Whether it's a faint chemical tang on first unboxing or a persistent odour that won't shift after washing, a smell from your sex toy raises questions — and deserves an honest answer.
You're not alone in noticing it, and you're not overreacting for wondering. The truth is that some smells are completely harmless and temporary; others are a genuine signal that the material your toy is made from isn't as body-safe as you'd hope. Knowing the difference matters, both for your peace of mind and your wellbeing.
Here's everything you need — what causes sex toy smells, what each type of odour means by material, how to clean and store toys properly, and when it's worth starting fresh entirely.
That New-Toy Smell — What It Actually Is
You've just opened a new toy. There's a slight smell. Your first instinct might be concern — but if the toy is made from quality body-safe silicone or ABS plastic, that subtle scent is almost certainly off-gassing, and it's completely normal.
Off-gassing is the release of trace compounds that become temporarily airborne as a material settles after manufacturing and packaging. Premium silicone and ABS plastic both do this to a small degree. The smell is usually described as slightly rubbery or faintly sweet — not harsh or chemical. It rarely lasts more than a few uses once the toy has been cleaned and given a chance to air properly.
Think of it like a new car smell, or the way a fresh yoga mat smells when you first unroll it. Noticeable, slightly odd, but not harmful — and short-lived.
For silicone toys specifically, the off-gassing fades significantly after the first wash. Give the toy a proper clean before first use (more on that below), let it air dry somewhere well-ventilated, and any lingering smell should be largely gone within a day or two.
When the Smell Is a Warning Sign
Here's where things get more serious. Not all smells are innocent off-gassing — and the material your toy is made from makes all the difference.
If your toy has a strong, persistent chemical smell — something described as fishy, plasticky, artificial, or almost like a swimming pool — the culprit is very likely phthalates. These are chemical plasticisers added to soft plastics (PVC, jelly rubber, and some lower-grade TPE formulas) to make them flexible. They're also what give those materials their characteristic odour.
Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption in research, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormonal systems. The UK government restricts phthalates in children's toys, but adult sex toys sit in a regulatory grey area — which is precisely why it's worth paying attention to what yours are made from.
The other red flag is a smell that doesn't fade no matter how thoroughly you clean the toy. That's because porous materials — jelly rubber, cheaper TPE/TPR blends, PVC — can harbour bacteria and absorb body fluids over time. The smell at that point isn't just manufacturing chemicals; it's bacterial activity trapped inside a material you simply cannot fully sanitise.
No judgement if you've owned one of these. Most people have. Understanding why they smell the way they do is usually enough to prompt a natural upgrade.
A Quick Material Guide: What Smells, What Doesn't
Not all sex toy materials are equal when it comes to safety or smell. Here's a straightforward reference:
- Medical-grade silicone — Non-porous, body-safe, minimal off-gassing that fades quickly after first clean. The gold standard.
- ABS plastic — Non-porous, firm, almost completely odourless. Commonly used for bullet vibrators and hard casings.
- Borosilicate glass — Non-porous, odourless once cleaned. Hypoallergenic and very easy to sterilise.
- Stainless steel — Non-porous, no smell at all. Extremely durable and simple to keep hygienic.
- TPE / TPR — Porous materials. Can have a mild rubbery smell initially. Some grades are body-safe; cheaper versions may contain phthalates. Quality varies enormously by brand.
- Jelly rubber / PVC — Porous and frequently contains phthalates. Strong chemical smell that rarely fully disappears. Not recommended for use without a condom.
- Cyberskin / Ultraskin — Porous, strong new smell, requires very specific care. Degrades over time and the odour worsens as it does.
The simplest rule: if a toy smells strongly of chemicals and is described as "jelly", "realistic skin-feel", or lists no specific material at all — treat it with caution. If it's clearly silicone, glass, steel, or ABS, you're on solid ground.
How to Clean a Smelly Sex Toy Properly
Whether it's a new-toy smell or something that's built up over time, proper cleaning is always the first step. And "proper" varies depending on what the toy is made from.
Non-porous toys (silicone, glass, steel, ABS)
Rinse under warm water, apply a dedicated sex toy cleaner or mild unscented soap, work into a lather, rinse thoroughly, and leave to air dry on a clean towel. Do this before first use and after every single use. For silicone, glass, and metal toys without electrical components, boiling or using a sterilising solution gives a deeper clean when needed.
A spray cleaner makes this genuinely quick — particularly the Loving Joy Cleanse Sex Toy Cleaner 250ml, which is formulated with Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild coconut-derived cleansing agent, and is safe across all materials including silicone, rubber, and latex. Spray on, wipe with a clean cloth, air dry. Sixty seconds.
If you'd prefer something with an organic formulation, the Sliquid Shine Organic Toy Cleaner 255ml is an excellent choice. Infused with tea tree oil and castor oil for their natural cleansing properties, and completely free from glycerine, parabens, alcohol, and triclosan. Non-foaming, kind on sensitive skin, and very effective at removing lingering odours without damaging your toy's material.
Porous toys (TPE, TPR, Cyberskin)
Wash thoroughly with warm water and mild unscented soap after every use — never skip this step. Rinse well, dry carefully (moisture trapped inside the material is exactly the condition bacteria need to thrive), and store away from other toys. These materials cannot be fully sterilised, so always use a condom when sharing, and replace them more frequently than you would a non-porous toy.
For stubborn odours: a paste of baking soda and warm water, gently worked into the surface and rinsed off after a few minutes, can help neutralise the smell. If the odour is still present after a proper clean and a deodourising attempt, it's time for a fresh start.
Toys with motors and charging ports
Never fully submerge unless your toy is rated waterproof (check for an IPX rating on the packaging or product description). A spray cleaner wiped across the surface is the safest approach — effective without risking any water damage to the internals.
Ordering over £50 at Naughty Nest? Free delivery means adding a toy cleaner to your basket is a completely painless decision.
How to Store Your Toys to Prevent Smell
Even the cleanest, most body-safe toy can develop an odour if you're storing it carelessly. Leaving toys loose in a drawer — touching each other — degrades materials and allows bacterial transfer, particularly where different material types are in contact.
The golden rules: store each toy in its own breathable pouch, keep silicone separate from other silicone toys (they can bond together over time), and choose a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which trap moisture and create precisely the warm, damp environment that bacteria flourish in.
The Safe Sex Anti-Bacterial Toy Bag Large is designed specifically for this. It uses silver-ion technology to actively inhibit bacterial growth on the bag lining — meaning less transfer, less odour build-up over time, and no lint sticking to your toys. Lint-free, satin-smooth, with a secure drawstring closure. Simple, and genuinely useful.
When to Bin It and Start Fresh
Not every smelly toy can be saved, and there's no shame in acknowledging that. If a toy has a strong chemical or biological smell that persists after two or three thorough cleans, it's beyond what any cleaner can fix.
The same applies if the toy is visibly degrading — becoming sticky, flaking, or developing an oily residue on the surface. These are signs the material is actively breaking down and leaching compounds you don't want against your skin. No amount of washing reverses that process.
As a general guide: non-porous silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys last for years with proper care. Porous toys have a much shorter useful life — even with excellent maintenance, most manufacturers suggest replacing them every one to two years. If yours is older than that and smells, trust your nose.
Browse our body-safe collection when you're ready to upgrade — everything is clearly labelled by material, so you'll know exactly what you're getting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a new sex toy to smell?
Yes — a faint smell when you first unbox a quality silicone or ABS plastic toy is completely normal. It's caused by off-gassing from the manufacturing process, and it fades after the first clean and a few hours of airing. A strong, persistent chemical smell is a different matter entirely and usually points to lower-quality materials.
Are smelly sex toys dangerous?
It depends on the cause. Off-gassing from body-safe silicone is harmless and temporary. A strong chemical smell, particularly from jelly rubber or toys listed as "rubber" or "PVC" without further detail, can indicate the presence of phthalates — chemical plasticisers that have been linked to hormonal disruption in research. If you're unsure of the material, use a condom over the toy until you can confirm it, or replace it with a body-safe alternative.
How do I get rid of the smell on a sex toy?
Wash the toy thoroughly with a dedicated sex toy cleaner or mild unscented soap, rinse well, and leave to air dry in a ventilated space for several hours. For stubborn odours on porous toys, a baking soda paste applied gently and then rinsed off can help neutralise the smell. If the odour persists after multiple thorough cleans, the toy is very likely beyond saving.
What sex toy materials don't smell?
Medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel are all non-porous, body-safe materials with minimal to no odour — and any faint new smell fades quickly after a first clean. These are the materials to look for when buying. If a toy's material isn't clearly listed, that's usually a sign the brand would rather you didn't dig into it.
How should I store sex toys to prevent odours?
Store each toy in its own breathable pouch, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid sealed plastic bags or tightly lidded containers, which trap humidity and encourage bacterial growth. An antibacterial storage bag with silver-ion technology actively inhibits bacterial build-up between uses, keeping toys fresher for longer.
Your toys should be a source of pleasure, not anxiety. Understanding what causes a smell — and what to do about it — means you can shop and play with confidence. When in doubt, trust your nose, check the materials, and don't compromise on what you use closest to your body.
