Ever bought a toy that looked perfect in photos, then realized the material made it feel completely different in real life?
That happens all the time.
Material affects feel, firmness, flexibility, cleaning, storage, and even which lubricant is safest to use. So if you want a toy that feels right and lasts longer, material is one of the first things worth checking.
BlissEntry carries toys made from a mix of materials, including silicone, TPE, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic, metal, PVC, hydrogel, and mixed-material constructions. Some toys use just one material. Many use two or more.
So before we get into cleaning and care, let’s start with the part most people actually want to know:
What does each material feel like?
Silicone
If you want a material that feels smooth, comfortable, and easy to work with, silicone is usually the first place people look.
Silicone can feel soft and flexible or firmer and more structured, depending on the toy. It is common in vibrators, dildos, sleeves, and some dolls.
Why people like it:
It feels smooth, often more refined than softer “realistic-feel” materials, and works well across a wide range of toy types.
Best for:
People who want a common body-contact material that is easy to understand and easy to care for.
Lube:
Water-based lube is the safest default. If you want to use another type, check the product page first.
Care:
Wash with warm water and mild unscented soap or a suitable toy cleaner, then dry it completely before putting it away.
TPE and Soft Blends
TPE is all about softness.
It is often used in masturbators, penis sleeves, buttock toys, and some dolls because it can feel stretchier, softer, and more skin-like than firmer materials.
Why people like it:
It gives a softer, more realistic-feel experience.
Best for:
People who care more about softness and realism than a firm, rigid feel.
Lube:
Stick with water-based lube as your default.
Care:
This is a material that needs a little more attention. Clean it gently, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry all the way through before storage—especially if the toy has an internal channel, folds, or textured areas.
Some products also use a silicone + TPE blend. If that happens, don’t assume it behaves exactly like pure silicone. Treat it as a soft mixed material and follow the care guidance on the product page.
Borosilicate Glass
Glass feels nothing like silicone or TPE — and that is exactly why some people love it.
It is hard, smooth, non-flexible, and very precise. If you like firm pressure and zero give, glass stands out right away.
Why people like it:
The surface is very smooth, the pressure feels more focused, and the toy stays completely rigid during use.
Best for:
People who prefer firm stimulation and a clean, polished feel.
Lube:
Glass usually works with a broad range of lubricants, but if the product includes other materials, check the product details.
Care:
Wash with warm water and mild soap, dry fully, and always inspect it before use. If you see chips, cracks, or sharp edges, stop using it.
Stainless Steel
Steel is for people who like weight and zero flex.
It feels hard, smooth, cool to the touch, and heavier than silicone, TPE, or plastic.
Why people like it:
Weight changes the feel quite a bit. Steel can feel more controlled, more deliberate, and more intense because it does not bend or compress.
Best for:
People who like rigid toys and want a material that feels sleek and weighty.
Lube:
Stainless steel usually offers broad compatibility, but still check the complete product if there are other components involved.
Care:
Clean thoroughly, dry it well, and inspect the surface before use. If you notice scratches, damaged coating, or rough spots, stop using it.
ABS Plastic
ABS is very common in sex toys, especially vibrators and electronic toys.
You often see it in the housing, base, handle, controls, or internal structure, even when the body-contact surface is something else, like silicone.
Why people like it:
It is hard, smooth, and works well in toy structures, especially where buttons, charging areas, or a firmer outer shell are needed.
Best for:
Toys with motors, controls, or rigid outer parts.
Lube:
What matters most here is the toy’s body-contact surface, not just the ABS part.
Care:
Don’t assume ABS means “wash the whole thing under the tap.” If the toy has a motor, buttons, or charging port, check whether it is waterproof first.
Metal, PVC, Hydrogel, and Other Specialty Materials
Some products also include metal components, PVC parts, hydrogel inserts, coatings, or other specialty materials.
These materials can work very differently depending on the product.
So here’s the simple rule: if it’s a specialty material, don’t guess. Check the product page first. If the listing does not make it clear, contact us before using strong cleaners, high heat, or anything that may affect the material.
One toy can use more than one material
This part matters more than many people realize.
A product listing might say:
Silicone + ABS
That does not automatically mean the whole toy touches your body in both materials equally.
A vibrator, for example, may have:
- a silicone body-contact surface
- an ABS base, housing, or internal core
A sleeve may use a soft outer material but include a firmer internal structure. A toy may also combine silicone with metal parts, or TPE with ABS.
So when checking a material list, ask yourself:
- What actually touches the body?
- What is just the base, handle, housing, or internal structure?
That makes the cleaning and care instructions much easier to understand.
Porous vs. non-porous — why does it matter?
You do not need a chemistry lesson here. Just this:
Non-porous materials are generally easier to clean because residue stays on the surface.
Porous or softer materials usually need more careful cleaning, complete drying, and better storage habits.
In very simple terms:
- Silicone, glass, and stainless steel are generally easier to clean
- TPE and some soft blends need more careful washing, drying, and storage
This is one reason TPE toys often require more maintenance than a glass dildo or a silicone vibrator.
How should you clean your toy?
A good rule to follow?
Clean your toy before first use and after every use.
But the way you clean it depends on what kind of toy it is.
If your toy is waterproof or submersible
Good — that makes things easier.
Wash it with warm water and mild unscented soap or a suitable toy cleaner. Pay attention to grooves, seams, and textured areas. Then rinse off any residue and dry it completely.
If your toy is splash-resistant or not waterproof
Don’t submerge it.
Instead, wipe it down using a damp cloth and clean the body-contact areas carefully. Keep charging ports, battery compartments, and buttons dry unless the product specifically says otherwise.
If your toy is a masturbator, sleeve, or other soft realistic-feel toy
This is where many people rush — and that is exactly what causes problems.
Internal channels, folds, and textured interiors need extra attention. Rinse thoroughly, clean gently, and make sure the inside dries fully before storage.
If moisture stays trapped inside, the toy can develop odor, surface changes, or early wear.
If your toy is a doll or larger soft product
Clean the areas that come into direct contact with the body after use, and be extra careful with internal channels, folds, and textured sections.
Unless the product says full immersion is safe, do not assume you can soak the whole thing.
Sharing a toy? Switching body areas? Clean it first.
This is an easy one to overlook.
If a toy is being shared with another person, clean it before it touches them.
If the same toy is being moved between anal, vaginal, or oral use, clean it first — or use a new condom before switching.
That matters even more with softer or more porous materials, because they do not all clean as easily as glass, steel, or many silicone toys.
Which lube should you use?
Not sure which one to grab?
Water-based lube is the safest default for most toys.
That is the simplest answer — and for many people, it is the most useful one too.
As a quick guide:
- Silicone toys: water-based is the safest default
- TPE and soft blends: water-based is recommended
- Glass and stainless steel: often more flexible, but still check the full product if other materials are involved
- Mixed-material toys: check the product page if you want to use anything other than water-based
If a toy has a material blend or the compatibility is unclear, don’t experiment blindly. Start with water-based.
Dry it well, store it well
Cleaning is only half the job.
A toy that is cleaned but stored while still damp is not properly cared for.
Here’s what to do after washing:
- Dry the toy completely
- Let internal channels and textured areas air dry fully
- Store toys in a cool, dry place
- Keep them away from direct sunlight and excessive heat
- Store soft-material toys separately where practical
- Use an individual storage bag or container if available
- Avoid leaving soft toys folded, compressed, or pressed against other materials for long periods
This matters most for TPE, soft blends, and masturbators, but it is a good habit for any toy.
What about rechargeable and motorized toys?
These need a little extra care.
If your toy has a motor or battery:
- make sure it is dry before charging
- keep the charging area clean and dry
- use the correct charging method for that product
- do not soak it unless it is clearly rated for immersion
- store it away from heat and moisture
If a toy starts acting strangely — gets unusually hot, stops charging properly, shows casing damage, or develops battery-related swelling — stop using it.
When should you stop using a toy?
Inspect your toys from time to time. If you notice any of the following, it is time to stop and take a closer look:
- cracks, tears, or splitting
- chips in glass
- sharp edges
- damaged coating
- unusual stickiness or tackiness
- significant surface deterioration
- persistent odor after proper cleaning
- exposed internal parts
- damaged charging ports or cables
- swelling, warping, or other battery-related changes
Sometimes a toy just looks a little worn. That alone does not always mean it is unsafe. But if the material is clearly breaking down, do not ignore it.
Not sure whether it is still safe to use? Send us clear photos and your order number.
A quick word on material and safety claims
Because BlissEntry carries products from different suppliers, materials and claims can vary from one product to another.
That means words like:
- body-safe
- phthalate-free
- BPA-free
- latex-free
- hypoallergenic
- medical-grade
- food-grade
- platinum-cured
- tested or certified
apply only when they are clearly stated for that specific product.
In other words, we do not assume one supplier’s material claim applies to every similar-looking product on the site.
If you need clarification about a specific toy, contact us before buying or before use.
Email: support@blissentry.com
Please include the product name or product URL so we can check the right item.
Need the basics?
Looking for easy everyday care? Browse our Sex Toy Cleaners.
Need a safer all-purpose starting point? Explore our Lubricants and start with a water-based option.