Ever put down your post-masturbation BOB (battery-powered best friend) and wonder how long your beloved device will last? You are not alone! When buying a sex toy, all factors must be considered, such as the features it offers, the different settings or how long it is likely to last.
Answering the question "How long will a sex toy last?" is a vital survey that can help you decide on a toy that will last you a lifetime, not months. Read on to help you choose a toy that will last into your retirement.
What are my sex toys made of?
How long a sex toy lasts depends largely on two factors. The first is the material composition of your toy, and the second is how well you take care of it, which we'll talk about next.
The good news is that many modern toys are made of high-quality materials. If you've ever found a cheap toy and wondered why it's priced so low, it probably contains substandard materials. You may end up spending more on a high-quality toy, but you may only need to buy one instead of frequently replacing a rapidly deteriorating one.
Silicone toys
So, how do you know if your sex toy will last? Know your material, of course!
Silicone is a typical sex toy material and it can last forever. Silicone can take up to 500 years to break down, so with proper care, silicone toys can last a lifetime.
Glass and Stainless Steel Toys
Glass or stainless steel toys are other good options. Glass and stainless steel toys can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Obviously, don't drop a glass dildo on a concrete floor or anything hard.
Jelly toys or soft rubber toys
Jelly toys or soft rubber degrade at a faster rate. These toys are also porous, which means they contain small holes. These small holes trap bacteria, making them impossible to clean and increasing your risk of developing a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Jelly toys or soft rubber may last from a few months to a year. Another cautionary note is that jelly toys or soft rubber may contain phthalates, a possible carcinogen that is harmful to reproductive health and sperm production. AKA, not the chemicals you want to touch your bits!
Leather toys
Leather toys commonly used in BDSM are porous and cannot be thoroughly sterilized. If you choose to use leather toys like whips or crops, it's best to keep them away from bodily fluids.
How to Extend the Life of Your Sex Toys
There are several things you can do to extend the life of your toy and keep it active for decades to come. First, you need to make sure the toy is cleaned properly every time. Proper cleaning can reduce the risk of infection and can prolong the life of the toy.
To properly clean your sex toy, make sure you know what material it is made of, as different materials have different cleaning recommendations. For silicone, glass and stainless steel toys, wash with warm water and mild antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds, making sure to remove any liquid or residue.
Do not fully immerse leather toys in water, in a dryer or in strong light. Instead, spot-clean leather toys with a damp rag and saddle soap or leather conditioner. Note that this does not apply to synthetic leather.
Proper storage of toys can also help prolong their life. If you have a sex toy drawer, you'll want to give your toys a space instead of stacking them one by one because the different materials can interfere with each other. You also want to make sure your toys have time to air dry after cleaning before putting them away.
You can use some toys like dildos, vibrators, or butt plugs with condoms to help prolong their life. It's also a safety concern if you're sharing toys between partners; be sure to change the condom every time you use it.
A final tip for getting the most out of your sex toy is to read the composition of lube. Certain lubricants should not be used with certain sex toy materials. Silicone-based lubricants can degrade silicone toys over time. Oil-based lubricants should never be used with latex. When in doubt, use a water-based lube when pairing with your toy.
When to dispose of your sex toys
Sometimes the time comes when your sex toys come to an end. We know, Mariah Carey crying, "I can't live without you!" in the background. But how can you be sure it's time to throw away the toy?
If you can no longer clean your toy properly, it's time to throw it away. If your toy feels sticky or has a change in overall texture after cleaning, these are important indicators of wear. If you find any cracks, it's time to buy a new toy.
Any damage to the toy battery compartment or any frayed wires are also important signs of disposing of the toy. If you've been using a jelly toy for more than a year or so, it's a safe bet that it's time to upgrade.
What to do with your sex toys
When it comes time to dispose of your sex toy, there are other options besides throwing it in the trash. If your local recycling center collects e-waste (in most cases), they will accept your toys! Many sex toy retailers offer recycling programs where you can mail (properly sanitized) sex toys and they will recycle them for you, keeping the planet and fun in mind.
We hope we've helped answer the "how long a sex toy lasts" question and provided some insights on how to extend the life of a sex toy so you can enjoy it forever.