When you’ve fallen head over heels with a new sex toy, practical concerns like proper storage probably aren’t the top concerns on your mind. Instead, you’re daydreaming about how those awesome new features are going to feel and drooling over the elegant design. But thinking about the practical side of sex toy ownership is part of what it means to get the most out of your toys.
Proper toy storage protects your investment in your toys, ensuring they’ll retain their integrity and keep on pleasing you for many years to come. And, yes, if you’re still just chucking your vibrator into your nightstand drawer or stuffing it under your mattress after your play sessions, it’s officially time to change your ways.
Make cleaning a habit first.
You wouldn’t put your dirty dishes or glasses back in the cupboard without giving them a good wash and dry first, right? You shouldn’t put your sex toys away without cleaning them thoroughly, either, and for similar reasons. Yet people do that all the time, never really thinking about what they might be doing to their health or the integrity of the toy.
Not cleaning your toys turns them into breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms you don’t want anywhere near your genitals, especially if you like to use your toys internally. It also leaves bodily fluids and residual products like lube on there to collect dirt, which isn’t good for your toy, either – especially over the long haul.
So how often should you clean your sex toys? Every toy should be cleaned thoroughly and dried after every use. And if you’re engaging in any play that finds you wanting to go from anal stimulation to vaginal, you should always clean your toy first then, as well. Plain soap and water are plenty adequate for routine washings, but a good spray-on wipe-off toy cleaner is convenient to have around for any time a complete wash is inconvenient.
Know the ins and outs of toy storage.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you simply haven’t thought much about sex toy storage, because most people haven’t. Most are concerned with the possibility of someone stumbling across the toy, either accidentally or otherwise – their roommates, parents, children, or housekeeper. And it’s okay to want to protect your privacy, but you can do that and take good care of your toys at the same time.
- Make sure your toys are easy for you to reach in a pinch at the times you’re most likely to want them. Stashing them too far away defeats the purpose.
- Toys should live in a well-ventilated spot, so it’s time to ditch the old under-the-mattress place for good. This will give your toys a chance to dry thoroughly after their washings but before their next use.
- You can store toys together, but only if they’re well separated from one another. Many toy materials don’t agree with one another, so always store each toy in a separate cloth bag or even the box they came in, barring any other option.
Try some creative solutions on for size.
While there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics with your toy storage routine, you may find you want to set up something a little nicer eventually. This is especially true if you collect sex toys or think you might want to someday. Not only do dedicated storage solutions do a better job of protecting your toys, but they’re an excellent way to take pride in your toys, as well.
If you want an anti-snoop guarantee:
If you’ve got nosey roommates or rambunctious kids who never listen when you tell them to stay out of your stuff, a simple lockbox is a great solution. It can be as simple or ornate as you like and is a great way to upgrade from a popular go-to like a shoebox.
If you like to keep your toy close:
If you’re the type of person who tends to keep one great go-to vibrator at a time, then you’re probably also the type who likes to be able to roll right over in bed and grab it when the mood strikes. If so, why not try a cleverly hidden option that won’t ruin the aesthetic of your room – like a satiny bed pillow with a secret pocket or a hollow book to decorate your bedside table.
If you have lots to store:
If you and your partner keep an entire collection of goodies to reach for when you want to make things interesting, a dedicated toy chest is a great idea. Toy chests come in many styles and designs, so shop around until you find one that meets your needs.
As you can see, the process of taking good care of your toys is easier than you might think! Get started today so you and your toys can enjoy a long, happy future together!
