Sex toys usually don't come with instructions on how to take care of them so the following are suggestions to help you keep your toys in tip top shape.

1. Keep Your Toys Clean. When getting a new sex toy, it may be helpful to let it air out since it can sometimes have a lacquer/factory smell. In addition, it can be helpful to give it an initial cleaning with a damp soft cloth.
   
   It is important to thoroughly clean a sex toy and then dry it off after each use. It is helpful to use a tiny bit of anti-bacterial liquid soap no more than a dime size in the washcloth. Baby wipes can also be used as well as using a soft cloth such as a washcloth wetted with a solution of diluted alcohol or hydrogen peroxide mixed in a ratio of 1 part alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water. Some toys made of materials other than hard plastic can be damaged by alcohol so if you use this method of cleaning be sure to only briefly wipe the toy then rinse the toy quickly with water. The following is a list of solutions that are considered OK for each type of sex toy material.
   
   
   • Plastic - anti-bacterial soap and water, rubbing alcohol, sex toy cleaner
   • Jelly - mild anti-bacterial soap and water, sex toy cleaner
   • Cyberskin/UR3 - mild anti-bacterial soap and water, cyberskin compatible sex toy cleaner
   • Elastomer - mild anti-bacterial soap and water, sex toy cleaner
   • Silicone - anti-bacterial soap and water, boiling water, sex toy cleaner
   • Glass - anti-bacterial soap and water, boiling water, sex toy cleaner
     
     
   It is crucial to remember that vibrators are electric which is why you should never immerse a vibrator in water. Vibrators are not water-friendly and even the "waterproof" vibrators should not be kept in water for extended periods. Water can quickly corrode the inside of a vibrator, so it's a good idea to use a SLIGHTLY damp wash cloth, or even to wrap a towel around the base of the vibrator when cleaning. This will help prevent water from entering the internal compartments. If you think water has entered the internal compartments wipe out what you can with a dry cloth. Keep the base off the vibrator until it has a chance to air dry.
   
   When cleaning a vibrator, make sure you remove the batteries first before you clean your toy and leave the batteries out when you store it. Removing the batteries will help prevent corrosion if water does happen to get inside. Batteries have been known to leak and thus ruin the internal workings of a vibrator. If you see any corrosion, clean it with a small brush (like a toothbrush or a cotton swab) and a little baking soda. A VERY small amount of silicone dielectric grease, or Vaseline applied to a slightly corroded part will help prevent further damage.
   
   It is also good to not have toys touching other toys since keeping the toy by itself will keep things more sanitary.
   
   By following these suggestions, you will help to keep bacteria from growing on the toy. Dry surfaces also protect against bacteria and viruses so make sure you dry them off before storing. In addition, it is important to store your toys in a dry place as well as wrapping them in or covering them with a cloth or small towel to keep them from getting dusty.
   
   
2. Keeping a Long Working Vibrator. Be sure you use fresh or fully charged batteries in a vibrator. Fresh batteries are key to enable the vibrator to operate properly and deliver maximum enjoyment. Make sure you turn off the vibrator after use and remove all batteries. Leave the batteries out when storing the vibrator. Try to keep from dropping a vibrator since the electronic parts can become damaged as well as the body cracking, depending on the material. If there is a cord for a wired remote control, try to keep from bending or bunching up the cord to prevent shorting the conductors or damaging the cord. If the vibrator works inconsistently you may have a shorted or damaged cord, internal damage, poor connection to the electrical contacts in the battery compartment or weak batteries. Do not operate a vibrator continuously for an extended amount of time. Most vibrators are designed to be used continuously for 20 to 30 minutes. If you plan to use a vibrator during a play session expected to last longer than this, you may want to consider having more than one vibrator available.
   
   
3. Using Condoms on a Sex Toy. Placing a new condom on a sex toy will keep it the most clean and sanitary. Using a condom may also help ensure that dangerous bacteria does not grow on the toy, especially toys made of porous materials, and can also reduce your chances of reacting to these materials. If you plan to alternate the insertion of a sex toy between the vagina and anus be sure to use condoms and change the condom or thoroughly clean the toy between insertions. The best thing to do is have different toys for different openings if you wish stimulation of more than one opening during your play session.
   
   
4. Watch Out For the Seal on Waterproof Toys. More and more vibrators are waterproof these days. This is made possible by a rubber O-ring that fits along the rim of the vibrator such as at the threaded end where the battery cap screws on. Once this O-ring breaks down your toy is no longer waterproof and you either need to keep it out of the water or replace the O-ring.

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