Love your sex toy and it will love you back! To help you have the most fun with your sex toy, we recommend following these 10 simple care guidelines:

1. Keep it clean - or at least hygienic

Clean your sex toy before and after use according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves washing it with warm water and mild soap or a sex toy cleaner.

2. Respect the power! (source)

If your sex toy is rechargeable, fully charge it before first use. Do not use the toy while it is charging. If your sex toy is battery-operated, use good quality batteries and remove them when your toy is not in use.

3. There's always time for (the right) lubricant

Ensure lubricant used with your sex toy is compatible with its material. Water-based lubricant is generally the safest option. Avoid silicone-based lubricant with silicone sex toys because it can damage the material. Just make sure you’re also using the right lubes for the right activities, and if you need more guidance, check out our complete guide to personal lubricants.

4. Do not use for the other use

Jokes about warning labels aside, only use your sex toy as intended by the manufacturer. For example, this means not using metallic bullet vibes internally, only transferring the same toy from vagina to anus or anus to vagina if it is designed for that purpose, and not using toys anally that are at risk of slipping completely inside. Remember to thoroughly clean your toy before it penetrates a different entry.

5. Safety first!

Never use your sex toy on areas that are sore, inflamed, swollen, cut or injured, or with an unwilling partner. Stop using your sex toy if you or your partner experience pain, discomfort, or have any other concerns. There’s always next time. The toy will still be there.

6. Good things come to those who ease into it

Use your sex toy at your own pace. Just because you saw it being rammed in quickly in that video online that we’re not going to talk about doesn’t mean your body is going to do that. You didn’t have an hour of prep, and the benefit of editing cutting that out of view! Take the time to experience the different sensations and intensities your toy can provide as you and/or your partner are ready for them. It’s certainly not a race to finish first!

7. Be water (safety) aware

Only take your vibrating toy for play in a wet area if it’s waterproof. That goes for play in the shower, or submersion in a pool, bath, spa or anywhere else you might find yourself. If your toy is battery-operated, ensure no water gets in the battery compartment.

Also, after cleaning, ensure your toy is completely dry before you store or charge it. The last thing you want is your USB attachment pushing water into the charging mechanism. 

8. Storage, storage, storage

Once your sex toy is completely dry, store it a safe place. If it’s made of an inert material like glass, you may be able to display it somewhere, if you so choose, but otherwise, we recommend a cool, dark place, like a dedicated drawer or chest.

Sex toys made from jelly rubber, realistic feel materials, TPE, TPR, latex or PVC should be stored without touching any other toys to prevent damage to the materials or colour transfer. Some may need dusting with corn starch or similar. For care suggestions based on the material of the product, check out our Guide to Sex Toy Materials.

Some toys, especially premium offerings, will come with a storage bag, but there are many storage options available for your wider collection, from individual bags to special cases.

9. Zen and the art of sex toy maintenance

Honestly, the art here is knowing when to let go. Sex toys, like any product, are going to experience wear and tear. Whether that’s a mechanical breakdown in a motor, a battery losing charge after a long and happy life, or a tear developing in a realistic feel dildo or masturbator, it’s just a fact of life. Enjoy your toys, keep them well, and replace them when necessary. Tears and cracks in material can be breeding grounds for bacteria, and even with toy-cleaners around we recommend replacement.

Be aware that vibrators are now considered e-waste in some jurisdictions and may require recycling. Check with your local council for disposal options if you’re unsure.

10. Have fun!

Using sex toys is meant to be fun. Choose toys that you and any partner are comfortable with as you take your journey from beginner to advanced sex toy play.

That’s it! Our 10 step guide to sex toy care and enjoyment. If you’re after more in depth tips on the care of vibrating toys, check out our article Vibrator Care 101 below.

Vibrators have a number of extras when it comes to cleaning and looking after them. Namely, power, batteries and moving parts. Here is the Wild Secrets Guide to vibrator care. If you’re looking for general sex toy care tips – which also apply to vibrators – check out our 10 Step Guide to Caring For Your Sex Toy above.

How do I clean my vibrator?

We all want to keep our sex toys clean and it’s easier than you might think.

To start with, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as different methods may be required depending on its construction and features. Generally though, it’s good practice to clean your vibrator before and after use by rinsing with warm water and mild soap or applying a sex toy cleaner. Don’t submerge your sex toy in water unless you have a waterproof model.

Let your vibrator air dry or gently pat with a lint-free cloth. Ensure your vibrator is completely dry before storing.

If your vibrator is made from TPR/TPE or real-feel materials, finish by dusting with toy refresher powder, or corn starch. 

How do I maintain my vibrator?

No one wants their favourite sex toy to wear out faster than it should.

As with cleaning, always follow your manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re maintaining your vibrator properly. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow.

Generally, you can maintain your vibrator by cleaning it regularly, using it only for its intended purpose and storing it somewhere cool, dry, and dark. For dust protection, place your sex toy in a fabric pouch, drawer or storage case.

If your vibrator is made from TPR/TPE or real-feel materials, sprinkle over some toy refresher powder or corn-starch when clean and dry.

If there’s a travel-lock on your vibrator, turn it on when storing it away. This avoids having it running at speed for ages when not in use, and that could affect the motor. If your vibrator does not have this feature and is battery powered, remove the batteries but store them with your sex toy for easy access later. 

Extending the life of your vibrator

We all want to get the most out of our favourite sex toys, and taking proper care of them – and using them in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines – will help them last a lot longer.

Of special note, check to see what lubricants are compatible with your vibrator. Silicone-based lubes are super slippery, but can damage some sex toy materials. Water-based options are always safe to use, but can dry out and need reapplication. If you can’t remember a product’s specifics, just keep silicone-based lubes for your non-silicone toys and you should be fine - or check out our guide to personal lubricant for more tips.

Regularly check your vibrator for damage, such as cracks, splinters, rips and chips, and ensure the power supply – battery or cable – is in good working order. Make any necessary replacements or send the vibrator into retirement.

If you have problems with your vibrator, contact the place of purchase or manufacturer for support. In addition to your consumer rights, some vibrators come with warranties and guarantees and you may be able to complete a claim.