Spring has finally arrived and if you are anything like us, you'll be ready to welcome the warmer weather by getting rid of the grime that's collected in corners over the colder months. Along with gleaming windows and dust-free skirting boards, now is also a great time to delve deep into the toy box and look at what needs to go...
Melting Sex Toy Materials
Picking up old toys is best done with latex gloves covering delicate skin, as they are probably teeming with nasty bacteria. Sex toys of old were usually made from jelly, a porous material that not only traps lube and bodily juices however well you clean your toy, but also contains the chemical softener phthalates.
If you see evidence of 'melting', the toy is most likely made of jelly and needs to be disposed of sharpish.
Also, if you spot a crack in your toy, it is time to invest in a new one. Silicone dildos last for years, but if vigorous play, sharp nails or pet teeth causes a break, the silicone is no longer non-porous and we recommend investing in a new exciting toy!
Missing Sex Toy Parts
Bullets are teeny-tiny buzzing wonders, but thanks to their petite size, they easily go missing (often to be found under the bed or at the back of the sock drawer). If your cock ring is missing its magic-maker, chuck it and invest in a new rechargeable version. It'll be stronger, it'll have a longer guarantee and you'll never run out of batteries at inopportune moments!
Another thing that often goes missing is the small plastic lids for any toy that take batteries. Let's face it - you are unlikely to ever find the pesky lid, and sello taping the batteries in just isn't a good idea.
Upgrading to a rechargeable vibe takes care of so many issues: no lids, no leaky batteries, it becomes cheaper in the long run...
Discolored Materials
When they say "don't judge a book by its cover" or "it's what's inside that counts", they are not talking about mucky vibes, rings or plugs that have lost their shine. Sex toy materials can discolour for a number of reasons, but the main ones will be poor materials, incorrect storing, left in baking hot sunshine or cleaning with unsuitable detergents.
If your vibrator looks like this it's time to upgrade and treat yourself to a new, sexy vibrating playmate.
Keep Different Sex Toy Materials Stored Separately
How you store sex toys matter, for sure. Storing them directly on the floor under the bed seems to be a popular option, but it is not something we recommend. Dirt, dust and house pets (or even kids!) will get at your toy and before you know it, the bacteria come into contact with delicate nethers and itchy infections may take hold - and they tend to hold on tight!
Always store different materials separately. This may mean individual pouches for each toy, or separate storage boxes for silicone and cheaper-material toys. These days, vibrators often come with a dust-free bag to store them in - make sure to use it.
Batteries & Chargers
Removing batteries from toys after play should be a regular occurrence, but if it isn't, you should try it. Battery power will last longer, and the motors will feel happier too.
Dispose of all old batteries safely at your local recycling centre or even supermarket if they have a special bin provided. If the batteries have leaked inside the battery compartment, please dispose of both battery and toy carefully.
Rechargeable toys are the way forward. Keeping the charger stored with the toy in its pouch will ensure you never get chargers mixed up.
Keep the cord loose - wrapping it tightly around the plug will ensure a breakage at the connection point and the charger will be of no use...
Plugging in rechargeable toys every three to six months is good practice. This keeps the motor happy, which in turn will keep you happy!
If you find random chargers that don't belong to anything, dispose of them safely.
Out of Date Lubricant
Are you a bottle half-empty or bottle half-full kinda person? Actually, that doesn't matter: if the bottle is half full, is it probably time to invest in a fresh one. <Lube bottle labels have a little symbol on them that says how long their shelf life is - usually between 1-3 years.
Eitherway, gunky, half-empty bottles aren't sexy and this is an excellent time to try something new. You can go paraben-free, flavoured or even opt for a warming glide.
Water-based lubes are body-friendly and safe for use with any toys, so a bottle of this lush stuff should always be within reach.
Silicone-based lubes are great for sessions in the bath or shower, but not suitable for use with silicone toys (or toys made from porous, soft materials).
Out of Date Condoms
Check the dates of all condoms to make sure they are not expired. If they've been stashed in a bedside drawer for a long time, it's definitely time to get yourself a fresh box - you don't want to be caught short.
It's always a good idea to keep a few different sizes in your toy box, especially if you are single & ready to mingle, have a new partner you haven't yet gotten hot & heavy with or if you share sex toys with your partner/s.
As well as a selection of condoms, a small pack of latex gloves and dental dams should also be among the safer sex supplies in your toy box.
Cleaning Sex Toys
Cleaning your toys before and after use is important. Lubes and juices will be coating them after a play, so regular washing with a gentle sex toy cleaner or anti-bacterial hand wash & hot water is a must.
