Why Does My Sex Toy Smell? Causes and Fixes

Quick answer

Most sex toy odors come from the material itself, trapped body oils, or improper cleaning. Start by washing with mild soap and warm water, dry thoroughly, and store in a breathable bag. If the smell persists, it may be a low-quality material that you should replace.

A new toy that smells like plastic or rubber can be off-putting, and an old toy that develops a funky odor is even more frustrating. You might wonder if it's safe to use or if you did something wrong. The truth is, some odor is normal, especially with certain materials, but persistent smells can signal a hygiene issue or a material that isn't body-safe.

This guide walks you through the common causes of sex toy smells, how to get smell out of sex toys, and when to stop cleaning and choose a different product. You'll also learn practical cleaning silicone toys tips and how to keep your collection fresh.

Why Do Sex Toys Smell?

The most common reason a sex toy smells is the material it's made from. TPE and jelly rubber are porous materials that can absorb body oils, sweat, and bacteria, leading to a lingering odor. Even new toys can have a slight chemical smell from manufacturing, which often fades with proper washing and airing out.

Silicone toys, on the other hand, are non-porous and generally odor-resistant. However, they can still pick up smells if not cleaned after each use. Body fluids, lubricants, and even certain soaps can leave residues that cause a bad odor over time.

Another culprit is improper storage. Keeping toys in a sealed plastic bag or a drawer with other items can trap moisture and odors, encouraging bacterial growth. Always store clean, dry toys in a breathable fabric bag or a dedicated container.

• Porous materials like TPE and jelly are more prone to absorbing odors.
• Silicone is non-porous and less likely to smell if cleaned well.
• Storing toys in airtight containers can make odors worse.

How to Get Smell Out of Sex Toys

Start with a simple wash using warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Avoid harsh detergents or antibacterial soaps that can leave residues. For silicone toys, you can also use a dedicated toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

If the smell persists, try soaking the toy in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap for 10–15 minutes. For silicone toys, you can even boil them for a few minutes to sanitize, but check the manufacturer's instructions first. Never boil TPE or jelly toys, as they can melt.

After washing, let the toy air dry completely before storing. You can also sprinkle a little baking soda on the surface, let it sit for a few hours, then rinse it off. This helps neutralize stubborn odors.

• Wash with warm water and mild soap after every use.
• Soak in soapy water for stubborn smells.
• Air dry completely before storing.
• Baking soda can help deodorize silicone toys.

When to Stop Cleaning and Choose Another Option

If you've cleaned your toy thoroughly and the odor remains strong, it's likely the material itself is the problem. Porous materials that have absorbed body fluids and bacteria cannot be fully cleaned, and continued use can lead to irritation or infection. In this case, it's time to replace the toy.

Also, if a toy develops a strong chemical smell that doesn't fade after washing, it may be made from low-quality materials that aren't body-safe. These can cause skin reactions, so it's better to err on the side of caution and choose a new toy made from body-safe silicone.

Remember, your health is more important than getting your money's worth. If a toy smells bad even after multiple cleaning attempts, stop using it and invest in a higher-quality product.

• Persistent odor after cleaning means the material has absorbed too much.
• Low-quality materials can be unsafe—replace them.
• Choose body-safe silicone for odor resistance and hygiene.

Smell Diagnosis: Symptom, Cause, Fix, and When to Stop

• Symptom: A persistent plastic or musty smell that doesn't go away with washing. This is a sign of material breakdown or absorbed odors.
• Likely cause: Porous materials like TPE or jelly absorbing body oils, sweat, and bacteria, or improper cleaning and storage. Check your toy's material and your cleaning routine.
• Corrective action: Wash with mild soap and warm water, soak in soapy water, air dry completely, and store in a breathable bag. For silicone, try baking soda. Follow this routine after every use to prevent odors.
• When to stop or choose another option: If the smell remains after multiple cleanings, the toy is likely not body-safe or is too porous to fully clean. Replace it with a silicone toy. Your health comes first—replace any toy that can't be deodorized.

Products That Help with Odor and Hygiene

• Maia ROYCE - Black - Black 12 cm Stroker - BO-23-001-BLK: Royce is our super soft and stretchy male stroker. Made from TPE material, Royce will hold up time after time. Textured internal sleeve for added stimulations. TPE is porous, so this stroker requires thorough cleaning and drying to prevent odor buildup. Use water-based or hybrid lube and clean immediately after use.
• Firefly Trainer Kit - Coloured Butt Plugs - Set of 3 Sizes - NSN-0473-01: Made of odourless TPE, the plugs have strong suction-cups and can be used with all lubricants. Even 'odourless' TPE can absorb odors over time, so proper cleaning is essential. The trainer kit is a good starter set, but be prepared to replace it if odors persist.
• Maia AVERI - Green - Green USB Rechargeable Vibrator - BO-25-02-GREEN: Crafted from body-safe... [supplied fact truncated] Body-safe materials are less likely to cause odors. Always check the material and clean the toy after each use to maintain freshness.

A smelly sex toy is usually a sign of material or hygiene issues. Regular cleaning and proper storage go a long way, but if the odor persists, don't risk your health—replace it with a body-safe silicone option. Now you know why sex toys smell and how to fix it, so you can enjoy your collection with confidence.