IPX7, IPX4 and More: Waterproof Ratings Explained
What IP ratings like IPX4 and IPX7 really mean for your toys, how they affect cleaning and bath use, and the limits that labels don’t mention.
“Waterproof”, “water-resistant” and “splash-proof” are marketing words, and they don’t always mean the same thing from one brand to the next. The IP rating on the box is far more useful. Here’s how to read it, and what it means for cleaning and using your toys.
What is an IP rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It’s defined by an international standard, IEC 60529, and describes how well a device is sealed against solids and liquids.
An IP rating has two characters after “IP”:
- The first describes protection against solids, such as dust.
- The second describes protection against water.
An X means that category wasn’t tested. So IPX7 means the product wasn’t rated for dust, but was rated 7 for water.
Water ratings at a glance
| Rating | What it’s tested against | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| IPX0 | No protection | Keep it away from water and wipe it clean only |
| IPX4 | Splashing water from any direction | Splash-proof: rinse carefully, never submerge |
| IPX5 | Low-pressure water jets | Can be rinsed under a tap, but don’t submerge |
| IPX6 | Powerful water jets | Rinse freely, but still not designed to go under water |
| IPX7 | Temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes | Fully waterproof: wash under water and use in the bath or shower |
| IPX8 | Continuous immersion beyond 1 m, as specified by the manufacturer | Waterproof beyond IPX7: check the exact limits |
What the ratings don’t tell you
IP tests are done on new products, in fresh water, under controlled conditions. Real life is tougher:
- Hot water, soap, bath oils, salt water and chlorine aren’t part of the test and can be harder on seals.
- Seals wear over time, and drops or knocks can damage them.
- Hot tubs, long baths and swimming pools go beyond what most ratings are designed for.
- Charging ports are a weak point. Toys with magnetic or sealed charging contacts are usually more robust than those with open ports.
Using ratings when you buy
- For bath or shower use, choose IPX7 or higher.
- For easy cleaning, IPX7 lets you wash the whole toy under running water.
- If there’s no rating listed, assume the toy isn’t waterproof.
Caring for waterproof toys
- Close any port covers before cleaning.
- Dry the toy thoroughly before charging and storing it.
- Check seals and seams from time to time for cracks or gaps.
- Never boil a toy with electronics or put it in the dishwasher, whatever its rating.
For step-by-step cleaning instructions, see our guide to cleaning and storing toys.