How to Clean a Fleshlight: Complete Guide (2025)

Let me be straight with you: I spent 8 years at Fleshlight, and the #1 customer complaint we heard wasn't about texture, tightness, or realism. It was about cleaning.

Here's a stat that'll shock you: According to a 2017 Adam & Eve survey, only 57% of men clean their sex toys after each use. Over a third never clean them at all. Ever.

If you're in that group, we need to talk. Because a dirty Fleshlight isn't just gross—it's a bacterial breeding ground that can lead to infections, material degradation, and a toy that smells like a crime scene.

The good news? Cleaning a Fleshlight properly takes about 10 minutes and requires stuff you probably already own. The bad news? You have to do it after every single use.

Let me walk you through exactly how to do it right.

Why Proper Fleshlight Hygiene Actually Matters

I get it—cleanup isn't sexy. But here's what happens when you skip it:

Bacteria growth: Warm, moist environments (like an uncleaned sleeve) are perfect for bacteria. We're talking potential skin infections and UTIs.

Material breakdown: Fleshlight's SuperSkin material is porous. Bodily fluids, lube residue, and bacteria literally degrade the material over time, making it sticky, discolored, and eventually unusable.

Mold: Leave your Fleshlight damp? Congratulations, you're growing a science experiment. Mold thrives in moisture, and once it's there, your toy is done.

It smells: There's no polite way to say this—an uncleaned Fleshlight develops a smell that could clear a room.

The Fleshlight you paid $60-80 for can last 2+ years with proper care, or 6 months with neglect. Your choice.

What You Need to Clean a Fleshlight

Here's your shopping list. Spoiler: you probably have most of this already.

The essentials:

• Warm water (not hot—SuperSkin can degrade above 100°F)
• Mild anti-bacterial soap or sex toy cleaner (more on this below) soap or toy cleaner (more on this below)
• Clean towels
• Cornstarch or Fleshlight Renewing Powder
• 15-20 minutes of your life

Optional but helpful:

• Isopropyl alcohol (70%) for deep cleaning
• A drying rack or stand
• Fleshwash (Fleshlight's branded cleaner)

Here's an insider secret: Fleshlight Renewing Powder is literally 100% cornstarch. That's it. The $10 bottle at the Fleshlight store? Pure cornstarch. The $2 box in your pantry? Same thing. Save your money.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Fleshlight

1. Disassemble Immediately After Use

Don't let it sit. Seriously. The longer you wait, the harder this gets and the more bacteria grows.

Remove the inner sleeve from the Fleshlight case.plastic case. Take off both end caps. Set the case and caps aside—we'll get to those.

2. Rinse the Sleeve Thoroughly

Hold the sleeve under warm (not hot) running water. Run water through both ends, flushing out all the lube and... everything else.

Use your fingers to gently spread the opening and work water through the internal texture. Don't be shy here—you need to flush out every crevice.

Pro tip from the factory floor: Hold the sleeve vertically and let water run through it for at least 2-3 minutes. You'll be surprised how much comes out even after you think it's clean.

3. Apply Cleaning Agent

Here are your options, ranked:

Best: Fleshwash or antibacterial toy cleaner Apply a small amount to your fingers and work it through the inside of the sleeve. Gentle circular motions. These are pH-balanced and won't damage SuperSkin.

Good: Mild antibacterial soap Use something gentle—unscented hand soap works. Avoid anything with moisturizers, fragrances, or exfoliants. Work it through the same way.

Alternative: 70% isopropyl alcohol Some users swear by this for deep cleaning. Rinse with it, then follow with a water rinse. I'm not officially recommending this (Fleshlight doesn't), but I've seen it work.

Never use:

• Dish soap (too harsh)
• Shampoo or body wash (leaves residue)
• Anything with oil or silicone (breaks down SuperSkin)
• Bleach or harsh chemicals (please no)

4. Rinse Again (Seriously)

Rinse that sleeve like your life depends on it. Any soap residue left behind will make the material sticky and attract dust and lint.

Run water through both ends for another 2-3 minutes. Squeeze gently while rinsing to work out soap from the internal texture.

You'll know it's ready when the water runs completely clear and the sleeve doesn't feel slippery.

5. Clean the Case

Don't forget this part. The hard plastic case needs attention too.

Wash it with warm water and antibacterial soap. Use a cloth or your fingers to clean the inside. Rinse thoroughly.

Clean both end caps the same way. These are easier—just a quick scrub and rinse.

6. Dry Everything Completely

This is where most people screw up.

Your Fleshlight needs to be 100% dry before storage. Not "mostly dry." Not "I'll finish later." Bone dry.

For the sleeve:

Shake out as much water as possible. Pat the outside with a clean towel—don't rub aggressively, SuperSkin can tear.

Now you have options:

Option A: Air dry naturally Stand it upright in a well-ventilated area. This takes 4-8 hours. Overnight is safest.

Option B: Use a drying rack or stand Fleshlight sells accessories like the "Hang Dry" or "Stand Dry." They're not necessary but they speed things up.

Option C: Improvise Some guys use a clean microfiber cloth loosely inserted into the sleeve to wick moisture. Others hang it on a shower mount. Get creative.

For the case: Towel dry the outside, then let it air dry separately. Should be ready in 30 minutes to an hour.

Critical rule: Never, ever close up a damp Fleshlight. That's how you get mold.

Using Renewal Powder (Cornstarch)

Once your sleeve is completely dry—and I mean completely—it's time for renewal powder.

Remember: this is just cornstarch. Grab your kitchen supply or buy Fleshlight's branded version if you want to support the company.

How to apply:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch into your hand
2. Rub it all over the outside of the sleeve
3. Work some into the opening
4. Pat off the excess

Why this matters: SuperSkin has a natural tackiness. Without powder, it'll feel sticky and attract every piece of lint in a 5-mile radius. Cornstarch keeps it silky and prevents material degradation.

You don't need to coat it every time, but definitely after every 2-3 cleanings.

Storage: Don't Ruin Your Hard Work

Reassemble carefully:

• Sleeve goes back into the case
• Replace both end caps (but don't overtighten—leave it slightly loose for airflow)
• Store somewhere cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight

Bad storage spots:

• Humid bathrooms
• Hot cars
• Direct sunlight (UV degrades SuperSkin)
• Anywhere it can get crushed

Good storage spots:

• Bedroom drawer
• Closet shelf
• Under the bed (in a case or bag)

Some guys use the original packaging. Others buy a lockbox. Do whatever keeps it discreet and protected.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fleshlight?

After every single use.

No exceptions. No shortcuts. No "I'll do it later."

I know that sounds extreme, but bacteria starts multiplying within hours in a warm, moist environment. Every time you skip cleaning, you're rolling the dice on infections and material damage.

This non-negotiable 15-20 minute cleaning ritual is the biggest complaint we heard from customers during my time at Fleshlight. Some guys loved the product but hated the maintenance.

And honestly? That's fair.

The Disposable Alternative (Hear Me Out)

Look, I worked at Fleshlight for 8 years. I believe in the product. But I also understand why cleanup is a dealbreaker for some guys.

If you fall into these categories:

• Living with roommates or family (limited privacy for cleaning/drying)
• Traveling frequently (can't bring a Fleshlight through TSA without questions)
• Just hate the cleanup process
• Want zero storage/maintenance hassle

Then disposable sleeves might be worth considering.

Products like Tenga Eggs give you the texture experience without any cleanup. Use it, toss it. Done.

They're not as realistic as a Fleshlight—the material is thinner and the texture isn't as complex. But for guys who prioritize convenience over everything else, disposables solve the cleaning problem completely.

I'm not saying ditch your Fleshlight. I'm saying if cleanup is the only thing holding you back from enjoying solo play, there are now alternatives that eliminate that barrier entirely.

Common Fleshlight Cleaning Mistakes

Mistake #1: Using hot water SuperSkin can degrade at high temperatures. Stick to warm, not hot.

Mistake #2: Putting it in the dishwasher Yes, people have asked this. No, don't do it. Ever.

Mistake #3: Skipping the cornstarch Your sleeve will get sticky, attract lint, and degrade faster. Just use cornstarch.

Mistake #4: Storing it while damp Mold city. Wait until it's completely dry.

Mistake #5: Using oil-based lube This breaks down SuperSkin over time. Always use water-based lube with Fleshlights.

Mistake #6: Cleaning it "later" The bacteria doesn't wait. Clean it immediately after use.

FAQs

Can I use regular soap to clean my Fleshlight? Yes, but only mild, unscented antibacterial soap. Avoid anything with moisturizers, fragrances, or oils. Toy cleaner is always the safer bet.

Do I really need Fleshlight's branded cleaning products? No. Fleshwash is good, but any antibacterial toy cleaner works. And Renewing Powder is literally just cornstarch—save your money and use what's in your pantry.

How long does a Fleshlight last with proper care? 2-5 years, depending on frequency of use and how well you maintain it. I've seen guys get 5+ years out of a single sleeve with religious cleaning habits.

Can I speed up the drying process? You can use a fan or leave it in a well-ventilated area, but never use heat (hairdryer, radiator, etc.). Heat damages SuperSkin.

What if my Fleshlight starts to smell? Deep clean it with isopropyl alcohol (70%), rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and reapply cornstarch. If the smell persists, the material may be degraded beyond saving.

My Fleshlight feels sticky even after cleaning—what gives? You either didn't rinse all the soap out, or you haven't applied cornstarch. Both cause stickiness.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning a Fleshlight is non-negotiable if you want it to last and stay hygienic. It takes 15-20 minutes of actual effort, plus several hours of passive drying time.

Is it annoying? Yeah, sometimes. Is it worth it? If you love your Fleshlight, absolutely.

But I get it—some guys buy a Fleshlight, use it once, see the cleanup involved, and it sits in a drawer for months. The friction (pun intended) between wanting the experience and hating the maintenance is real.

If that's you, consider whether a disposable option might actually serve you better. There's no shame in choosing convenience over realism.

Just promise me one thing: whatever you use, clean it properly. Your health and your wallet will thank you.

Sam Hunter worked at Fleshlight for almost 10 years. He now reviews toys under a pen name because privacy matters, and helping guys make informed decisions matters more.