Silicone is a smooth, non-porous, and hypoallergenic material, making it safe for body use. Its non-porous nature prevents bacteria buildup and allows it to be sterilised, so it can be used vaginally or anally and safely shared if cleaned between uses.

ABS plastic is a firm, smooth, non-porous, and body-safe material. Its non-porous nature allows it to be sterilised between uses, making it safe for vaginal or anal play and shareable when properly cleaned.

ABS plastic is rigid and not very flexible, making it ideal for internal or external vibrators, including g-spot and p-spot massagers.

PVC is a firm, porous material commonly used for larger sex toys. As it is porous it can harbour bacteria, so it cannot be sterilised and should be replaced every 8-10 months.

Because of this, PVC toys are not safe to share between partners unless a condom is used, and condoms are also recommended for anal use.

Some PVC sex toys may contain phthalates, which can interfere with the body's hormone production system, known as the endocrine system. Phthalates have been linked to developmental, reproductive, brain, immune, and other health issues. It is not known whether condoms can protect against these toxins, so always look for phthalate-free PVC.

Metal is a smooth, non-porous, body-safe material that won’t harbour bacteria and can be sterilised, making it safe for vaginal or anal use and shareable when cleaned properly.

It is firm, heavy, and inflexible, ideal for vaginal dildos and anal toys, including g-spot and p-spot massagers. Metal retains temperature, so it can be cooled or warmed before play for different sensations.

Steel is a strong, durable, non-porous metal alloy. Stainless steel includes chromium to resist corrosion, making steel sex toys long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free.

Steel toys are very firm and often heavier than other toys, ideal for massage or temperature play, as they can be warmed or cooled and will retain the temperature. Their smooth, non-porous surface makes them easy to clean and safe to sterilise, and they can be stored together without issue.

Glass is a smooth, non-porous, and sustainable material that can be fully sterilised, making it safe for vaginal or anal use and shareable when cleaned properly.

It is firm, heavy, and inflexible, ideal for vaginal dildos and anal toys, including g-spot and p-spot massagers. Glass retains temperature, so it can be cooled or warmed before play for different sensations.

Borosilicate glass is a smooth, non-porous, and body-safe material that can be fully sterilised, making it safe for vaginal or anal use and shareable when cleaned properly.

It is strengthened to be extremely durable and shatter-resistant, making it safe for internal use. Borosilicate glass is firm, heavy, and inflexible, ideal for vaginal dildos and anal toys, including g-spot and p-spot massagers.

Glass retains temperature, so it can be cooled or warmed before play for different sensations.

TPE is a soft, non-toxic, phthalate-free material that is porous and cannot be sterilised. It can range in firmness, feeling either soft and lifelike or more rigid like silicone, making it a popular choice for penis masturbators, realistic dildos, and vibrators.

Because TPE can harbour bacteria, toys made from this material should be replaced every 8-10 months, or sooner if you notice tears or discolouration. Examine each toy carefully before use to ensure it is safe.

TPE is not safe to share between partners unless covered with a non-latex condom, which is also recommended for anal play.

TPR is a soft, non-toxic, phthalate-free material that is porous and cannot be sterilised. It is flexible and slightly springy, making it feel different from TPE’s softer, flesh-like texture. It is commonly used for realistic dildos and vibrators, especially when a slightly firmer, more resilient feel is desired.

Because it can harbour bacteria, TPR toys should be replaced every 8-10 months, or sooner if you notice tears or discolouration. Check each toy carefully before use to ensure it is safe.

Porosity means TPR is not safe to share between partners unless covered with a non-latex condom, which is also recommended for anal play.

TPU is a soft, non-toxic, phthalate-free material that is porous and cannot be sterilised. It is a thermoplastic polymer similar to TPE and TPR but slightly more resilient, making it a popular choice for realistic dildos.

Because TPU is porous, it can harbour bacteria. Use a non-latex condom if sharing the toy or for anal play. TPU toys should be replaced every 8-10 months, or sooner if you notice discolouration or damage.

Rubber is a soft, porous material that cannot be sterilised.

Polycarbonates are firm, durable plastics that are generally non-porous and body-safe.

Polypropylene is a hard plastic that is solid, strong, and generally considered body-safe.

Wood is a firm, porous natural material that can be sealed to make it non-porous and body-safe. Wooden sex toys can be made in many shapes and sizes and tend to be lighter than metal or glass while still retaining firmness, making them easier to handle for people with limited range of movement or disabilities.

Wax is an organic material that melts into a liquid at certain temperatures. It's commonly found in massage candles or drip candles intended for wax play, though the type of wax used in these varies. Massage candles can be used to drip oil-like wax onto the body and massaged in, while drip candles are intended for slightly more intense heat.

Soy wax is commonly used for massage candles as it has a melting point of 46-57 degrees Celsius and contains natural oils that are perfect for massage. Paraffin wax is typically used for drip candles as its melting point can be slightly higher (47-65 degrees Celsius) and it can create a pleasurable burning sensation.

How do I clean off wax?

• Paraffin wax can be cleaned off the body with warm mineral oil, massage oil, or olive oil by holding a saturated cloth or cotton pad to the wax until it has softened, then wiping it away.

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Leather

Leather is a very common material in the world of BDSM and many bondage tools and restraint items are made from this material. It can be treated to be smooth and soft, firm or highly textured. You can use it to tease and tickle the skin or cause pain if it is spanked hard against the body.

How do I clean and store leather sex toys?

• Clean your leather with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry naturally. Store your leather out of direct sunlight.

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Suede

Suede is thinner and more delicate than most forms of leather, but it is still very durable. This makes it popular for clothing, footwear, and BDSM toys such as whips or restraints.

How do I clean and store suede sex toys?

• Suede requires more careful care than other forms of leather due to its texture and thinness. The nap can collect dust and dirt, and requires brushing with a soft leather brush. A suede eraser can be used to remove stains.
• Suede is not waterproof and should be kept dry at all times.

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Faux Leather

It is commonly made by laminating a textile base with a plastic coating such as PU or PVC. The process to manufacture faux leather is far easier than genuine leather, which makes it more affordable.

Faux leather is often (but not always!) vegan. Some faux leathers can be made using leather scraps or a base of the fibrous layer of cowhide. These forms of faux leather are often called bonded or bi-cast leather, so avoid these if you are looking for a vegan product.

How do I clean and store faux leather sex toys?

• The maintenance and cleaning of faux leather is much easier than genuine leather. Most faux leathers can simply be wiped down and do not require leather conditioner or added care. The downside, however, is that faux leather is not as durable as real leather and can be prone to cracking or tearing.
• We recommend storing faux leathers in a cool, dry place to avoid any sun damage.

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Vinyl

If a sex toy such as a dildo is labelled as ‘vinyl’ it usually means that it is made out of PVC. PVC/vinyl is porous and cannot be fully sterilised. Vinyl toys should be used with a condom if shared with partners or used anally and replaced every 8-10 months.

PVC or vinyl toys are likely to contain harmful phthalates used as softeners. Vinyl products are not toxic on their own, but the use of phthalates can make them unstable and unsafe for use. It is not known whether a condom will protect against these toxins. If you are concerned with toxicity or want a non-porous toy, silicone may be a better option.

How do I clean and store Vinyl sex toys?

• Wash with warm water and mild soap.
• Keep Vinyl toys separate from other toys to avoid chemical reactions.

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PU

PU is a low-cost, vegan option that is used for bondage tools and clothing. Many impact tools, restraints and clothing items are made of this material. It can be made to be relatively soft and into many colours and styles.

How do I clean and store PU products?

• Follow the instructions of your product for cleaning.
• It doesn’t absorb water, making it easy to clean.

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Latex

When treated and processed to be used in the production of condoms, latex can be made incredibly thin and still retain its resilient, tear-proof qualities. Latex condoms should not be used with oil-based lubricant as this can degrade the latex and increase the risk of breakages.

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Latex is also commonly used for fetish wear such as dresses, masks, or gloves. Latex creates a sleek, skin-tight look, but it can be high maintenance. Latex clothing can be difficult to put on or take off due to the rubbery texture, so talcum powder or lube is commonly used to aid in this. Latex clothing can be polished using specialised latex polish or silicone lubricant, which creates the shiny, wet look that latex is known for.

How do I clean and store Latex clothing?

• Latex clothing should be hand washed with lukewarm water and a latex-appropriate soap and air-dried.
• Store in a garment bag and hang in a dry, dark place.

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Polyester

It is a common material for clothing and bondage accessories like blindfolds as it is resistant to wrinkling or stretching. Polyester is quick-drying and can be made to feel relatively smooth and silky. However, it is not a breathable fabric.

How do I clean and store Polyester fabrics?

• Follow the instructions of your product for cleaning.

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Nylon

How do I clean and store Nylon fabrics?

• Follow the instructions of your product for cleaning.

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Hemp

When used in clothing, hemp is strong, absorbent, durable, and insulating. Hemp fabric doesn’t stretch out of shape like some other fabrics, making it perfect for heavy-duty products.

Hemp can also be used to make incredibly strong rope, making it perfect for forms of bondage – though hemp rope may not be as soft as other options. Hemp fibre is generally mould resistant and tends to be an affordable rope option.

Hemp fabrics should be washed with cold water to preserve their colour. Refer to washing instructions on the item for further information.

How do I clean and store Hemp fabrics?

• Wash with cold water to preserve its colour.
• Follow further instructions on your garment when cleaning and storing.

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Cotton

Cotton may be used in lingerie or bondage gear, especially rope. Cotton rope is softer than many other varieties while still being strong and durable. When used in lingerie or clothing cotton is soft, breathable, and fast drying.

How do I clean and store Cotton sex toys?

• Follow the instructions of your product for cleaning.

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Silk

Silk is a very strong, durable fibre. It is usually quite light and very absorbent, making it a naturally moisture-wicking fabric. It is breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, and has temperature regulating properties. It feels soft but isn’t slippery. These properties make silk a fantastic material for lingerie. Due to the long and complex process of producing silk, it is often an expensive material.

How do I clean and store Silk lingerie?

• Silk can lose its strength when wet, so needs to be gently hand washed and hung to air dry.
• Follow further instructions on your garment when cleaning and storing.
• Silk can have more static build-up than other fabrics but hanging a silk product separate from other laundry to dry can help with this.

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Spandex

Spandex is generally comfortable and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for lingerie. However, it is not a breathable material.

How do I clean and store Spandex sex toys?

• High-quality spandex items should be hand-washed in cold water and left to air dry to ensure they remain in top condition.
• Follow the washing instructions on the item.

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Satin

Satin is not to be confused with silk. Silk refers to the base fibre that the material is made from, whereas satin refers to the way those fibres are woven.

How do I clean and store Satin lingerie?

• Items should generally be hand washed, or machine washed on a delicate setting.
• Refer to washing instructions on the item for further information.

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Neoprene

How do I clean and store Neoprene sex toys?

• Neoprene items can be hand washed, but it is generally safe to machine wash on a normal cycle.
• Refer to washing instructions on the item for further information.

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Faux Fur

Faux fur is commonly used in toys such as tails or furred handcuffs. It's not very breathable, but it's usually soft and comfortable to wear.

How do I clean and store Faux Fur sex toys?

• We'd recommend handwashing your faux fur items to ensure they remain in top condition. They can also be brushed when dry to untangle any knotted fur.
• Refer to cleaning instructions on the item for further information.

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If you aren’t sure what your sex toy is made of, stick to water-based lubricant as it is safe with any sex toy material. You can check out our video for more information below.

Learn more about caring for your sex toys here

• The ultimate guide to cleaning and storing your sex toys
• Which lubricant should I use with my sex toys?

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Adulttoymegastore has a huge range of sex toys including vibrators, dildos and cock rings for every occasion! With fast, 100% discreet shipping, and price guarantee, ATMS has everything you need to make good sex, great.