrating toys should never be submerged unless explicitly waterproof rated.
Can you boil a butt plug to clean it?Yes for non-vibrating silicone, borosilicate glass and stainless steel plugs. Boil for 3 to 5 minutes for silicone and 5 to 10 minutes for glass and steel. Never boil toys with motors, batteries or gem settings. Boiling sterilises the surface beyond what soap washing achieves and is recommended periodically for all non-vibrating non-porous toys.
How often should you clean a butt plug?Before and after every single session without exception. A quick rinse before use removes storage dust and surface bacteria. A thorough soap wash immediately after every session removes anal bacteria before they multiply on the toy surface. A deep clean by boiling or dishwasher should be performed periodically for appropriate materials.
Can you put a butt plug in the dishwasher?Yes for non-vibrating silicone, borosilicate glass and stainless steel plugs. Place on the top rack only and run a hot cycle without detergent. The heat sterilises the toy without chemical residue. Do not dishwash vibrating toys, toys with gem settings or any toy where the manufacturer does not confirm dishwasher compatibility.
What soap should you use to clean a butt plug?Mild antibacterial soap or gentle hand soap with warm water is the correct everyday cleaner for all butt plug materials. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, alcohol, strongly scented products and anything not formulated for skin contact. Sex toy-specific cleaners are also appropriate and convenient for between-session cleaning without the need to use running water.