Too often I see people who have just purchased their own toys and have no idea how to care for them. Folks assume that you don't do more than wipe them down or worse - that you use soap.

Cleaning method depends on your type of toy. NEVER - and I say NEVER - use soap. Soap contains several ingredients that can break down the makeup of the toy. There's also soaps that leave films or scents behind that can caught yucky stuff to happen. Soap will destroy latex/silicone toys like nothing else. NEVER use a latex/silicone toy that has been cleaned with soap. It'll burn like hell and possibly give you a good infection.

The best solution for cleaning is water. It's safe, effective, and is found naturally in the body. Water works best on any toy right after play when bodily fluids are still moist. Use a wet cloth and wipe the surfaces clean. NEVER fully submerse an electric toy (some waterproof models are not meant for full submersion even if it says "100% waterproof". Use your best judgement). Dry and store.

Possibly the best stuff I've found to clean a toy is This stuff! It's safe and works wonders on toys with dried bodily fluids. You spray it on (or apply with a cloth), rub it around to remove old fluids, and rise (or remove with a wet cloth). Dry it before storage.

Glass toys are completely different. While breakable, most glass toys can withstand a moderate impact. Dishwasher safe? Heck yes. If you can get it in and out of the dishwasher without being caught, do it. Give it a quick rinse to remove any trace of detergent, and then dry and store it. You can wash them in the sink with your dishes, in the bath tub, or with the back yard hose. Any soap you would use to clean dishes is fine. Unscented types are safer, but most dish soaps don't leave scents or residue behind on principal.

One more note about batteries. Take them out of electric toys before washing! Even if you don't mean to, water can get into the battery compartments and destroy a great toy. If you don't plan to use the toy for awhile (more than a month), take the batteries out and leave them out until you next need the toy. It will prevent any sort of buildup from the battery and make the toy last longer. It will also stop an accidental "turn on" if your mom is putting socks away in the drawer where your toy is living.

Be safe with your toys. If you are good to them, they will be there to make you feel better for years to come.