Damn, You Got Lube Everywhere. Now What?

Sex is fun, but cleaning up afterwards can suck. And while silicone lube is perfect for making things slippery, it also has a reputation for sticking around. On your sheets, your thighs, and on that one custom throw pillow you got on super sale and waited forever to buy and you definitely should have moved first. It can all become collateral damage.

The good news: even though silicone lube is water-resistant, it’s not impossible to remove. Here’s how to get rid of it.

Does Silicone Lube Stain?

It can, BUT, it usually doesn't permanently stain. Silicone-based lubricants are designed to be long-lasting and water-resistant, which means water alone isn't always enough to remove them. On some fabrics, especially lighter-colored or porous materials, you may notice a darker or greasy-looking spot after use.

How to Clean Silicone Lube Off Yourself

For skin, it’s simple.

Warm water and soap are usually all you need. A normal body wash or gentle soap should do the job. Wash the affected area thoroughly, rinse, and repeat if necessary.

If you're still feeling a little slippery afterward, that's normal. Silicone doesn't dissolve in water the way water-based lube does, so you may need a little more soap and a second wash.

For sensitive areas, avoid going nuclear with harsh cleansers, scrubbing, or fragranced products. Your body does not require chemical exfoliation just because you had sex.

And if you're cleaning up internally, don't douche. The vagina is self-cleaning; soap and aggressive cleaning products can cause irritation and disrupt its natural balance. Your vagina will use its own vaginal fluids to push foreign substances outward.

How to Get Silicone Lube Out of Sheets and Clothes

First: blot, don't rub. If there's excess lube sitting on the fabric, use a clean towel or paper towel to gently lift as much as possible.

Next, pretreat the spot with dish soap or a laundry detergent designed to cut grease. Work a small amount into the affected area and let it sit for several minutes.

Then wash according to the garment or sheet's care instructions, using the warmest water that's safe for the fabric.

Before you put anything in the dryer, check the stain. Still there? Wash it again. Do not dry it until you're satisfied it's gone. Applying heat from a clothes dryer (or iron, or anything HOT) permanently sets silicone lube stains into fabric fibers by binding the silicone polymers tightly to the material

For especially stubborn spots, you may need a couple of rounds of pretreating and washing. Silicone lube is persistent, but fortunately, it is not smarter than a washing machine.

What About the Mattress or Furniture?

If you spill silicone lube on upholstered furniture, blot up as much as you can immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth. Don't rub it deeper into the upholstery.

Then mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and lightly dab the affected area with the solution. Follow with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Finally, blot the area dry.

For a mattress, the same basic principle applies: blot, lightly pretreat, and avoid soaking it. No one wants to go to bed on a soaking wet mattress, right?

And if the stain is particularly large or on something expensive? Call a professional cleaner. There are worse things to explain to a professional than, "I don't know how this got here." 

The Final Word

Silicone lube's staying power is exactly why people love it during sex…aaaaand exactly why it can be annoying afterward. But with a little soap and water, most cleanup is pretty manageable.

And pro-tip for next time: maybe put down a towel, blanket, or washable sheet before getting started. It's better than spending your Sunday afternoon staring at a suspicious spot on your duvet.

Have fun. Make a mess. Just maybe protect the upholstery.