How to Clean and Care for Your Motorized Dildo
Here's the thing nobody tells you about motorized dildos: they're not just "stick it under the tap and you're done." The motor changes everything — how you wash it, what you use, and what you absolutely cannot do if you want it to last more than a few months.
A manual dildo is silicone all the way through. You can scrub it, boil it, toss it in the dishwasher, and it'll be fine. A motorized toy has a motor, wires, a battery, and charging ports. Water and electronics don't mix. Treat a motorized toy like a manual one, and you'll be shopping for a replacement sooner than you'd like.
Here's how to actually clean and care for your motorized dildo — without killing it.
🔍 Step 1: Check What You're Dealing With
Before you do anything, find out what kind of water resistance your toy actually has. This is usually printed on the packaging or in the manual. Don't assume it's waterproof just because it looks like it should be — check the label.
For most modern rechargeable toys, IPX5 is the standard. It means the toy can handle a quick rinse under a gentle stream of tap water — enough to wash off lube and body fluids after use. It does not mean you can submerge it in a bath or take it into the shower.
Here's a breakdown of what the different ratings actually mean in real-world use:
| Rating | What It Means | Real-World Use |
|---|---|---|
| Not rated | No official water resistance testing | Damp cloth only. Keep away from sinks and water entirely. |
| Splashproof (IPX4) | Splash-resistant only — can handle light splashes from any direction, but don't rinse under running water | Wipe down with a damp cloth. Fine if it gets a few drops on it, but don't hold it under the tap. |
| Waterproof (IPX5) | Resists low-pressure water jets from any direction | Rinse under a tap after use. This is what most rechargeable toys have. Do not submerge. |
| Waterproof (IPX7) | Can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes | Bath or shower use. Can be fully immersed, but still check the manual. |
| Waterproof (IPX8) | Can be submerged beyond 1 meter — conditions vary by manufacturer | Bath, shower, or pool use. Check the manual for specific depth and time limits. |
If you're not sure and the packaging doesn't clearly say, assume it's IPX5 — rinse it under the tap, but don't take it into the bath.
⚡ Step 2: Pre-Clean Prep
Check the charging port. Most modern rechargeable toys use USB, magnetic, or DC pin charging. You can't remove the battery, and you don't need to — but you do need to protect the charging contacts.
Before cleaning: Make sure the charging port cover is sealed tight. If your toy uses magnetic or pin charging, give the contacts a quick wipe with a dry cloth before washing — any leftover lube or moisture can cause oxidation over time.
After cleaning: Never charge a wet toy. Even if it's waterproof, moisture in the charging port can cause corrosion or short-circuit the battery. Let it dry completely before plugging it in.
🧽 Step 3: The Right Way to Wash
If your dildo is waterproof (IPX5 or higher):
Rinse it under warm (not hot) water. Hot water can damage the internal components over time, even if the outside is sealed.
Use mild, unscented soap. Antibacterial is fine, but nothing harsh. Harsh soaps strip the silicone surface and make it sticky over time.
Gently scrub the surface with your fingers or a soft cloth.
Pay special attention to ridges, seams, and textured areas. These are where residue likes to hide.
A mushroom head dildo, for example, has that pronounced corona ridge that traps lube and debris. If you don't clean under that ridge, it stays there.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free towel.
If your dildo is splashproof (IPX4) or not rated:
Skip the running water entirely.
Use a damp cloth with mild soap and wipe down the surface.
Then use a second damp cloth (just water) to remove any soap residue.
Keep water away from charging ports, seams, and buttons.
A cotton swab with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol can clean around buttons. But don't use alcohol on silicone surfaces regularly — it can degrade the material over time.
The same rules apply whether you're cleaning a vibrating dildo after a solo session or a thrusting dildo that's been working hard.
The only difference is how much residue you're dealing with. Thrusting toys tend to trap more lube in the crevices because of the constant motion.
Whether it's a dual density dildo with a soft outer layer or a firmer single-material toy, the cleaning process is the same. The material doesn't change the rules.
A quick note on material:
Silicone is non-porous. Bacteria can't get inside. That's good.
But the surface still needs to be cleaned.
If you're using a toy with a textured surface or lots of ridges, consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Dedicate it to toy cleaning — not your teeth.
Use it to get into those hard-to-reach spots. Just don't scrub too hard. You don't want to damage the silicone surface.
One more thing:
If you're using a toy with a textured surface or lots of ridges, pay extra attention during cleaning.
Lube and debris love hiding in those spots. They won't come out with just a quick rinse.
💨 Step 4: The Most Important Step — Drying
Don't rush this. Moisture trapped in charging ports, seams, or button crevices will eventually cause problems. This is the step most people skip, and it's the #1 reason motorized toys stop working.
After washing, pat the toy dry with a lint-free towel, then leave it out to air-dry completely — at least 30-60 minutes. If you're in a hurry, a hairdryer on the cold setting can help, but don't use heat — it's bad for the battery. Double-check that charging ports and seams are fully dry before storing.
Even with an automatic dildo — one that does all the moving for you — drying is where most people slip up. They assume the toy is dry because the outside feels dry. But water finds its way into charging ports and button seams, and that's where the trouble starts.
And if you're cleaning a massive dildo, give it extra drying time — more silicone means more surface area, and more crevices for moisture to hide. Turn it over halfway through drying to make sure both sides get air.
📦 Step 5: Storage That Doesn't Shorten Its Life
Store your motorized toy in a breathable pouch — most brands include one. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Heat degrades silicone over time, and sunlight can cause discoloration.
If you store multiple toys together, separate them — silicone can react with other materials over time. This is especially true for cheap silicone blends or TPE toys, which can leach oils that mess up your good silicone.
If your toy has a suction cup, pay extra attention to the base. A suction cup dildo needs to be stored with the cup facing up or on its side — if you store it cup-down, the rim can warp over time and lose its grip. Also, make sure the suction cup is completely dry before storing, or you'll trap moisture against the surface.
One more thing: For rechargeable toys, try to store them at around 50% charge — not full, not dead. This extends battery life long-term.
🚫 What Not to Do
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Don't submerge IPX5 or splashproof toys — IPX5 means rinse, not soak. Bath time is for IPX7 and up.
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Don't use harsh cleaners — bleach, alcohol (on silicone), or abrasive soaps will damage the surface. Stick to mild, unscented soap.
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Don't boil or dishwasher — heat destroys batteries and motors, even if the silicone would survive. This is for manual toys only.
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Don't use silicone-based lube — it degrades silicone surfaces over time. Water-based only. If you accidentally use silicone-based lube once, clean it immediately — it can cause swelling or tackiness.
💡 A motorized dildo is a machine with a silicone skin. Clean the skin like you would a manual toy, but treat the machine like what it is — electronics that hate water.
Related Reading
How to Clean and Store Your Silicone Dildo the Right Way
