Do Sex Toys Smell? What You Should Know About Scent, Materials & Care

When shopping for sex toys online, most people focus on function, design, or vibration strength. But there’s one detail that often gets overlooked—how a sex toy smells. Whether it’s your first time buying a stroker, dildo, or prostate massager, understanding the natural scent of different materials, and how to keep them fresh (or even add your own personal touch) can make a huge difference in your overall experience.

At XtoysHub.com, we’re committed to transparency, quality, and helping you get the most out of every toy. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the scent of male and female sex toys, how to properly care for them, and how to personalize the scent safely.

Why Do Sex Toys Have a Smell?

It’s completely normal for a new sex toy to have a mild scent when you first unbox it. That scent typically comes from the material itself, plus packaging or manufacturing processes. In most cases, the smell fades quickly and doesn’t affect usage or safety.

The key is knowing what’s normal—and what’s not.

Common Materials and Their Scent Profiles

Let’s take a look at the most popular materials used in sex toys and what you can expect from each:

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

TPE is soft, squishy, and flexible—ideal for realistic pocket pussies, sleeves, and anal toys. However, it’s a porous material, meaning it can hold onto light factory scents or cleaning products longer than silicone.

• Typical smell: Slight rubber-like or synthetic scent when new.
• Does it fade? Yes. A few gentle washes with warm water and mild soap usually removes most of it within days.

Silicone

Premium vibrators, cock rings, and prostate massagers are often made of medical-grade silicone. This is the gold standard in terms of body-safety and scent neutrality.

• Typical smell: Little to none, and any scent that does appear is usually very mild.
• Bonus: Silicone is less likely to trap odors over time, making it easier to keep fresh.

PVC / Jelly / Rubber-Based Toys

Some cheaper toys use PVC or jelly rubber, which can carry a stronger chemical or plastic-like odor. At XtoysHub, we carefully curate our products to minimize these materials unless they are phthalate-free and lab-tested.

Can I Add Perfume to My Sex Toys?

Yes, but with caution. Many customers like to give their toys a personal scent, especially when it comes to strokers, dolls, or toys used for intimate roleplay.

Here’s how to do it safely:

✅ Safe Scenting Tips

• Spray on accessories: Add perfume to lingerie, storage bags, or stroker cases—not directly on the toy.
• Use essential oils: Diluted lavender, vanilla, or sandalwood oils can offer a natural scent—just be sure they’re body-safe and watered down with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.
• Scented toy powder: Some users enjoy scented renewal powder (like baby powder or cornstarch with fragrance) to dust over TPE strokers after cleaning.

❌ What to Avoid

• Don’t spray perfume with high alcohol content directly onto TPE or silicone toys—it can dry out or damage the material.
• Don’t soak toys in scented oils or lotions unless they’re explicitly labeled toy-safe.
• Avoid any oil-based scents if your toy is used with latex condoms or water-based lubes—they don’t mix.

What Causes Bad Smells in Sex Toys?

If your toy starts to develop a strange or bad odor over time, it’s likely due to one of the following:

1. Moisture & Improper Drying

Toys—especially strokers and anal plugs—need to be fully dried after every wash. If moisture stays trapped inside or in folds, bacteria can grow and cause an unpleasant smell.

2. Storage in Hot or Humid Environments

Heat can degrade materials over time and cause toys to release strong plastic or chemical odors.

• Never leave toys in a car, under direct sunlight, or near radiators.
• Store in a cool, dry drawer or toy bag for best results.

3. Material Breakdown

Lower-quality toys may start to break down over time, especially if they’re made with jelly or rubber compounds. This can create a sticky texture and a sour or chemical smell. If that happens, it’s time to replace the toy.

How to Keep Your Toys Smelling Fresh

Here’s a quick, easy routine to keep any toy in great shape:

Scented Toy FAQs

Q: Is it safe to store scented sachets or dryer sheets with toys?
A: In a separate compartment, yes—but don’t let them touch the toy directly. Fragrance oils in those products can damage sensitive materials.

Q: My stroker smells weird after a month—should I worry?
A: If it was cleaned and stored properly, try re-washing and applying powder. If the smell persists or worsens, the toy may be breaking down and should be replaced.

Q: Can sex toys absorb the smell of lube?
A: TPE toys can retain scents of flavored or scented lubricants more than silicone. Rinsing thoroughly after each use is the best defense.

Final Thoughts: Smell Matters More Than You Think

A fresh, clean scent makes your toy more inviting, more realistic, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re using a high-tech vibrating stroker, a silicone prostate massager, or a lifelike pocket pussy, how your toy smells is part of the experience—and with the right care, it’s completely in your control.

At XtoysHub.com, we stock only quality-tested toys made from safe, modern materials. Our team is here to guide you not just in choosing the right toy, but also in keeping it clean, fresh, and personalized to your taste.

Ready to explore?
Shop our best-selling toys today and enjoy discreet shipping, easy cleaning tips, and the confidence that comes with a toy that feels—and smells—just right.