Ava Noir — Vibrator GuidesHow Do You Clean a Vibrator Properly?
A complete guide to cleaning your vibrator — by material, waterproof vs non-waterproof, what to use, what to avoid and how to store it safely between sessions.
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Before and afterclean your vibrator before and after every use — not just after
Mild unscented soapthe most important rule — never use perfumed, antibacterial or harsh chemical cleaners
Check waterproofingnever submerge a non-waterproof vibrator — check your specific toy before rinsing
Dry completelyalways dry thoroughly before storing — moisture promotes bacterial growth
Cleaning your vibrator is not optional — it is a basic hygiene requirement. Bacteria, bodily fluids and lubricant residue accumulate on every vibrator after use. Without cleaning, these can cause infections, irritation and material degradation. The good news: proper cleaning takes under two minutes.How you clean your vibrator depends on two factors: the material it is made from and whether it is waterproof. Getting both of these right ensures effective cleaning without damaging your toy.
Cleaning by Material
Medical-grade silicone (non-motorised portions or fully waterproof): Wash with warm water and mild unscented soap for at least 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly. If the toy has no electronic components at all, boil briefly in water for a deep clean. Non-porous — does not harbour bacteria in its surface.
ABS plastic: Wash with warm water and mild unscented soap. ABS plastic is hard and non-porous — straightforward to clean. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Stainless steel or borosilicate glass: Wash with soap and warm water. If non-motorised, can be boiled or placed in dishwasher (top rack, no detergent). Completely non-porous and easy to sterilise.
Jelly rubber, PVC or mystery materials: These are porous materials — bacteria can penetrate the surface and cannot be fully removed by cleaning. If you own a toy made from these materials, use a condom over it and replace it with a body-safe option when possible.
Waterproof vs Non-Waterproof
Waterproof (IPX7 rated): Can be rinsed under running water. Wash under the tap with mild soap, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry or pat dry with a clean lint-free cloth. The easiest toys to clean.
Non-waterproof or splash-proof only: Do not submerge. Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, then wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue. Pay attention to any seams, ridges or crevices. Allow to air dry before storing.
Never Use Perfumed SoapScented or antibacterial soaps can disrupt vaginal pH and cause irritation on your next use. Use only mild, unscented soap — or a dedicated sex toy cleaner specifically formulated to be pH-neutral and non-irritating.
No Bleach, No Harsh ChemicalsBleach, alcohol wipes, Dettol and similar products damage toy materials — particularly silicone — and can leave residue that causes irritation. Stick to mild soap or dedicated toy cleaner only.
Clean Before and AfterClean before use as well as after — particularly if the toy has been stored for a while or picked up dust. 20 seconds of proper washing removes bacteria that may have accumulated in storage.
Pay Attention to CrevicesRidges, texture, joints between components and the area where the vibrator meets the charging port are the areas bacteria accumulate most. Use a soft dedicated cleaning brush if your toy has significant texture.
Use a Lint-Free ClothStandard bath towels leave fibres on the toy that can irritate the vagina or anus on next use. Use a dedicated lint-free cloth, paper towels or allow to air dry completely before storing.
Dedicated Toy CleanerSpray-on sex toy cleaners are pH-neutral, alcohol-free and formulated specifically for toy materials. They are particularly useful for non-waterproof toys where rinsing is not possible — spray, wipe and allow to dry.
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Ava Noir's range uses medical-grade silicone and ABS plastic — the easiest materials to keep clean. Discreet UK delivery available.
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Storing Your Vibrator After Cleaning
Dry your vibrator completely before storing — moisture in a closed storage container promotes bacterial growth. Store in a clean, breathable pouch or the original case if one was provided. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing silicone toys in direct contact with other silicone toys — prolonged silicone-on-silicone contact can degrade both surfaces. Do not store in a sealed plastic bag long-term — choose a fabric or mesh pouch instead.
Cleaning Shared Toys
If using a toy with a partner and sharing between bodies, clean thoroughly between each person — or use a fresh condom over the toy for each person. This prevents cross-contamination of bacteria and reduces STI transmission risk. Non-porous materials (silicone, glass, steel) can be sterilised more thoroughly than porous ones — another reason to choose non-porous body-safe materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a vibrator?Wash with warm water and mild unscented soap for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to ridges and crevices. Rinse thoroughly — if waterproof, under running water; if not, with a damp cloth. Dry completely with a lint-free cloth or air dry before storing. Clean before and after every use.
Can you use normal soap to clean a vibrator?Use mild, unscented soap only. Perfumed, antibacterial or strongly scented soaps can disrupt vaginal pH and cause irritation on next use. A dedicated sex toy cleaner is the safest option — pH-neutral and formulated specifically for toy materials.
Can I put my vibrator in water to clean it?Only if it is rated waterproof — typically an IPX7 rating means fully waterproof and safe to submerge. If your toy is not waterproof or is only splash-proof, wipe down with a damp soapy cloth rather than rinsing under water. Check your specific toy before submerging it.
How often should I clean my vibrator?Before and after every single use. If a toy has been stored for a while without use, clean it before the next session. Waiting until after use only is insufficient — cleaning before removes any bacteria accumulated during storage.
Can silicone vibrators be boiled to clean?Only if the toy has no electronic components and is fully non-motorised. Never boil or put in a dishwasher any vibrator with a motor, battery or charging port — the heat and moisture will damage the electronics. For motorised silicone vibrators, wash with warm water and mild soap only.