Sex Toys - Care
From Box to Bedroom to Pleasure Chest
As with all things we love, we try to take care of them as best as we can... and your favorite sex toys are no exception. Learn how to show your toys the love they need, so they can love you right back...
Whenever you make the decision to purchase a sex toy, you have high hopes in terms of what you expect from it as well as its ability to withstand regular use. If it's a great toy, you can rely on its performance - and when it's not, you’ll be disappointed that you wasted money and spontaneous opportunities. We’d like you to avoid any downers and get the maximum performance from your sex toys by checking out our Care Checklist. These tips in no way intend to replace the recommendations from the manufacturer – it is highly recommended you consult these before using your toy.
From the Box
The first thing you need to do is check for allergies to the material(s) used. There are enough toys out on the market that can accommodate just about anyone’s needs! Materials like glass, silicone and plastic give people with sensitivities excellent options to choose from. You may want to use condoms if you’re sharing your toy in order to mitigate the chances of exchanging bacteria or fluids with your sexual partner; if you have a latex sensitivity you can obtain condoms made from polyurethane.
The second thing to do is give it a good wash. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations before using your toy for the first time. Follow the steps to sanitize and/or pre-treat your toy. As well, try to make a habit of always following up with another wash right after using it to avoid bacteria building up. As you will want to avoid getting water into the internal electronic compartments, wrap a towel around that part of it to protect it from getting wet.
Next, inspect your toy before you use it! When all you want to do is rip into the box and jump on it, you need to put on the brakes and do the following things: check for discoloration, tears or damage to any of the components; inspect the battery pack for leaks or corrosion; and make sure wires have proper connections with the main body of the toy and check to see whether the unit operates properly when you put in batteries e.g. does it turn on, does it have a range of vibe, etc. That way, if there is a problem, you might have a hope of returning it.
To the Bedroom
When you're introducing sex toys into your repertoire, make sure that you use the right batteries. Sex toys are made up of small parts and those parts can burn out easily; running your toys for extended periods of time can contribute to their demise. An overheating toy could be a real mood spoiler. It is a good idea to use the 'no name' brand batteries with your toys. Often the brand name batteries deliver power that is beyond your toy’s capacity and can eventually short them out. Try to avoid toys that require expensive hard-to-find button type batteries. The upside is that no-name 'AA' & 'AAA' batteries are cheap... picking up a few packages at the dollar store is convenient, affordable and you’ll always have fresh batteries on hand. You can bypass the battery business by investing in a rechargeable toy. That way, you can have less impact on the environment and more in your bedroom.
Use the right lube to maximize performance. Toys and lube go hand in hand. Even though you might produce a lot of your own natural lubricant, have a bottle of lube on hand for more comfortable extended sessions. Water-based lube is good to have around for practically every type of toy. It's got a pleasant consistency and rinses easily, but the downside is that it dries out rather quickly. Try silicone-based lube for longer staying power but NEVER use it with either nu-skin or silicone toys!!
Waterproofing is another point to consider. Make sure to check our featured reviews as well as the manufacturer’s instructions to see what level of water exposure your toy is capable of handling. Always check that all the components are closed properly.
To Your Pleasure Chest
Proper Cleaning and Storage is crucial to proper sex toy care. To improve your toy’s lifespan, keep it in a cool, dark and enclosed place away from pets and children. Why not get a fun box to store them in? It'll be much more appealing and you'll take pride in your wonderful collection. Remove your batteries before you start washing them and wash your toy before and after every use. Never store batteries in your toy because they might leak, rust or turn your toy on accidentally. It might not be the first thing people want to do after a pleasure session, but washing your toys after every use will elevate your desire to keep using your toy. It's simply good hygiene – special things sometimes require special care. You can usually get away with rinsing with warm water when you use water-based lubes but some types of lube require gentle soap, specialty toy cleaner or even rubbing alcohol. Follow any instructions that come with your toy. For drying, try to air-dry your toy overnight or dab with a lint-free towel. The key here is to not throw it into the closet while it’s still damp!
Voila. These helpful tips will really make you appreciate the finer points of owning a sex toy and allow you to get the best possible performance out of them.
