How to Clean and Maintain Your Personal Massager
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personal guidance.
You have invested in a quality personal massager — now let us make sure it stays in perfect condition for years to come. Proper cleaning and maintenance is not just about hygiene (though that is the most important reason); it also protects the material, extends the product's lifespan, and ensures every experience is as safe and enjoyable as the first.
The good news is that cleaning a personal massager is straightforward and takes less than five minutes. This guide covers everything: the correct cleaning method for silicone products, what to avoid, how to store your massager properly, and how to know when it is time for a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Clean your massager after every single use — no exceptions.
- Warm water and mild, unscented soap is all you need for medical-grade silicone products.
- Never use harsh chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners, or abrasive scrubbers.
- Proper storage in a clean pouch or box protects the material between uses.
Why Cleaning Matters More Than You Think
Personal massagers come into contact with some of the most sensitive areas of your body. Even if a product looks clean after use, bacteria, body oils, lubricant residue, and microscopic debris can remain on the surface. If not cleaned properly, these can accumulate and potentially cause irritation or discomfort during your next use.
Medical-grade silicone — the material used in all MyMuse massagers — is non-porous, which means bacteria cannot penetrate the surface the way it can with cheaper, porous materials like rubber or jelly. This is great news for hygiene, but it does not mean you can skip cleaning. Surface bacteria still need to be washed away after every use. Think of it like washing a kitchen knife after cooking: the steel itself is non-porous, but you would never use it again without washing it first.
How to Clean Your Personal Massager: Step by Step
Turn Off and Disconnect
Before cleaning, make sure your massager is switched off completely. If it is currently charging, unplug it. This protects both the electronic components and you. Check that the charging port cover (if your product has one) is securely closed before introducing any water — even waterproof products can be damaged if water enters the charging port while it is open.
Rinse with Warm Water
Hold your massager under warm (not hot) running water. The warmth helps dissolve body oils and lubricant residue more effectively than cold water. Let the water flow over the entire surface, paying extra attention to any textured areas, grooves, or seams where residue tends to collect. Avoid using water that is too hot, as extreme temperatures can potentially affect the silicone over time, even though medical-grade silicone is highly heat-resistant.
Apply Mild, Unscented Soap
Use a small amount of mild, unscented liquid soap — the kind you would use on your face or hands. Fragrance-free is important because perfumed soaps contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin during your next use. Lather the soap gently across the entire surface of the massager using your hands. Do not use a scrub brush, loofah, or any abrasive material, as these can create micro-scratches on the silicone surface where bacteria could eventually accumulate.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off all the soap under warm running water. This step is crucial — soap residue left on the surface can cause irritation just as easily as bacteria can. Run your fingers across the entire surface while rinsing to make sure it feels completely clean and residue-free. The silicone should feel smooth and slightly grippy when properly clean, not slippery or filmy.
Dry Completely
Pat your massager dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or towel. Avoid using paper towels or tissues, as these can leave fibres stuck to the silicone surface. After patting dry, let it air-dry for a few minutes in a clean spot before storing it. Storing a damp product in a closed container can create a humid environment where bacteria thrive — so patience here pays off. A few minutes of air-drying is all it takes.
Store Properly
Once fully dry, store your massager in the pouch or box it came with. Most MyMuse products include a storage pouch for exactly this purpose. This protects the product from dust, lint, and contact with other objects that could scratch or contaminate the surface. Store it in a cool, dry place — a bedside drawer is ideal. Avoid storing it in a bathroom where humidity levels are high, or in a place where it might be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
What to Avoid: Common Cleaning Mistakes
Harsh chemical cleaners: Bleach, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and antibacterial sprays are too aggressive for silicone surfaces. They can degrade the material, cause discolouration, and leave chemical residue that irritates sensitive skin. Warm water and mild soap is genuinely all you need.
Dishwashers: While some guides on the internet suggest putting silicone products in the dishwasher, this is not recommended for electronic massagers. The intense heat, harsh detergents, and water pressure can damage the motor, battery, and internal seals.
Boiling water: Similarly, some sources suggest boiling silicone products to sterilise them. This is only safe for non-motorised, solid silicone items. Any product with a motor, battery, or charging port should never be boiled.
Sharing without proper cleaning: If you and your partner share a massager, clean it thoroughly between users. This is a basic hygiene practice that prevents the transfer of bacteria between individuals.
Scented soaps and body washes: Fragrances and additives in scented soaps can leave residues that cause irritation. Always use an unscented, mild formula.
When to Replace Your Massager
With proper care, a quality silicone massager can last for several years. However, there are signs that indicate it is time for a replacement:
- Material changes: If the silicone becomes sticky, tacky, or changes colour despite proper cleaning, the material may be breaking down.
- Reduced performance: A noticeable decrease in vibration strength or shorter battery life after full charges suggests the motor or battery is wearing out.
- Physical damage: Any cracks, tears, or visible damage to the surface compromises the non-porous barrier that keeps the product hygienic. Replace immediately if you notice any damage.
- Persistent odour: If a smell persists even after thorough cleaning, bacteria may have found a way into a compromised area of the product.
- Charging issues: If the product no longer charges reliably or the charging port is damaged, it is time for a new one.
As a general guideline, even a well-maintained massager should be evaluated for replacement every two to three years, depending on frequency of use.
Products We Recommend
MyMuse Flick
The Flick's smooth, seamless silicone body has no hard-to-reach crevices, making it one of the easiest massagers to clean thoroughly. Its waterproof design means you can rinse it confidently under running water without worrying about water damage.
MyMuse Groove+
The Groove+'s signature textured surface adds unique sensation during use. When cleaning, give a little extra attention to the ridges to ensure no residue remains in the grooves. A gentle pass with soapy fingers is all it takes to keep it perfectly clean.
MyMuse Glide Water-Based Lubricant
Always pair your silicone massager with a water-based lubricant. The Glide formula washes off effortlessly with water, making post-use cleanup quick and easy. Unlike silicone-based lubricants, it will never damage your massager's surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hand sanitiser to clean my massager in a pinch?
It is best to avoid hand sanitiser. Most contain alcohol, fragrances, and other chemicals that can degrade silicone and leave residue that irritates sensitive skin. If you do not have access to mild soap, rinsing thoroughly with warm water alone is a better temporary solution. Clean it properly with soap as soon as you can afterwards.
Do I really need to clean it every single time?
Yes, without exception. Even if you only used it briefly, bacteria and body oils transfer to the surface with every use. Skipping even one cleaning session allows residue to dry onto the surface, making it harder to remove later and creating an environment where bacteria can multiply. It takes less than five minutes — make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Is it safe to share a massager with my partner?
Yes, as long as you clean the massager thoroughly with warm water and mild soap between users. Medical-grade silicone is non-porous, so when properly cleaned, no bacteria remains on the surface. If you prefer extra peace of mind, some couples choose to have their own individual products.
My massager feels sticky even after washing. What should I do?
A sticky or tacky surface usually indicates one of two things: silicone-based lubricant residue that was not fully cleaned off, or the beginning of material degradation. Try cleaning it thoroughly with warm water and mild soap first. If the stickiness persists after multiple thorough washes, the silicone may be breaking down and it is time to replace the product.
Can I use specialised toy cleaners?
Specialised cleaners designed specifically for intimate wellness products are safe to use and can be a convenient alternative to soap and water, especially when travelling. Make sure the cleaner you choose is compatible with silicone and free from harsh chemicals. However, warm water and mild soap remain the gold standard and are more than sufficient for everyday cleaning.
Keep Your Collection in Perfect Condition
Every MyMuse product is crafted from medical-grade, body-safe silicone designed to last. With proper care, your massager will be a trusted part of your self-care routine for years. Explore the full MyMuse range and find your next favourite — delivered discreetly to your doorstep.
Shop Now- 100% Body-Safe Materials (Platinum-Grade Silicone)
- Discreet Packaging & Billing
- Trusted by 3.75L+ Customers Across 1,900+ Cities
- 100-Day Warranty on All Products
Last updated: February 2026
