In recent decades, the sex toy industry has experienced remarkable growth. These products have garnered widespread popularity, appealing to a diverse audience that includes singles, couples, teenagers, and even the elderly. Sex toys serve as a means to enhance personal pleasure when alone and to add excitement to intimate experiences when used by partners.
However, just as one cannot neglect cleaning up dirty dishes after enjoying a satisfying meal, it is crucial not to overlook the cleaning and maintenance of sex toys after using them. Ensuring hygiene while using sex toys extends beyond cleaning them before and after use; it also involves proper storage practices.
What are Sex Toys
Sex toys, also referred to as adult toys or “marital aids,” are objects used by individuals to enhance their sexual pleasure during sexual activities or masturbation. In some cases, sex toys may also serve medical purposes for individuals dealing with sexual dysfunction or medical requirements. These devices come in various types and are employed for a wide range of reasons.
Varieties of Sex Toys
The market offers a vast array of adult toys, with some of the most common ones including:
Vibrators?These are devices designed to vibrate and stimulate the genitals. Vibrators are commonly used to enhance pleasure in the clitoral, vulvar, and vaginal areas. They can also be used for stimulation on the penis, scrotum, testicles, nipples, and anus.
Dildos?Dildos are objects meant for insertion into the anus, vagina, or mouth. They come in diverse shapes and sizes, often resembling a penis in shape. While some dildos are designed to look realistic, others have more abstract shapes.
Sleeves?Sleeves are soft tubes into which a penis is inserted. They come in various sizes and shapes and often feature different textures on the inside to provide enhanced sensations. Some sleeves even incorporate vibration or suction mechanisms.
Penis Rings?Penis rings are circular bands that are placed around the base of the scrotum and penis. When worn during an erection, they restrict blood flow out of the penis, potentially increasing sensation and promoting longer-lasting and harder erections. Safe penis rings are typically made from flexible materials like rubber, silicone, or leather with snaps for easy removal.
How to Store Sex Toys Safely
Properly storing your sex toys is crucial, regardless of whether you have an extensive collection or just a few favorites. Dusty or dirty sex toys not only affect the lifespan of your toys but can also have implications for your sexual health. Furthermore, searching for your preferred toy under the bed or in a bedside cabinet during intimate moments can be far from ideal. Fortunately, there are various methods for safely storing your sex toys. Whether it’s using soft satin bags or sturdy, impact-resistant boxes, here’s how you should go about storing your sex toys and accessories:
Ensuring your sex toys are clean and dry is crucial. Before storing them, it’s important to clean the toys using an appropriate sex toy cleaner and allow them to air dry. Familiarizing yourself with the proper cleaning methods for sex toys is essential before you proceed with storage.
Porous and semi-porous materials used in sex toys can trap lube and bodily fluids within their micro-pores during use. Failing to wash these toys correctly before storing them can lead to bacterial growth. Using a toy without proper cleaning after storage could potentially result in a yeast infection.
When it comes to storage, consider the material your toy is made of. To prevent issues like mold or damage, it’s best to use silk or satin storage pouches, especially after ensuring your toy is clean and dry. Keep in mind that materials like leather require ventilation, so silk or satin storage pouches are the preferred choice.
Different sex toys are made from various materials, including silicone, glass, metal, plastic, or jelly. To maintain their quality, it’s advisable to store toys of different materials separately. This may involve using separate pouches for each toy or storage boxes for silicone and toys made from less expensive materials. Many vibrators and dildos typically come with satin bags for storage, and it’s recommended to use these provided bags.
If your sex toys are battery-powered, it’s a good practice to remove the batteries before storing them. Vibrators can drain battery life during storage, potentially leaving your toy powerless when you need it most. Removing the batteries before storage can help prolong the life of the motor and batteries, especially if you frequently use battery-powered toys or have a significant collection of app-controlled vibrators.
How to clean sex toys properly
Properly cleaning your sex toys is a crucial aspect of owning and maintaining them. It’s important to recognize that having sex toys is a privilege, and with it comes the responsibility of ensuring they are kept clean and safe for use.
Cleaning your toys can sometimes be a bit challenging, but it is an essential task. The cleaning routine may vary slightly depending on various factors, but in most cases, it involves giving your toy a thorough wash in warm water with an antibacterial soap.
However, it’s crucial to confirm whether your sex toy is waterproof before cleaning it in this manner. Some toys require special care and may need specialized cleaning solutions or renewal powders to keep them in optimal condition.
For more information on storing sex toys, continue reading.
Pros of Incorporating Sex Toys
Enhance your sex life – Sex toys can add excitement and variety to your sexual experiences with a partner. They allow you to explore a wide range of sensations and pleasures together.
Achieve heightened personal satisfaction – Sex toys offer a pathway to personal pleasure and fulfillment, even when you’re not in a relationship. They empower individuals to enjoy sexual happiness independently.
Boost confidence – A satisfying sex life can have a positive impact on your overall confidence and self-esteem. The release of certain chemicals during sexual activity can contribute to improved mental well-being and heightened self-assurance.
Stimulate both body and mind – The use of sex toys can enhance your physical responses and stimulate your brain and body. This can lead to improved immunity and a more positive mood.
Cons of Incorporating Sex Toys
Potential for overuse and harm to intimate areas – Frequent and excessive use of sex toys can potentially harm the delicate tissues around the genital area, leading to irritation and allergic reactions.
Risk of improper use – It’s essential to exercise caution when using sex toys, especially if you are a first-time user. Incorrect usage can result in harm rather than pleasure.
Transmission of STDs – Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning and protection measures can increase the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, it’s crucial to use sex toys carefully and hygienically, especially when shared among partners.
FAQs
Why Do People Choose to Use Sex Toys?
The decision to use sex toys can vary widely from person to person. People choose to incorporate sex toys into their intimate experiences for a multitude of reasons. These include personal preferences, relationship dynamics, sexual orientation, budget considerations, unfulfilled fantasies, physical limitations, the desire for stamina training, and the exploration of one’s own sexuality through safe and enjoyable means.
What Are the Best Methods for Properly Storing Your Sex Toys?
When it comes to storing sex toys, three key factors should be considered: protection from dust, ease of accessibility, and temperature control. Opt for storage solutions that shield your sex toys from dust and prevent them from becoming wet or damaged. Additionally, it’s crucial to store your sex toys in a cool, dry environment, as excessive heat and moisture can lead to deterioration over time.
Why Is Safe Storage of Sex Toys Important?
Safe storage of sex toys is essential to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, pet hair, and other contaminants in your collection. Neglecting proper storage can result in your sex toys becoming a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. If these bacteria come into contact with your vulva and vagina during use, it can lead to imbalances and uncomfortable infections. Storing toys on the floor or under the bed may be convenient but is neither safe nor hygienic. Therefore, understanding how to store sex toys correctly is crucial to maintain their cleanliness and integrity.
