The material a toy is made of affects how it feels, how you clean it and which lube you can use with it.
Non-porous materials (easiest to keep clean)
- Silicone: soft, flexible and non-porous. Cleans with mild soap and water or a toy cleaner. Use water-based lube with silicone toys.
- ABS plastic: hard, smooth and non-porous. Common on bullets and wand handles.
- Glass and stainless steel: very smooth, can be warmed or cooled, and clean easily. Check for chips before each use.
Porous materials (need more care)
- TPE / TPR and "jelly": soft and inexpensive, but porous, so they hold onto bacteria more easily. Clean thoroughly, dry fully, and consider using a condom over shared toys.
- Realistic "skin" materials: often porous too. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions closely.
How to check
Product pages list the material. When in doubt, choose silicone or ABS, or email us and we'll check the manufacturer's information for you.
Cleaning and storage
- Clean before the first use and after every use: warm water and mild soap, or a dedicated cleaner such as Sliquid Shine Toy Cleaner - 8.5oz ($21.99) or Pjur TOY Clean, 100 ml ($22.99).
- Dry completely before storing.
- Store toys separately, or in a pouch, so different materials don't touch. A storage bag such as Liberator Zappa Discreet Toy Bag Chocolate ($59.95) keeps things tidy and discreet.
Quick answers
Which material is best for beginners? Silicone: soft, easy to clean, widely available.
Can I use any lube with any toy? Water-based lube works with every material. Avoid silicone lube on silicone toys.
What does "phthalate-free" mean? Phthalates are chemicals once used to soften some plastics. Many brands now label toys phthalate-free; the product page shows what the manufacturer states.
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More guides
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- Lube guide: water, silicone, oil or aloe?
- How to clean and store your sex toys
- Discreet sex toy shopping in Canada: packaging, billing and privacy
- Toys for couples: a guide to sharing
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