As much as many of us love to play, sex toys need their rest.
If stored stored correctly, sex toys can last longer and in better condition they otherwise would. It can also prevent prying eyes from getting their hands on your toys – unless you want them to surprise you in a sexy rendezvous.
Sex toy storage DO’s
To store your sex toy correctly, you need to know the materials, power source and cleaning instructions.*
Even if your toy is body-safe (a feature you should always look for), some materials can be reactive when in prolonged contact with the same or other materials. You may notice that colours bleed, change or transfer, they look melted or misshapen, or they stick together.
This is this particularly the case for rubber, latex, real-feel, TPE, TPR, jelly-feel, and low-quality silicone. That doesn’t mean you should avoid buying these toys made from such materials; just take extra care when storing them.
To store most sex toys, you should:
- Clean your toy first and allow it to dry completely.
- Check your toy for signs of damage or wear that make it unsafe to use, in which case you should dispose of it responsibly.
- If your toy is battery operated, remove them from the compartment for safekeeping nearby.
- If your toy is rechargeable, check its power level and that you still have the recharging cable or other equipment. Recharge if needed.
- If your toy has a travel lock, activate it.
- Place your toy in a cool, dark, dry and safe storage place, out of reach of children or pets.
- If storing more than one toy in the same place, ensure they are not touching each other or any potentially reactive materials.
Best sex toy storage places
Hide and seek can be fun, but not when it comes to sex toys. You need a ‘toy box’ so you know where your playthings are and that they are safe and secure.
If you sex toy comes with a storage pouch, bag, box or dock, use it. If not, you may be able to place your toy in a fabric pouch, paper envelope, cardboard box, drawer, cupboard or purpose-made sex toy case. You may also be able to wrap your toy in a clean, lint-free cloth before storing it. This can be a space-saver if you need to keep several toys in the same place.
Whichever option you choose, ensure that no inks or dyes will be able to transfer onto your toy.
Sex toy storage DON’TS
Store (and use) your sex toy correctly, and it should last the length of any warranty period – and perhaps beyond. That means following the do’s of sex toy storage and avoiding the don’ts.
To store most sex toys, you should not:
- Skip the toy cleaning and drying process.
- Ignore signs of damage or wear that make your toy unsafe to use.
- Place your toy in a hot, humid, damp or unsafe place.
- Leave your toy in direct sunlight.
- Leave your toy in reach of children or pets.
- Place your toy in direct contact with other toys or potentially reactive materials that may affect its appearance, functionality or safety.
The best part of packing is unpacking
Now that you know how to store sex toys, think about what will become your toy box. But don’t keep them packed away from too long, toys are made to be enjoyed!
*This how-to guide is general in nature and applies to most sex toys. Always check the manufacturer’s directions for how to store your sex toy if you are unsure.
Credits
Main photo by Gwen Mamanoleas on Unsplash