A vibrator is like any other personal item: if you care for it properly, it stays beautiful and safe for much longer. Cleaning is not complicated, there are just a few basic rules worth knowing. Here is how to do it well, step by step.
Why cleaning matters
Your skin and mucous membranes are sensitive, and warmth and moisture favour bacteria. If you do not wash a toy after use, everything easily stays there for the next time too. That is why it is worth cleaning it quickly after every single use, not just occasionally.
The material matters
Non-porous materials like good quality silicone have a smooth surface and do not let bacteria soak in. Porous, softer materials can never be cleaned fully sterile.
A 2023 study also found that silicone-based material had the safest profile among those tested. That is one reason every KUNDZSI piece is made of premium silicone.
A clean piece stays beautiful and safe for much longer.
Everyday cleaning, step by step
This method is for motorised, rechargeable vibrators, which means nearly everything you will find in our shop.
Step by step
- Turn it off, and if it is rechargeable, unplug the charger. Keep the area around the charging port dry.
- Rinse it under lukewarm running water. It should not be hot, hand-warm is enough.
- Use a little fragrance-free, mild soap. Scented, harsh shower gels can irritate the mucous membranes.
- With your fingers or a soft cloth, gently rub the surface, especially the grooves and curves.
- Rinse it clean so no soap is left behind.
- Wipe it dry with a clean, lint-free cloth, then let it air dry completely.
If you want a deeper disinfection
Daily washing with soap is enough in most cases. Sometimes, though, a more thorough clean feels good, for example if it has been stored for a long time or if you share it with someone. Important: these methods are only for simple silicone or glass pieces without a motor.
- A motor-free, 100% silicone piece can go into boiling water for three to five minutes.
- You can wipe it down with 70% isopropyl alcohol, then rinse it.
- If the manufacturer explicitly allows it, it can be cleaned on the top rack of a dishwasher, without detergent.
Drying and storage
Let the piece dry completely before you put it away. Store it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight, because lasting heat and light can damage the material over time.
It is best if each piece has its own dust-free bag or soft case. That way the surfaces do not touch, which matters because certain materials can react when they come into contact with each other. A simple cotton pouch or the case it came with is perfect.
Lubricant and material
For silicone pieces, choose a water-based lubricant. A silicone-based lubricant can attack the silicone surface over time and leave tiny scratches, which again give bacteria a place to settle. A water-based lubricant is safe and also easy to wash off.
When to replace it
Check your piece from time to time. If you notice cracks, stickiness, discolouration or a sharp smell on the surface, the material is ageing, and it is worth replacing. A well-maintained silicone vibrator, however, will stay with you for a long time.
If you are only just getting started, take a look at our beginner's guide, or take our short quiz.
Sources
Sipe, J. M., Hendren, C. O., et al. (2023). Bringing sex toys out of the dark: exploring unmitigated risks. Microplastics and Nanoplastics, 3, 24. link.springer.com
Healthline (medically reviewed). How to Correctly Clean and Store Your Sex Toys. healthline.com
STD/HIV Prevention Training. Sex Toys: Material & Care. stdhivtraining.org
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