According to the Chinese zodiac, the 12th day of February 2021 marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox. It also marks the end of the Year of The Rat, which was not, shall we say, a super-fun time for many of us. Bye, 2020! The ox represents hard work, honesty and positivity, all traits that will (hopefully!) manifest in the Year of The Ox.
Speaking of hard work, we thought we’d highlight some of the most enduring, durable and hardest working sex toys and toy materials to ring in the Year of the Ox. Today we’re looking into sex toy materials that can last a lifetime and why some others don’t. We’ll even cover our favorite techniques to help make your toys last even longer. After all, you want to enjoy them straight through the Year of the Ox and for many years to come.
Sex Toys that Deliver Serious Pleasure Power
Are you looking for an investment instead of a quick fling with your sex toys? Want something versatile that’s in it for the long haul? Metal sex toys and glass sex toys are the way to go. We’ve broken down the positives and negatives of each of these materials and even covered a bit on silicone, so you can discover the similarities and differences for yourself.
Metal Sex Toys
Metal sex toys are popular for a very good reason. For starters, they’re non-porous. This means they are easy to clean and won’t break down as quickly like softer toy materials like jelly rubber, plastic and some silicone sex toys. Because they are super-smooth, metal toys have a great natural glide in, over and around your body. You can use any type of lube with a metal dildo, vibe or plug, and you’ll probably find that you’ll need less than usual.
Metal and stainless steel toys, in particular, are naturally weighty, an effect that many people and their partners enjoy. Actually, the weight factor is what draws many to using metal sex toys.
One final feature of metal sex toys deals with temperature sensitivity. Metal and steel dildos, vibes and plugs will naturally warm to your or your partner’s body heat as you play, but you can intensify temperate even more, if you want. Simply place your metal toy in warm or cool water before use - just be sure the temp you choose isn’t too intense. No one wants to be burned!
To be sure your metal or steel sex toy is the real deal, be sure to check the materials carefully. Some lesser quality toys may be marketed as steel, aluminum or titanium, but are actually just metal-plated. To avoid this, shop for your metal sex toys through a trusted company, like PinkCherry!
PinkCherry offers lots of metal sex toys in all sorts of styles, from steel wands and butt plugs to vibrators and dildos in all shapes and sizes.
Pyrex Glass Sex Toys
Pyrex glass sex toys have many things in common with metal sex toys. The surface of a high-quality glass is smooth as butter (not as soft, though!). This makes it easy to keep sanitary without a whole lot of fuss beyond a gentle cleanser. Glass can last for many decades with no signs of wear and tear when properly cared for. The smooth surface also creates less friction for slick in and out motions. Speaking of slippery, you can use any type of lube with glass sex toys. Glass also has a bit of weight to it for those looking for this sensation. Glass sex toys may also have added textures, like bumps, ridges, and swirls, for extra pleasure. They almost look like art to the unsuspecting eye.
There are not many downfalls to glass, but we think it’s worth mentioning that you have to be careful not to shock this material when using glass sex toys in temperature play. If you go from hot to cold and back again too quickly, glass can crack or even burst. Likewise, you’ll need to store your glass toy carefully to avoid chips, scratches or cracks. Always shop with a trusted source like PinkCherry when purchasing Pyrex glass sex toys.
PinkCherry has a plethora of Pyrex glass sex toys to choose from. Different colors, shapes, sizes, and textures cover every preference. Some glass sex toys in our collection that glow in the dark and/or vibrate.
Silicone Sex Toys
Silicone is a super-popular sex toy material beloved by many. While some well-designed silicone toys can last a very long time, this silky substance is generally not quite as durable as glass or metal over the long haul. While top-quality silicone is nonporous, hypoallergenic and easy to clean and maintain, lower quality silicone and silicone blends may not be.
Here’s the top down-side to silicone toys: they can’t be friends with other silicone toys or silicone lubes. Your silicone vibrator, dildo or plug can not be stored in close proximity to another silicone toy. Why? Silicone reacts with silicone, and contact can melt, fuse or pit the material. You also won’t be able to use a silicone lubricant with your silicone sex toy(s), though any favorite water-based lube will be totally fine.
That said, silicone sex toys are generally more affordable that their glass or metal counterparts, they’re much softer and forgiving, and can feel much more lifelike than toys in a harder material.
Use a trusted source, like PinkCherry, when shopping for silicone sex toys. We have a huge selection of silicone toys, including vibrators, dildos, and butt plugs. To make your silicone sex toys last longer, follow some of our tips below.
Sex Toys that Last for Years
Sorry to burst your bubble, but sex toys aren’t invincible or immortal! Yes, glass and metal toys could, potentially last a lifetime (yours), if cared for properly, but even they are susceptible to damage and wear. So, how do you care for sex toys to keep them in the best working order? Prevent corrosion and pitting by using the right kind of lubes, cleanse your toys before and after use according to their materials, and storing them in a way that prevents damage. Let’s look at each of these steps in-depth to find out all the dos and don’ts of proper sex toys care.
How to Care for Sex Toys to Get the Most Out of Them – Lubes
We all know that lubes are a great way to enhance your sexual experience. They can ease discomfort for those with vaginal dryness, reduce friction, and even create added sensations (like warming or cooling effects). Did you know that you shouldn’t use certain lubes with sex toys? There are even lubricants you shouldn’t use for sex at all.
- Water: Water-based lubricants are the most versatile lubes on the market. They can be used internally and with just about any sex toy you can find. They can also be safely used with latex and non-latex condoms. The one down-side to a water-based lubes is that you may have to reapply more often, as a water based lube will absorb naturally into skin and some toy surfaces.
- Silicone: Most Silicone-based lubricants are hypoallergenic, which is great news for people with sensitive skin. They also last longer between reapplications than other lubes. Silicone lubes are also great for water-play, and won’t rinse off in the shower or tub. You can even safely use silicone lubes with latex condoms. The biggest drawback of silicone lube is that you can’t use it in combination with silicone sex toys. Silicone interacts with silicone, leading to damage over time.
- Oil: Oil-based lubricants are great for massages. They last for a long time, meaning you won’t have to keep stopping to re-apply. However, oil based lubes can also stain, damage condoms and some sex toy materials, and can increase the risk of infections, like bacterial vaginosis. We recommend oil-based lubes for external use only!
How to Care for Sex Toys to Get the Most Out of Them – Cleansing
Properly cleaning your sex toys is key to making them last. While every toy is different and will require special attention, you can apply some basics based on materials to your before and after sex cleaning regiments. There are a few different ways you can make sure your favorite tools stay squeaky clean between uses. You can go with stuff you have on hand or purchase a specially designed product.
- Boiling: A quick bath in boiling water will make sure that your toys are completely sterilized. But how hot should the water be? How long should the toys stay in the water? How should the toys be dried afterwards? And what toys shouldn’t be taking a dip? While there’s no set temperature for sterilizing sex toys, the water should be at a rolling boil. You should fully submerge your toys for eight to ten minutes. After boiling, you can leave the toys in the water to cool before draining and pat dry with a microfiber towel. Toys that should not be cleaned with boiling water are anything porous (like PVC or TPE). You should NEVER put a toy that includes a motor or anything electronic in boiling water.
- Soap and Warm Water: Use a gentle soap and warm water to cleanse your sex toys. Be sure to get into the small nooks and crannies but avoid getting soap or water into electronic components and battery ports. Make sure your toy can be safely submerged (is fully waterproof) before getting it very wet. If your toy is not waterproof, use a damp cloth.
- Foaming Cleansers and Washes: There are specially formulated foaming cleansers and washes available to keep your sex toys germ-free, so you’re ready to go at a moment’s notice. Sex toy foaming cleansers and washes can be used in place of soap. They usually can be used with sex toys made from any material (but always check the label). Some are used on their own, while others work with water. Don’t forget to pay dry with a clean dry towel after cleansing.
- Antibacterial Mists: Antibacterial mists are another product designed specifically for sex toys. You can think: antibacterial mists are to cleansers and washes as hand sanitizer is to soap and water. While you can get rid of the harmful bacteria, nothing beats a good thorough wash. We recommend antibacterial mists before use as an extra step to maintain your sex toys and your sexual health.
How to Care for Sex Toys to Get the Most Out of Them – Storage
There are so many ways to store your sex toys, we couldn’t possibly cover them all in such a short article. Instead, let’s go over the dos and don’ts.
Dos
- Do store toys separately so that none are touching
- Do store toys in a way that keeps them lint-free and dirt-free
- Do store toys away from pets and children
- Do store sex toys in a temperature-controlled environment
- Do charge sex toys before storing to make sure they’re ready for your next use
Don’ts
- Don’t store silicone sex toys with other silicone items
- Don’t store toys in areas prone to leaks
- Don’t store toys in direct UV light
How you store or display your sex toys is really up to you. To prevent damage as best as possible, consider some sex toy storage options from PinkCherry to make yours last as long as possible. We have several options that inhibit bacteria growth which prevents pitting.
Help Your Sex Toys Work Harder and Longer
Whether you prefer metal, Pyrex glass, or silicone, PinkCherry is your number one source for body safe sex toy materials. We are a one-stop shop for all your naughty needs, including lubes, cleansers, and storage options. You’ll be ready to celebrate the Year of the Ox with sex toys that’ll last through 2021 and beyond.
