Caring For Your Sex Toy:

Maintainence, Cleaning & Storage

Who feels like doing chores after a mind-shattering orgasm, right? Well, that extra five minutes could save you a lot of money and frustration in the long-term, and our tips are simple and cost-effective enough for everyone to follow. After all, nobody wants to discover their favourite vibrator can barely muster a single quiver (let alone move the earth!) when in the heat of the moment!

Preliminary Checks

When you initially purchase your sex toy, there are several preliminary checks which can be carried out to ensure that your first experience is as pleasurable and comfortable as possible.

Whilst shopping for your toy, check whether the product requires a power source. If the product runs from the main electrical supply via a plug socket, make sure that the toy you are buying has a compatible plug for your region. This is especially vital when purchasing products online which may be shipped from overseas (of course, it is possible to also purchase plug socket converters, which can be found in most electrical stores). However, most toys operate using normal household batteries, with the size and type specified on the outer packaging, and typically in the online product description. Some products come with batteries included, but do not assume that this is definitely the case if not stated. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to try out a new toy until you can schedule a trip to the supermarket!

Many of our products take rechargeable batteries, and some even come with a purpose-built charger, such as Bo (a vibrating ring for solo male fun or use as a couple) or Lelo Nea (a clitoral stimulator for the ladies)—in fact both of these discreet, stylish products come with storage accessories and a one-year warranty, guaranteeing ultimate customer satisfaction.

When removing your new sex toy from its packaging, check the product thoroughly for any manufacturing imperfections. Although this is extremely rare, remember that it is always good practice to visually and manually examine any product which is intended for personal use prior to actually trying it. For plastic toys, check whether there are any rough ‘seams’ (which can be filed down using a nail-file), or any other physical flaws such as discolouration which may be due to the conditions of transit, if shipped) In rubberised or jelly models (typically the ‘realistic’ toys such as cock vibrators, or vibrating pussies) check that there are no tears or breaks in the casing. If you have real concerns about the appearance of your toy, reputable stores and suppliers will be only too happy to replace your product. Once these basic preliminary procedures have been undertaken, insert fresh batteries and check that the toy functions according to the description on, or in, the packaging.

Cleaning

Cleaning is key to preserving the integrity of your sex toy and maintaining the appearance, durability and safety of the material it is made from. Cleaning should take place before initial use and after each subsequent session with your toy.  You wouldn’t eat from an unwashed plate, would you?  Well, we cannot stress the importance of good hygiene, whether you plan to use your sex toy alone or share it with your partner. Our helpful guide to sex toy hygiene will reassure you that your experiences with your new best friend will be the freshest and most pleasurable you can imagine.

First things first; never submerge an electronic or battery-operated toy in water or expose cartridges or connections to liquid. In this respect, your toy is similar to all other appliances; you may risk breaking the device or injuring yourself. The safest method for cleaning your sex toy is to purchase specially-designed anti-bacterial cleaning wipes or sprays. These are usually medical-grade, and will be suitable for most people, but check the ingredients of any product prior if are concerned about sensitivity or allergies. If in doubt about the possibility of a reaction to any product you buy, you may wish to perform an allergy-test on a small sample of skin, for instance, on the back of your hand, prior to using it to clean your toy.

When using the spray method, some products require dilution in warm water, but generally most are ready to use straight from the bottle. Follow any instructions on the packaging, and try to use lint-free cloths to avoid fibres attaching to the toy. Wipe over all surfaces which come into contact with your person and pay special attention to any areas of the toy which are texturised or ridged to fully sanitise all those little nooks and crannies. Toys may be dried with a clean cloth, or simply left to air dry before use or storage.

Whilst this technique is generally suitable for most types of sex toy, certainly, some toys may benefit from different cleansing techniques due to the material they are made from. For example, realistic toys, made from CyberSkin/latex or similar ‘new’ materials, are often more delicate than those made from plastic, metals or silicone etc, and may even recommend particular cleaning products to protect  your toy. Do not ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations; they are there to help you get the most from your product and in any event, improper use may invalidate the warranty. Additionally, models made from ‘realistic’ materials often suggest that you dust your toy with ‘renewing powder’ after leaving it to air-dry. Some informative guides indicate that talcum powder or cornstarch can be used instead as cheap alternatives to purpose-made powders, but we would advise against such taking action, as some women suffer discomfort in the vaginal area if commercial brands of talcum or baby powder are allowed to come into contact with the genitals. 

For more durable models, such as metal, plastic or silicone, general anti-bacterial soap diluted in warm (not boiling!) water can be used instead of specific sex toy-orientated cleansers, Be sure to fully rinse your toy after cleaning, as you do not want any residue remaining, which could either irritate the skin or degrade the material from which your toy is made (this is particularly true for rubber or jelly toys as the casing is extremely porous). Indeed with models made from the porous or delicate materials (the ‘realistic’ materials; rubber or jelly), you may wish to use a condom for penetrative use as they are typically more difficult to clean than hard-cased toys. NEVER use abrasive cleaning products on your toy, or you stand a good chance of damaging it beyond use. 

If you are planning to share your sex toy, even if with your normal sexual partner, it may be a good idea to use condoms if the toy is to be inserted into different bodily orifices, as it is not advisable to allow bacteria from the anus to come into contact with the vagina. Of course, you won’t want to take a break during action to get out the cleaning wipes or rinse down your toy, so we suggest using a new condom each time the toy is used for a different orifice during the same session. Always keep plenty on standby!

Lubricants

Like with regular sex, sometimes lubrication is required to ensure everything goes as smoothly.  One solution is to use lubricated condoms, which not only assists in the hygienic upkeep of your toy, but also eliminates the need to buy a separate lubrication, although you may find that extra moisture is preferable if using a larger or snug-fitting toy, or you wish to use your toy for anal penetration. You can find an extensive range of lubrication products in our online store.

Storage

Storage of your sex toy is as essential as cleaning it adequately. Firstly ensure the toy is COMPLETELY DRY before placing it in storage; any dampness whatsoever poses the risk of mildew or mold in toys made from the less durable materials. Next, remove the batteries (and even the motor in vibrators which come with a detachable/rechargeable one). This will prevent the batteries from leaking into the cartridge and corrupting your toy, prolonging the life of both. If your toy comes equipped with special storage accessories, such as a case or pouch, great! If not, the best solution is to wrap each separate element of your toy in a soft cotton (or similar) cloth. Place the wrapped elements, all lying flat and not stacked upon one another, in a darkened area, such as a drawer or box. Extreme heat or direct sunlight may melt or discolour your toy, and excessive cold is also not advisable, neither—attempt to store your toy at around room temperature.

Replacement

It is time to replace your toy if: (a) functions slow or stop, even after batteries have been replaced; (b) it is cracked or chipped; (c) mold or mildew occurs; or (d) battery corrosion occurs. Remember, your toy will not last forever, and frequent use leads to quicker deterioration, so be prepared to replace your toy at some stage. Lastly, and most importantly, NEVER ATTEMPT TO FIX YOUR TOY YOURSELF! It’s far better to spend your money on a new toy rather than expensive medical bills!

If you follow the tips provided above, you will achieve the best performance from your toy. Please note that any queries about our fantastic line of products are most welcome and we promote an ongoing commitment to sexual health education and safe practices.