How do you dry sex toys?

Proper drying matters as much as proper cleaning. Stored-while-damp is the most common cause of toy failure outside material degradation.

The drying protocol

1. After washing, rinse with clean water — removes any soap residue.
2. Pat dry on a clean cloth or paper towel. Don't reuse a damp cloth.
3. Position to air-dry — flat on a clean surface or standing in a way that allows water to drain off.
4. Air-dry 10-30 minutes at room temperature before storage.
5. Verify dryness — particularly around textured areas, charge ports, and joining surfaces.

For motorised toys (vibrators)

Extra care around the charge port:

• Wipe the charge port specifically — water residue here causes corrosion.
• Air-dry overnight before charging. Plugging in a damp toy is the leading killer of rechargeable sex toys.
• Tip the toy charge-port-down for a few minutes if water has entered — lets it drain.
• Inspect for any water visible in seams or ports before storage.

For Fleshlight / SuperSkin toys

Specific drying challenge — the textured chamber doesn't drain easily:

• Use the included drying stand — sleeve chamber pointing down so water drains.
• Don't pat-dry the inside — channel is too narrow.
• Air-dry 4-6 hours minimum. Overnight is better.
• Don't store in case while damp — promotes mould.

See how to clean a Fleshlight.

For glass and steel

Robust materials; relatively forgiving:

• Towel-dry thoroughly — glass particularly shows water spots if air-dried.
• No risk of internal moisture issues — no porous surface to trap water.

For leather

Different rules — leather doesn't dry like other materials:

• Don't saturate in the first place — wipe-clean rather than wash.
• If wet, blot with a clean cloth.
• Air-dry slowly at room temperature — never near a radiator or hairdryer.
• Condition once dry — leather conditioner restores oils lost during cleaning.

See how to clean leather cuffs.

For latex

• Hang or lay flat away from direct sun.
• Talc-free drying — talc is contraindicated for body-contact products.
• Powder with cornstarch once fully dry — restores soft feel and prevents sticking.

What NOT to do

• Don't use heat — radiator, hairdryer, oven, microwave. Damages most materials.
• Don't use a tumble dryer — for any toy, leather, latex.
• Don't towel-dry the inside of textured chambers — leaves lint behind.
• Don't store while damp — even a slightly-damp toy in a sealed pouch grows mould.
• Don't expose to direct sunlight to dry — accelerates pigment fade.
• Don't share a drying towel with general household use — risks cross-contamination.

Storage after drying

Once fully dry:

• Breathable cotton pouch per toy — not plastic bags.
• Lockable storage if needed — see discreet storage.
• Cool, dark, dry location — bedside drawer at room temperature.
• Separate materials — different silicones from different manufacturers stored separately; TPE away from silicone.

Inspection during drying

The drying period is a good time to inspect for issues:

• Surface texture changes — stickiness on silicone may indicate silicone-lube exposure.
• Plasticiser sweating — TPE end-of-life signal.
• Discolouration or smell — may indicate degradation.
• Charge port damage on motorised toys — visible corrosion or debris.

See when to throw a toy away.