Investing in gay sex toys is an exciting way to enhance your pleasure and explore your sexuality. Whether you’re a fan of dildos, butt plugs, anal beads, or cock rings, taking care of your gay sex toys ensures they remain safe, clean, and ready for action whenever you need them. Proper storage and maintenance are key to extending the life of your toys and protecting your health. Here’s a guide tailored specifically for gay men on how to best store and look after your sex toys.
- Understanding the Materials
Sex toys come in a variety of materials, each requiring different care techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials used in sex toys and how to care for them:
Silicone:
Silicone is a popular material for sex toys because it’s body-safe, non-porous, and easy to clean. It’s soft, flexible, and mimics the feel of skin, making it ideal for dildos, butt plugs, and cock rings.
Care: Clean with warm water and mild soap, or use a specialized toy cleaner. Silicone toys can also be boiled for a few minutes to sterilize them (if they’re not motorized). Avoid using silicone-based lubes with silicone toys, as they can degrade the material over time.
Glass:
Glass toys are sleek, smooth, and can be heated or cooled for temperature play. They’re non-porous and easy to clean.
Care: Wash with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner. Ensure that the glass is free from cracks or chips before use. Store in a padded bag or box to prevent damage.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel toys are durable, non-porous, and provide a firm, weighty feel. They’re often used in anal plugs and dildos.
Care: Clean with soap and water, or sterilize by boiling (if not motorized). Like glass, store stainless steel toys separately to avoid scratches.
TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber):
These materials are softer and more flexible but are porous, meaning they can harbour bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Care: Clean with warm water and mild soap. Because they’re porous, it’s recommended to use a condom over these toys to keep them hygienic. Replace these toys more frequently than non-porous toys.
- Cleaning Your Toys
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your toys safe and hygienic. Here’s how to do it:
Before and After Use:
Always clean your toys before and after each use. This prevents bacteria build-up and ensures that your toys are ready for action when you are.
For Silicone, Glass, and Stainless Steel: Wash with warm water and mild soap, or use a toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. For deeper cleaning, you can boil non-motorized toys made from these materials for a few minutes.
For Porous Materials: Clean with soap and water, but consider using a condom over the toy during use to minimize direct contact with the material. This is especially important for toys that are shared with partners.
Drying:
After washing, dry your toys thoroughly with a clean towel or allow them to air dry completely before storing. This helps prevent mold and mildew, especially for toys made from porous materials.
- Proper Storage
How you store your sex toys is just as important as how you clean them. Proper storage keeps your toys in good condition and ready for use.
Keep Them Separate:
Store each toy separately to avoid them touching each other. Some materials, like silicone and certain types of rubber, can react when stored together, causing them to degrade. Use individual pouches, zip lock bags, or dedicated compartments for each toy.
Dark, Cool Place:
Store your toys in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can cause some materials to warp or degrade over time.
Avoid Dust and Lint:
Silicone and other soft materials can attract dust and lint. Store these toys in lint-free pouches or boxes to keep them clean. If your toy comes with a storage pouch, use it.
Battery Care:
For toys with batteries, remove the batteries before storing them if you’re not planning to use them for a while. This prevents battery corrosion and prolongs the life of the toy.
- Maintaining Motorized Toys
Motorized toys require a bit more care to keep them running smoothly:
Recharge Regularly:
Rechargeable toys should be charged regularly, even if not in use, to maintain battery health. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on charging intervals.
Check for Wear and Tear:
Periodically inspect motorized toys for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or weakened motors. Replace toys that show significant wear to avoid malfunctions during use.
- Replacing Your Toys
Even with the best care, sex toys don’t last forever. Here’s when you should consider replacing them:
Material Degradation:
If you notice any changes in texture, colour, or smell, it might be time to replace the toy, especially for porous materials.
Motor Issues:
If a motorized toy starts to lose power or the motor sounds strained, it may be nearing the end of its life.
Safety Concerns:
Replace any toys that have visible cracks, tears, or other damage that could compromise your safety during use.
Look After Your Gay Sex Toys
Taking care of your sex toys ensures that they remain safe, hygienic, and pleasurable for a long time. By understanding the materials, cleaning them properly, and storing them correctly, you can maximize the lifespan of your toys and enhance your sexual experiences. Remember, your toys are an investment in your pleasure, so treat them with care and enjoy the satisfaction they bring.