Spring is almost here, and that means it’s time to clean house—including your sex toy collection! Yes, just like many household items, it’s good to regularly refresh your sex toys and make sure they’re still in tip-top shape or replace them if they aren’t.
First, here’s a refresher on how to care for and clean your sex toys. Always make sure you’re properly cleaning them so they’re safe for use and don’t absorb bacteria. If you’ll be sharing a sex toy with a partner, you may want to use a condom to cover it for added protection and easy cleanup.
To make your sex toys last as long as possible, always store them according to the instructions. If they take batteries, remove them before putting them away so the battery doesn’t drain and so they can’t accidentally turn on. If the sex toy has a cord, carefully wrap the cord around the toy. If the toy has a storage box or you have a bag made of soft material, you may want to store it there or wrap it in a towel for added protection. Store your sex toys away from direct sunlight.
Keep reading for more tips on cleaning and maintaining your sex toys.
How to clean your sex toys
You should thoroughly clean your sex toys after each use, no exceptions. This is vital to maintaining the longevity of your sex toys and your sexual health. Follow the instructions on your sex toy; most can be cleaned with an antibacterial toy cleaner or soap and water. Thoroughly dry them and properly store them, generally away from direct sunlight to best protect the materials.
Evaluate your sex toys
At least once a year, take out your sex toys and inspect them to make sure they are still in good condition. If you notice any nicks in a toy, especially one such as a glass dildo, that could be problematic and is one you likely want to replace. You never want to use a sex toy if it’s not working properly, feels too hot, or has another issue that you’re concerned about. It’s always better to stop and examine your toy or switch to another than to continue to use a toy that’s not functioning properly.
How long sex toys last depends on many factors, including the material they’re made from, how often they’re used, and how they’re cared for. Silicone sex toys tend to last the longest due to the material’s durability so if that’s important to you, look for silicone toys. These can last for many years when taken care of properly, as can glass sex toys.
Other toys will have varying lengths of time you can expect them to remain in as good condition as when you purchased them. Some sex toys are designed to be used a certain number of times or for a certain number of hours, while others are in it for the long haul.
Vibrators are likely to need replacing more often than dildos or non-vibrating butt plugs because they either run on batteries or get plugged in, which can cause more wear and tear on the toy over time. Sex toys with a motor will generally have a shorter life span than sex toys without a motor. Beyond that, there’s a wide variety in how long each toy will last, so it’s best to assess yours every year to see if they still meet your needs.
How to discard old sex toys
If you’re done with a sex toy, due to its intimate nature, they generally cannot be recycled, although there are some biodegradable vibrators that are eco-friendly. Simply throw them away in the garbage. Take out the batteries ahead of time to either reuse or recycle them.
How to replace your sex toys
If you’ve decided to discard some of your older sex toys, you can either replace them with another model of the same toy or look for different toys. If you’re shopping for new sex toys, think about what aspects of your old toys you liked and where you thought there could be improvement. Remember that there’s a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, materials, noise levels, and designs in sex toys. Even an iconic toy like the rabbit vibrator has numerous variations.
This time of renewal and change is the perfect time to consider whether there’s a sex toy that might better suit you, or if you’d want to try something like a sex toy kit to add variety to your intimacy.
Storing and stocking your sex toy drawer
While doing your spring cleaning, it’s also a good time to think about where you’re storing your sex toys. Make sure that if you live with roommates, kids, and/or pets that your sex toys are kept out of the way of prying eyes. If you use a portable sex toy such as a bullet vibrator that you keep in a purse or travel bag, always make sure the batteries are out and that it’s stored properly.
You may also want to stock up on batteries to make sure you don’t run out at an inopportune moment, as well as lubricant so it’s always available. Not sure which type of lube is right for your sex toys? See our guide to the main types of lubricants for any sexual need.
There you have it! All need to know about applying the principles of spring cleaning to sex toys. Want to learn about which sex toy is right for you? See our complete guide to sex toys. Still have questions? Email us at Spencersblog@spencergifts.com or use the Ask Jackie function on our website to message our Intimate Support team.
