How to Clean Different Types of Fantasy Toys: Dildos, Strokers, and Squishies

Quick answer

Clean all body-safe silicone toys with warm water and mild, unscented soap, then air-dry completely before storing. Dildos and strokers need thorough rinsing inside and out, while squishy stimtoys only require gentle surface cleaning—never use them internally, and avoid boiling or harsh chemicals unless you know the toy's heat tolerance.

Keeping your fantasy toys clean isn't just about hygiene—it also protects your investment and ensures every session feels as good as the first. Different toy types demand different care: a dense silicone dildo can handle more aggressive washing, while a soft squishy stimtoy needs a gentler touch. This guide answers the most common cleaning questions for dildos, strokers, and squishies, using real examples from Tentickle's handmade collection.

Before you start, always check the care instructions that came with your toy. While most Tentickle toys are made from body-safe platinum-cure silicone, firmness, texture, and construction can affect how you should clean them. When in doubt, start with the mildest method and work your way up.

What's the best way to clean a silicone dildo?

For most silicone dildos, warm water and a mild, unscented soap are all you need. Lather the surface gently, paying extra attention to textured areas or suction cups where gunk can hide, then rinse thoroughly. If your dildo has a base with a hole for accessories like a Vac-U-Lock, make sure to clean inside that opening with a cotton swab or pipe cleaner.

Some users prefer to sanitize their dildos with a 10% bleach solution or a boiling water bath. That can work for solid, 100% silicone toys, but it's not always safe—especially for softer silicones or toys with embedded details. Always check the manufacturer's guidance first. For a daily clean, soap and water is enough; deep sanitization is only necessary before sharing or after long storage.

• Use unscented, non-moisturizing soap to avoid residue.
• Rinse twice to ensure no soap remains.
• Dry completely with a lint-free cloth or air-dry on a clean towel.

How should I clean a stroker to avoid damage?

Strokers often have soft, delicate interiors with intricate textures like bumps and ridges. The key is to clean them immediately after use, because bodily fluids and lubricant can dry quickly and become harder to remove. Turn the stroker inside out if the design allows it (like the open-ended Toxxxik), or squirt warm soapy water into the channel and massage it gently.

Avoid using boiling water or dishwashers for most strokers—the heat can warp soft silicone, and the strong water pressure can tear fragile walls. Also, never use alcohol-based cleaners, as they can degrade the material over time. After rinsing, pat the outside dry and let the inside air-dry completely before storing. A drying stand or a rolled-up clean towel can help.

If you own a closed-ended stroker designed for transmasc users, be extra gentle: those channels are narrower and easier to tear. Clean with care, and always use a toy cleaner if you're in a rush.

• Clean right after use to prevent dried residue.
• Use a gentle toy cleaner if soap and water don't cut it.
• Air-dry completely to prevent mold growth.

Can I clean a squishy stimtoy the same way?

No—squishy stimtoys like the Burgore 'Trophy' are not designed for internal use and are often more delicate than actual insertables. They're meant for squeezing and sensory play, so they don't need deep cleaning. A quick wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap is plenty.

Because squishies are often made of ultra-soft silicone like OO20, they can tear or lose their squish if you scrub too hard or soak them. They may also have slight imperfections like tiny air bubbles, so treat them gently. Avoid boiling or submerging them for long periods, and let them dry naturally after a light rinse.

For glow-in-the-dark squishies like some Nemonee models, the same gentle surface cleaning works—just avoid harsh chemicals that can dull the glow effect.

• Wipe, don't soak.
• Use lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
• Store away from direct sunlight to preserve color and glow.

Quick care checklist

Do I need to clean a toy before first use?

Yes. Wash with mild soap and water to remove any manufacturing residue or dust. Always do a quick pre-use wash.

Can I boil my silicone toy to sanitize it?

Only if it's 100% silicone and the manufacturer says it's safe. Many soft or multi-material toys can warp. When in doubt, use soap and water.

How often should I clean a squishy stimtoy?

Wipe it down whenever it looks dirty or feels sticky. A light rinse with lukewarm water is fine. Gentle surface care is enough.

What's the best way to dry a stroker?

Let it air-dry completely, ideally with the channel open. Avoid using heat or direct sunlight. Patience prevents mold.

Real examples from Tentickle's range

• Toxxxik: Toxxxik is an open-ended stroker/mini penetrable toy, textured with asymmetrical bumps and ridges inside to provide a mixture of sensations, depending on the stroke direction and twisting motion. Available in 3 sizes, with open-ended and closed-ended versions. The open-ended design makes internal cleaning easier—just run water and soap through the channel. Closed-ended versions need even more careful rinsing and drying to keep the interior fresh.
• Burgore 'Trophy' #2 squishy stimtoy super soft (OO20): Meet Burgore: Tentickle's original squishy stimtoy. Is it cute? Or is it gross? Either way, this burger buddy is pleasing to squeeze! Squishies are not designed for internal use and are meant as a stimtoy or novelty item. Since Burgore isn't an insertable, it doesn't require the same rigorous cleaning as a dildo or stroker. A gentle surface wipe keeps it clean without risking damage to the ultra-soft silicone.
• Toady Stool: Cute but sturdy, Toady has a tapered cap to ease insertion whilst his proud chest applies pressure as it stretches its way inside. His textured skin heightens the sensation, whilst a narrower base allows you to hold him inside. The textured skin can trap lubricant and residue, so pay extra attention to those crevices when cleaning. Toady's sturdy build means it can handle a thorough wash, but still stick to mild soap and water.

Cleaning your fantasy toys doesn't have to be complicated. Match the method to the material: a thorough wash for insertables, a gentle wipe for squishies, and immediate care for strokers. With these habits, your Tentickle toys will stay fresh, safe, and ready for whenever you are.