The plug had a lovely evening. Now it's sitting beside the bed while you consider pretending that cleaning it is tomorrow's problem. Get up, you grub. Future you would quite like to find a clean toy in the drawer.
Anal toy care comes down to washing the whole toy, rinsing it properly and letting it dry before storage. The main difference is how much water the toy can handle, especially if it vibrates.
Wash off lube and residue soon after use
For washable, non-powered silicone, glass or stainless-steel toys, warm water and a mild, unscented soap are a common starting point. Soft porous materials and toys with glued decorations can need different care, so don't treat every shiny surface as the same material.
Clean the shaft, neck and base, using your fingers to work soap around textured areas. The base may have stayed outside your body, but your hands and lube probably paid it a visit.
Rinse thoroughly so no soap remains. Dried cleanser is not a thoughtful surprise for your next session.
Keep water out of toys that aren't waterproof
A waterproof toy can be washed within its water-exposure limits. A splashproof toy isn't automatically suitable for a soak, and a remote can have different protection from the toy it controls.
For a toy that cannot go under water, clean the permitted surfaces with a damp cloth and a suitable cleanser, keeping liquid away from openings. Unplug powered toys before cleaning and dry charging contacts completely before charging again.
A toy cleaner can be convenient, but it doesn't make every toy waterproof or sterilise everything on contact. Use it for the cleaning job it's intended to do. Our toy cleaner versus soap guide explains the difference.
Give the neck and base time to dry
Pat the toy dry with a clean, lint-free cloth, then leave it somewhere clean and ventilated until all the moisture is gone. Pay attention to grooves, joins and the underside of the base.
Sealing a damp plug in a pouch is an excellent way to make your next horny moment less appealing. A few extra minutes on a clean towel are easier than dealing with a damp, musty drawer.
Clean again before changing people or body areas
Use a fresh condom between people or body openings where the toy can be securely covered, and clean uncovered surfaces. A toy coming from the anus needs cleaning before vaginal use. Our guide to switching between anal and vaginal play makes that handover straightforward.
Skip improvised boiling, bleach or dishwasher treatments. Ordinary cleaning and sterilising are different jobs; heat and chemicals can damage toys that aren't made for them.
Store it clean, dry and away from damage
A separate clean pouch or compartment keeps dust off and prevents other items scratching the surface. Our storage guide has more ideas if the drawer is getting crowded.
Retire toys with cracks, tears, chips or a deteriorating surface. Otherwise, wash it, dry it and put it away. The next time you reach for it, cleaning can already be done and your arse can get the attention you actually planned.