When you’re in the market for a new sex toy, chances are you’re mainly focused on all the good times and sweet orgasms it’s going to give you. You only think about the practical side of being the proud owner of a choice toy or two after you’ve got it home and need to figure out what to do with it when you’re done playing.
Responsible sex toy storage is a tricky business, but you must learn to do it right. The right approach doesn’t just keep your private business between you and your toys. It dramatically improves the life span of your toys and ensures they’ll be with you for many years to come. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know.
Cleanliness Is Key
Naturally, people know they should be cleaning their sex toys reasonably frequently, but not everyone is as good about it as they should be. If you’re not cleaning yours at all, consider this the kick in the pants you need to start. If you’re only cleaning yours occasionally, it’s time to get a lot better about doing it consistently.
Sex toys that aren’t cleaned properly or often enough are breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other organisms you don’t want anywhere near your junk (or your partner’s). They also don’t last as long or stay as reliable over the long haul. Clean your toys after every use and preferably before each use, as well. Always let your toys air dry completely before putting them away so accumulated moisture doesn’t deteriorate their integrity.
What Makes Someplace a Great Storage Spot?
If you’re like most people who haven’t given much thought to how they store their toys in the past, you probably opt for wherever you think is the most private and with good reason. Keeping your child or your nosy roommate out of your personal business shouldn’t be your only priority, though. Make sure your chosen hiding place also has the following qualities.
- It’s well-ventilated. Many toys stay ever so slightly moist after use, and airflow helps make sure any residual moisture has a chance to evaporate.
- Your toys can stay separated. If you own more than one toy and like to store them conveniently close to one another, make sure you don’t store them touching one another. Many toy materials deteriorate when exposed to anything incompatible with them.
- Easy to access. You naturally want your toys to be as close at hand as possible, so they’re there for you when you get that familiar urge.
Resist the urge to jam your favorite toy in between your mattress and box spring when you’re done, or store your whole adult collection in a confusing jumble in your nightstand drawer. Always clean and dry your toys thoroughly before putting them away.
Slip each toy into a clean, smooth fabric bag before putting it away, as well. Not only does this help prevent toys from touching one another, but it keeps them from attracting lint and dust. Many toys come complete with their own storage bags to make this as simple as possible, but you may wish to keep a supply of empty satin or silk bags on hand, so you’re always ready to add to your collection.
Take Your Storage to the Next Level
Lots of toy lovers eventually decide they want more out of a storage spot. Some maintain a collection they want to keep better organized. Others share their living spaces with children, parents, or unusually nosy roommates who have no problem going through their private things when they feel like it. Still more have invested in a perfect toy and want to raise the bar for storage.
If you’re partial to keeping your favorite vibrator in a low-key shoebox for safekeeping, a nice lockbox is a great alternative. Lockboxes for toys are well-ventilated and, of course, secure. Many even come equipped with small, discreet holes just big enough to accommodate a charging cord. Lockboxes come in all sizes, too, so there’s one to suit just about any toy collector.
If you only have one favorite vibrator you like to keep in hand, you can get bed pillows that come equipped with secret lined pockets just big enough to house your toy. A fun item like a hollow book that sits discreetly on your bookcase with your toy inside is another option to consider.
The more you use your favorite sex toys and the more you have invested in them, the more crucial proper care, maintenance, and storage become. Take care of your toys, keep them clean, and store them wisely and safely. Inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear, and replace them promptly when they reach the end of their life span. Your intimate life is too important to do anything less.
