How to Clean and Store Silicone and Glass Toys Safely

Quick answer

Clean silicone and glass toys with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storing. Silicone should never be boiled, while non-porous glass can be washed in hot soapy water or wiped with isopropyl alcohol. Store each toy separately in a breathable pouch to prevent scratches, lint, and material transfer.

Why material matters before you clean

Silicone and glass behave differently in heat, cleaners, and storage, so the first step is knowing which one you have. Medical-grade silicone is flexible, non-porous, and tolerant of mild soap but can degrade with silicone-based lubricants or high heat. Borosilicate glass is rigid, non-porous, and can handle hotter water and alcohol, but it chips if knocked against hard surfaces. If you are unsure which material a toy is made from, check the packaging or product page; when that information is missing, treat it as delicate and use the gentlest method.

This material check also tells you what not to do. Never assume a toy is boil-safe just because it looks sturdy, and never use the same cleaner on every item in your drawer.

Set up a cleaning station that actually works

You do not need a dedicated sink, but you do need a clean, uncluttered surface. Gather a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap, a soft lint-free cloth or microfiber towel, and a small basin if you prefer not to clean in the sink. Avoid antibacterial soaps with added moisturizers, harsh detergents, and anything containing alcohol or petroleum for silicone. For glass, you can add 70% isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush for textured areas.

Keep a separate towel for drying toys only, and wash it regularly. Cross-contamination from bathroom hand towels is one of the most common reasons a freshly cleaned toy does not stay hygienic.

How to wash silicone without damaging it

Rinse the toy under warm, not hot, running water to remove surface residue. Apply a small amount of mild soap and work it into the surface with your fingers or a soft cloth, paying attention to ridges, seams, and any textured areas. Rinse until the water runs clear and no slippery film remains. Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth, then let it air dry completely before storage. Silicone can hold moisture in crevices, so a quick towel dry followed by a few minutes of air drying is safer than putting it away damp.

Skip boiling, dishwashers, and bleach on silicone unless the manufacturer explicitly says otherwise. Heat and harsh chemicals can break down the surface over time, making it tacky and harder to keep clean.

How to wash glass toys safely

Glass toys tolerate more heat, but they still need care. Wash borosilicate glass in warm soapy water, using a soft brush for any textured rings or curves. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a lint-free cloth. For a deeper clean between soap washes, wipe the surface with 70% isopropyl alcohol and let it evaporate completely. If the glass is colored or coated, check the product information first; coatings can wear away with alcohol or abrasive cleaners.

Never use abrasive sponges, scouring powders, or sudden temperature changes. Thermal shock can crack glass even when it is thick, so let a cold toy come to room temperature before washing it in warm water.

Storage that protects both materials

Store each toy separately in a breathable pouch or a clean, soft-lined box. Silicone and glass should not rub against each other, and silicone should not be stored touching other silicone toys for long periods because some softer silicone blends can interact and become tacky. Keep toys away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and humid bathroom cabinets. A cool, dry drawer with individual pouches is the simplest setup.

If you use a shared drawer, label pouches or use dividers so you are not digging through loose items. This reduces the chance of dropping glass or scratching silicone.

A realistic toy care routine

Clean before first use, after every use, and before storing for more than a few days. A quick wash takes under two minutes once you have a routine. If you use lubricant, choose water-based formulas with silicone toys unless the manufacturer states otherwise, and wipe glass toys after use before a full wash. Check toys monthly for changes: silicone that feels sticky or has a strong odor may need replacing, and glass with chips or cracks should be retired immediately.

This routine also applies to other intimate items in your drawer. For example, a lace bralette or a lingerie set needs a different wash method than silicone, but the principle is the same: match the care to the material. The Shania Thong in Wild Leopard and the Shelby Bralette in Midnight Black are both made from delicate fabrics that should be hand washed and air dried, not treated like non-porous toys.

Step-by-step toy care routine

1. Check the material: Confirm whether the toy is silicone or glass before choosing a cleaning method. Common mistake: assuming all toys can be boiled or wiped with alcohol. If the material is unclear, use warm water and mild soap only.
2. Pre-rinse and wash: Rinse with warm water, apply mild fragrance-free soap, and work it into seams and textures with your fingers or a soft cloth. Common mistake: using hot water on silicone or abrasive sponges on glass. Rinse until the water runs clear and no film remains.
3. Disinfect if needed: For glass only, wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol and let it evaporate. Do not use alcohol on silicone unless the manufacturer approves it. Common mistake: skipping this step after sharing a toy or using it while unwell. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer's disinfection instructions.
4. Dry completely: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and let air dry for a few minutes before storing. Common mistake: putting a damp toy into a pouch, which encourages odor and mildew. Dry toys last longer and stay hygienic.
5. Store separately: Place each toy in its own breathable pouch or soft-lined compartment, away from direct sunlight and heat. Common mistake: storing silicone against silicone or glass loose in a drawer. A labeled pouch or divider prevents scratches and material transfer.

Material care at a glance

• Shania Thong : Wild Leopard: Brief with a high-leg thong silhouette and delicate lace accents. Lace and mesh need hand washing and air drying, so keep them separate from your toy cleaning station to avoid snags and residue.
• Shelby Bralette : Midnight Black: Longline bralette with delicate lace trim and adjustable straps. Adjustable straps and lace trim can catch on rough surfaces, so store this bralette flat or folded rather than tossed in a drawer with toys.