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Do you want to know more about Sex Toys?
We have a lot of helpful information regarding the various materials toys are made of
how to clean and care for them and the best lubricants to use with each type.
Also SafeSex Ed 102 educational video series presented by our good friend Kara Sutra.

What kind of materials are sex toys made from?

This is an important question to ask because it also determines the type of lube you use and if it's made from a material that you may be allergic to.
Because sex toys not only touch your skin, but touch very intimate areas of your body, it's extremely important to know whether you have any allergies or sensitivities to certain materials, cleansers, etc. If you're not sure, we highly recommend that you do an allergy test on a small patch of skin, such as the wrist, before using any product.

Breakdown Of Sex Toy Materials 1. Silicone is one of the more popular materials. It's non-porous, non-toxic and can be cleaned with simple soap and water. Due to it's texture it can retain body heat (imagine putting an ice cube to your clitoris…brrrr!). It's a very durable and long-lasting material however do not use silicone with a silicone lube pretty soon the whole thing will look like the lube and that ain't pretty. One of the better ways to clean silicone is to boil it. However, if you can't remove the vibration mechanics from the silicone, then don't boil, you'll destroy the vibration feature. 2. Plastic/Acrylic/Glass are non-porous and can be cleaned with soap and water. The one drawback for plastic is that it can be very noisy. So unless you can make louder noises than the vibe (and your neighbors can back you on that claim) then you may want to stick with a material such as the others that can contain the sound better. 3. Rubber/Latex/Jelly materials are difficult to clean, yet they make up for it by being soft and comfortable to hold. Phtalates are commonly used with rubber materials so if you pick one up, be sure to grab some condoms for the most hygienic and effective use of rubber toys. 4. Realistics include CyberskinTM, FuturoticTM, NeoSkin®, Soft TouchTM, UltraSkin, and FauxskinTM feel very lifelike in your hand. They can be molded and designed to look like actual penis. You'll find this most effective when you want your vibrator to take on the appearance of an actual penis. Having a lifelike look and feel could help one visualize that an actual person is having sex with them. Vibrating Cyberskin (and the others) dildos just add to the flavor by including a stimulation feature. Cyberskin (and the others), like silicone, should not be used with a silicone lube. It'll make the penis melt and there's no clinic that could help with that one. Using the Right Lubricant Choosing the correct sexual lube is key to keeping your sex toy in the best shape possible, and it makes every experience more enjoyable. For more information on using lubricant with sex toys, check out Lubricant: How do I use it with sex toys? Just remember these simple tips: * Water-based lubricant may be used with any sex toy. * While silicone lubricants are perfect for use with a partner, a silicone lubricant should never be used with silicone sex toys, nor should it be used on any realistic material (CyberskinTM, FuturoticTM, NeoSkin®, FauxskinTM, Soft TouchTM, UltraSkin). * Never use an oil-based lube or petroleum jelly on any toy that will come into contact with or be inserted into the vagina (may increase risk of vaginal infections), or with anything made of rubber/latex, including latex condoms (will disintegrate latex). Will you be using this with a partner? Why should you have all of the fun? Even masturbation can now be a multiple person activity. If you're willing to share your excitement with your partner then you may want to look into traditional vibrators since they are slim enough to fit into vaginas at either end. You could also get a bullet vibrator and just enjoy watching your partner get off on the sensations. Battery Powered vs. Electrical Charge? With electrical vibrators you get the benefit of not having to worry about it dying on you and a stronger stimulation. However, you also get the benefit of only going as far as the electrical cord will allow you. With a battery powered vibrator, you can take those anywhere you like. Some vibes are rechargeable in that they plug into a wall but only to recharge the batteries so you can take the actual vibe anywhere you want. Battery powered vibrators are usually less expensive than their electrical counterparts and because they take batteries can come in all forms (some are portable). The downside for battery powered is that you're at the mercy of the battery. Once it dies out, then you're stuck till you replace them. It's best to have an extra set on hand near you at all times. Where can I use my vibrators? As mentioned above some vibrators are very portable. They can come in many different sizes and shapes. There are even vibes that take on the identity of other household or personal items. If a vibrator is portable and waterproof, then you've hit a jackpot. Imagine coming home from a long day and being able to give yourself a nice "massage" while relaxing in the bathtub. With electrical vibes you can't do that (for obvious reasons) so battery powered vibes are best for this purpose. But, again, make sure they specifically say that they're waterproof. So if work, school or other stresses in your life are causing you to hysterics, try a vibe! As with all toys, we recommend that you practice safe usage, no matter what you purchase. Use condoms and common sense. It's best to completely clean a toy in between sharings and after use. You'll find that the toy will maintain its look, feel and stimulations for years to come if you just take proper care of them.

Cleaning Your Sex Toys Regular cleaning is key to maintaining the integrity of the material of any sex toy. Be sure to wash before first use and immediately after each use before storing. Always be careful to keep water and cleanser away from battery cartridges and electrical parts. The safest way to clean most of your sex toys is to use an antibacterial cleanser, such as ForPlay Adult Toy Cleaner. This formulation contains Nonoxynol-9, which kills all bacteria and is compatible with all sex-toy materials. Simply dilute with warm water (see bottle for instructions), wash the toy with a cloth, rinse it thoroughly, then towel dry with paper towels or a soft, lint-free cloth. However, each toy material is different and is best cleaned and cared for in its own special way. Breakdown Of Sex Toy Cleaning 1. Silicone: Hypoallergenic and easiest to maintain, silicone dildos and non-battery-operated toys may be boiled for two to three minutes, or washed with soap and water. NEVER boil silicone sex toys with electrical components. Let them air dry completely or dry with a lint-free cloth before storing. 2. Plastic/Acrylic/Glass: All can be washed with warm water and anti-bacterial hand soap and sterilized using an alcohol-soaked cotton ball (rinse thoroughly afterward); acrylic and glass toys may be boiled or submerged in hot water if they're not battery-operated. 3. Rubber/Latex/Jelly: These products are extremely porous, so be sure to wash them thoroughly with warm water and anti-bacterial hand soap, and rinse so that no trace of soap is left, as it can degrade the material and cause irritation to you. Again, while it's a good idea to use a condom with any insertable toys, it's an especially good idea with these materials. 4. Realistics: Names include CyberskinTM, FuturoticTM, NeoSkin®, Soft TouchTM, UltraSkin, and FauxskinTM (if you're unsure of the type of material, check the packaging or product page, or contact Customer Service), and this type of material is widely used for erection rings and masturbation sleeves, as well as vibrators and dildos. Thoroughly wash with warm (never hot) water and a liquid antibacterial soap, then let air dry completely. Once dry, sprinkle with the included "renewing" powder or cornstarch. Never use talcum powder or baby powder, as these can cause irritation and sometimes larger problems for women (pure talc is fine but very difficult to find). Proper Storage of Sex Toys Be sure you have a place for your toys that keeps them separate, cool, and dry, away from pets (and kids) and protected from dirt and dust. And always remove the batteries before storing. When to Replace Your Toys No sex toy lasts forever, and some, depending on frequency of use, may last a very short while, so how do you know when it's time to say good-bye? * Mechanical features slow or stop working, even after battery replacement. * Cracks are visible in plastic, acrylic, or glass toys, or on the plastic pieces of other toys. * Mold or mildew has formed on the material, or the material is deteriorating. * Battery corrosion is seen inside the battery pack. Much like shoes, the more you use a sex toy, the quicker it will wear out, so it's possible to go through a toy a month-or to keep one for as long as a year. Just be sure to replace your sensual friend and not try to fix it yourself.