There are so many different types of sex toys on the market today.  With all sorts of newer and more lifelike materials being used to create these toys, figuring out how to best take care of them can become a bit confusing.  Regardless of what's in your treasure trove, be it one slimline vibrator or one of everything out there, you would like to extend its life as long as possible, right?  We would like to help!      

Sex Toy Maintenance
The maintenance of your toys involves many things.  Read these few quick and simple steps that will help ensure the best performance of your toys.

As soon as you receive your new “wondertool”, go down this checklist:

• Insert new batteries to make sure that toys works properly
• Remember to check that the battery properly touches the contacts
• Inspect your sex toy for imperfections, such as rough seams or tears in softer materials
• Check for cracks in glass, plastic or acrylic toys

You should always use the correct kind of lubricant. Choosing the right kind of sexual lubricant is key in keeping your sex toy(s) in the best shape possible.  It also makes for a more enjoyable experience!  Remember these simple steps:

• You should never use an oil-based lubricant or petroleum jelly on a toy that will come into contact or be inserted into the vagina (doing so many increase the risk of vaginal infections), or on anything made of rubber or latex, to include latex condoms (will disintegrate latex)
• Silicone lubes are perfect for use with a partner.  However, silicone lubricants should never be used on/with silicone sex toys, nor should it be used on any realistic material (Futurotic™, NeoSkin®, Cyberskin™, UltraSkin™, Fauxskin™, UltraKsin).
• Water-based lubricants may be used with any sex toy

Sharing your Sex Toys?  Here are some tips.
Do you share your toys?  Are you thinking about it?  It is important to remember that if you want to share your toys with your partner, or if you want to switch between anal and vaginal use, even if you’re playing alone, you MUST thoroughly clean the toy to avoid infection, and to avoid transmission of bacteria into the vagina.  The best way to avoid the introduction of bacteria is to use a condom over the toy and change it whenever the toy is used on different partners or orifices.  This is a fast, easy and hygienic method that will extend the life of your toy(s) and your health!

When is it time to replace your sex toy
No adult toy will last forever, and some, depending on how often it’s used, may last a short while, so when is it time to replace your sex toy?

• Mold or mildew has formed on the material
• The material is deteriorating
• Mechanical features slow down or stop working, even after battery replacement
• Battery corrosion is seen inside the battery pack
• Cracks are visible in acrylic, glass, or plastic toys

If your toy has any of the above, it’s time to replace it.  Never try to fix a sex toy yourself!

Keeping your toys clean

Key to keeping the integrity of the material of any sex toy is regular cleansing.  You should always be sure to wash your toy(s) before first use and immediately after each use before you store it.  Remember to keep water and cleansers away from any electrical parts and battery cartridges.  An anti-bacterial cleanser, such as Pjur Med Clean, is the safest way to clean most of your sex toys.  Due to the fact that each of your toys may be made of different materials it is a good idea to check the label of all cleansers you may use to be sure it is safe for a particular toy.  Following is a breakdown of how to clean sex toys by material:

• Silicone:  Hypoallergenic and easiest to maintain, silicone dildos and non-battery-operated toys may be boiled for two to three minutes, or washed with soap and water.  NEVER boil silicone sex toys that have electrical components.  Let them air dry completely or dry with a lint-free cloth before storage.
• Rubber/Latex and Jelly:  These products are extremely porous, so be sure to wash them thoroughly with warm water and anti-bacterial soap, rinse so that there is no trace of soap left.  Leaving even a trace of soap can degrade the material and cause you irritation.  While it’s a good idea to use condoms with any toy you plan to use for insertion, it’s an especially good idea to use them with these materials.
• Plastic/Acrylic/Glass:  All of these materials can be washed with warm water and an anti-bacterial soap.  Sterilizing can be done with an alcohol-soaked cotton pad and be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.  Acrylic and glass toys may be boiled or submerged in hot water but only if they’re not battery-operated.
• Realistics:  This type of material is widely used for erection rings and masturbation sleeves, as well as vibrators and dildos.  Thoroughly wash with warm water (never hot) and a liquid anti-bacterial soap and let air dry completely.  Once completely dry, sprinkle with the included “renewing” powder or cornstarch.  You should never use talcum powder or baby powder because these may cause irritation and sometimes larger problems for women.

Sex toys touch not only your skin but very intimate areas of your body as well.  It is extremely important to know whether you have allergies or sensitivities to certain materials, cleansers, etc.  If you are unsure, it’s probably a good idea to give yourself an allergy test on a small patch of skin, such as the wrist, before using any product.

Storage of Sex Toys
Good storage of your sex toys is as important as how you clean them.  There are some basic things you can do to prolong the life any toy, as well as keeping them clean and safe from harm.

• Keep each toy separate by wrapping it safely in a soft cloth (socks or T-shirts work well).  Wrapping them separately is necessary because some material are not compatible with others and can cause melting or discoloration.  If vibrating bullets and eggs are removable, you should store them separately from their respective toys as well.
• Always remove the batteries when you’re done using any toy so they can’t leak, run down, or otherwise corrupt the toy
• Cool, dark places are the best places to keep your toys stored, as direct sunlight and excess heat may cause your toys and condoms to melt, discolor, or dry out.  Extreme cold can also damage your pleasure tools unless their made of acrylic, glass or plastic.  Never refrigerate or freeze soft materials or condoms.
• Always clean your toys prior to storing them and again before use.
• Make sure your toys are completely dry before storage to discourage the growth of mold and mildew.

At the very least, you should keep your sensual friends in separate, dry and cool places, away from children and pets, and protected from dust and dirt.  Don’t forget to remove the batteries before you store your toys!