Caring for Silicone Toys With a Foaming Cleaner: Step by Step

Quick answer

Use a foaming toy cleaner made for silicone, apply it to a pre-rinsed toy, work it into the surface and any texture, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storage. The foam format makes it easy to see where you have cleaned, which reduces missed spots.

Step-by-step foaming cleaner routine for silicone toys

1. 1. Read the toy and cleaner labels first: Confirm the toy is silicone and check whether the manufacturer gives any cleaning restrictions. Check the cleaner label for intended use on intimate toys. Common mistake: assuming all silicone toys are finished the same way; some have motorized parts or charging ports that should not be submerged. If the toy has a motor, battery compartment, or charging port, plan to wipe around those areas rather than running them under water.
2. 2. Pre-rinse with lukewarm water: Rinse the silicone surface with lukewarm water to remove loose residue before applying cleaner. Common mistake: using hot water, which can be uncomfortable to handle and is unnecessary for cleaning silicone.
3. 3. Apply foam to the toy, not to a cloth first: Dispense the foaming cleaner directly onto the silicone so you can see the coverage. Work it over the entire surface with clean fingers or a soft cloth, paying attention to seams, ridges, and textured areas. Common mistake: applying foam to a cloth and wiping only the smooth parts, which leaves texture and crevices untreated. Use a soft cloth or your fingers only; avoid abrasive scrubbers that can dull the silicone surface.
4. 4. Let the foam sit briefly, then rinse thoroughly: Allow the foam to remain on the surface for the time stated on the cleaner label, then rinse with lukewarm water until the surface no longer feels slippery. Common mistake: rinsing too quickly or not rinsing enough, which leaves cleaner residue behind. If the label does not give a contact time, rinse immediately after working the foam over the surface rather than leaving it to dry.
5. 5. Dry completely before storage: Pat the silicone dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and let it air dry fully before putting it away. Common mistake: storing a damp toy in a closed container, which can encourage a musty smell or surface film. Check seams and textured areas with your fingertips; if they feel cool or damp, give them more drying time.
6. 6. Store separately from incompatible materials: Keep silicone toys apart from TPE or other soft materials that can interact with silicone over time. Store in a clean, dry place. Common mistake: tossing all toys into one bag, which can transfer residue or cause surfaces to press together.

Product facts

• LAVANDULA Foaming Toy Cleaner With Lavender Oil + Rosemary Extract: Foaming cleaner made with lavender oil and rosemary extract, and positioned as a tea-tree-free option. If you want a foaming cleaner without tea tree oil, this gives you a plant-based alternative to check against your silicone toy care routine.