If you’ve ever opened a drawer or storage pouch and noticed a strange smell coming from a sex toy, it can be a bit alarming. There is nothing less sexy than a bad smell!
In many cases the smell is completely harmless and easy to fix, but sometimes it can indicate that the toy is made from poor-quality materials or needs cleaning more thoroughly.
Understanding why sex toys can develop smells will help you figure out whether it’s a simple cleaning issue or a sign that the toy itself might not be the best quality, and belongs in the bin.
Why Does My Sex Toy Smell?
Some New Toys Have a Factory Smell
Brand new sex toys sometimes have a faint smell when they first come out of the box, which can be offputting.
This usually comes from the packaging materials, being stored in sealed plastic or from manufacturing residues.
With good quality toys made from body-safe silicone, the smell should disappear quickly after washing the toy with warm water and mild soap.
If the smell fades after the first clean, there’s nothing to worry about.
Toys That Aren’t Cleaned Properly Can Develop Odours
Like anything that comes into contact with bodily fluids or lubricant, sex toys need to be cleaned properly after use and quite frankly, if you don’t, you’re asking for infections. If toys aren’t washed thoroughly, small amounts of fluid or lubricant can remain on the surface and grow bacteria – and cause unpleasant smells over time.
There is really no excuse; modern sex toys can be cleaned easily using warm water, a mild soap or toy cleaner and a soft cloth. You can even buy sex toy wipes if you’re just that busy.
Some sex toys need a bit more attention; for example the ridges in the head of the Lovehoney Classic Magic Wand need to be scrubbed after use with an old toothbrush to get the toy really clean. It’s not glamourous but it is necessary.
Silicone toys without internal electronics like dildos and buttplugs can be boiled in a saucepan (although I’d suggest keeping one special pan for the job rather than using your mum’s cookware) or put in the dishwasher on a hot cycle (yes, really). This should kill off any bacteria and remove any smells.
Allowing the toy to dry completely before storing it can also help prevent smells from developing. Leaving them to dry in the sun can also help to get rid of odours; but maybe not in a communal garden.
Storage Can Make a Difference
Where and how you store sex toys can also affect whether they develop odours.
Keeping toys sealed in airtight containers while they are still slightly damp can sometimes trap moisture, which can lead to nasty odours.
A good approach is to clean the toy as soon as practical after use, allow it to dry completely and then store it in a breathable pouch inside a drawer; a lot of toys come with little fabric storage pouches or cases which are made just for this purpose.
The Material Matters More Than You Think
The material a sex toy is made from has a huge impact on whether it develops smells over time.
High-quality toys are usually made from body-safe silicone, stainless steel, or glass, which are non-porous materials. These don’t absorb fluids and are much less likely to develop odours.
Lower-quality toys, however, are sometimes made from porous materials that can absorb moisture and bacteria over time. These materials are more likely to retain smells even after cleaning.
If you want to learn more about the safest materials for sex toys, we’ve covered this in our guide to what materials sex toys should be made from.
Strong Chemical Smells Can Be a Warning Sign
If a toy has a strong chemical or plastic smell that doesn’t fade after washing, it may indicate that the material isn’t high quality, as some very cheap toys use lower-grade plastics or rubber-like materials that can start to stink.
In these cases the smell may not disappear completely, and replacing the toy with one made from body-safe materials is usually the safest option.
When It’s Best to Replace the Toy
If a sex toy continues to smell unpleasant even after thorough cleaning, it might be time to replace it, as persistent smells can sometimes indicate that the material is breaking down or absorbing fluids.
Choosing sex toys made from high-quality materials and buying from reputable retailers can help avoid this problem in the future. If you need help picking a new sex toy, we have several guides to the best sex toys for women, right through to anal toys for beginners which might help you make a decision!
Still Having Problems With a Sex Toy?
If you’re experiencing issues with a vibrator, clitoral stimulator or other toy, you’re not alone. Many common problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Our Sex Toy Troubleshooting Guide covers the most common issues, including toys not charging, suction toys not working properly, loss of power, irritation, numbness and more.
Read the full guide here: Sex Toy Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems and Fixes.
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