To clean a vibrator during pregnancy, wash it after each use with warm water and mild, unscented soap or a compatible toy cleaner. [1] If it has a motor, check the manufacturer’s instructions before getting it wet, since not every device can be washed the same way. [2] For more detail, see Can Orgasms Cause Contractions During Pregnancy?
A simple, consistent cleaning routine helps you care for the toy between uses. For example, use the cleaner recommended for its materials rather than choosing a product at random. [1] Keep pregnancy-specific questions about whether or how to use a vibrator separate from cleaning; ask your pregnancy care provider for guidance that fits your situation. [3]
This section focuses on cleaning and storage, not on deciding whether vibrator use is right for your pregnancy. Check the toy’s instructions for care and storage details, and ask your provider about use-related concerns.
Check the toy’s material and water instructions first
Before washing, check the toy’s care instructions and confirm whether it is waterproof or only water-resistant; those labels affect how much water the device can safely handle. [2][4] If the instructions are missing or unclear, avoid treating a water-resistant toy as safe to submerge, and keep water away from any parts the manufacturer says must stay dry.
For a washable toy, use warm water with mild, unscented soap or a cleaner made for the toy’s materials. [1] For example, if a toy has a motorized base, clean only the areas its care instructions allow you to wet rather than dunking the whole device. A compatible cleaner can be a practical option when you want to avoid soap that may not suit the material.
Do not use bleach or harsh disinfectants, and do not assume that a motorized vibrator can be submerged. [1] Waterproof and water-resistant are not interchangeable: follow the toy’s specific instructions, especially around charging ports, buttons, or seams. If you cannot confirm how the device handles water, stick to the manufacturer’s stated cleaning method rather than guessing.
How to wash and dry your vibrator
Wash your hands before you handle the vibrator. This helps keep germs from your hands off the toy while you clean it.
If the toy can be washed, gently clean its surface with warm water and a small amount of mild, unscented soap or a toy cleaner that suits its materials. [1] For example, use a soft cloth to wipe around the surface rather than scrubbing hard.
Rinse the toy thoroughly so no soap or cleaner remains. [1] Keep water away from any parts that the care instructions say must stay dry.
Pat the toy dry with a clean towel, then leave it out until it is completely air-dry before putting it away. [1] Check creases and any textured areas, where moisture may linger, before storing it.
Store it clean and avoid common cleaning mistakes
Store your vibrator only when it is clean and completely dry, and follow the care instructions for the toy. [1] A damp toy tucked into a drawer or travel pouch is not ready for storage, so let it air-dry fully first.
Clean the toy after every use rather than relying on a quick wipe when washing is permitted. [5] A wipe can miss residue on the surface; follow the toy’s cleaning directions instead of treating a wipe as a substitute for washing. Avoid harsh disinfectants, and do not submerge a motorized vibrator unless its instructions allow it. [1] For example, keep a motorized toy above the water and clean only the areas its care instructions say can get wet.
When choosing a toy, consider a nonporous material: porous toys can harbor bacteria. [3] This is one reason to check the material and care guidance before buying or storing a toy. If the surface is damaged or the cleaning instructions are unclear, pause and check the manufacturer’s guidance before using it again.
When to pause and ask for personalized advice
What if the cleaning instructions are unclear?
Pause before using the toy again if you cannot tell how it should be cleaned. Check the manufacturer’s care guidance for that model; for example, look for instructions about cleaning the toy’s surface and keeping water away from any part that should stay dry. [4] If the guidance is still unclear, contact the manufacturer rather than guessing or trying a stronger cleaner.
What if the toy’s surface is damaged?
Hold off on using a toy with a cracked, peeling, or rough surface until you have checked its care guidance. A damaged surface can make it harder to clean the toy as directed, so don’t assume your usual routine is enough. [4] If the manufacturer does not explain what to do about the damage, ask them whether the toy should be replaced.
Should I ask my pregnancy care provider about vibrator use?
Yes, if you are unsure whether vibrator use is appropriate for your pregnancy, ask your pregnancy care provider. Cleaning advice can help you care for the toy, but it cannot answer personal questions about whether use is right for you. [6] You can describe the kind of toy you use and the concern you have, so your provider can offer guidance specific to your pregnancy.
A simple routine you can repeat
A repeatable routine is simple: check the care instructions, clean the toy with a method that suits it, rinse, and let it dry fully before putting it away. [2][1] That helps you keep cleaning consistent without guessing what the device can handle.
Make the routine easy to follow
Before each wash, take a moment to review the instructions for your specific toy. Then use the compatible washing method, rinse the surface so no cleaner is left behind, and pat it dry with a clean towel before letting it air-dry completely. [1] For example, set it aside on a clean, dry towel rather than returning it to a drawer while it still feels damp.
Once it is fully dry, store it according to the care instructions. [1] If the instructions are missing or unclear, check with the manufacturer before choosing a cleaning method.
Keep the toy clean and dry between uses, and ask your pregnancy care provider for personalized guidance if you have questions about using it during pregnancy. [3] That gives you a clear next step: follow the toy’s care directions, and bring use-related concerns to your provider.