In the shower or in the bath: what do you consider when it comes to 18+ items?
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
Splash-proof isn't the same as waterproof, and water-based lubricant washes right off in the bath. A practical guide to water resistance, lubricant choice, cleaning, and drying.
An item that works perfectly on your nightstand can break within a few uses in the bathroom. Water can get to the motor through the seam, the button might get stuck, or the item might smell musty after a week because it was stored wet. And the lubricant you use will wash away immediately in the bath, meaning you'll need more than you expected.
The bathroom and shower therefore have different requirements than your bedroom. Below, we'll cover what to look for when purchasing, which lubricants work and don't work in water, and how to dry and store an item after use so it lasts for years.
Splash-proof is not the same as waterproof
Manufacturers use these two words interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. Roughly, there are three categories:
Not water-resistant. Anything with a battery cover that you pry open with a fingernail, or with an open charging port. These items should be cleaned with a cloth or spray, but not held under the tap.
Splash-proof. Resistant to rinsing and splashing, but not to submersion. It can be used in a shower, but not in a filled bath.
Waterproof. Fully sealed housing, intended for use underwater.
The practical rule: if it doesn't explicitly state on the product page that an item is waterproof, assume it is not. In our range, some items literally state it, such as the I Rub My Kitty Vibrating Massager Grey - Waterproof (€12.95) and the white version, the I Rub My Kitty Vibrating Massager White (€12.95). If you are unsure about another item, email us to check rather than trying it out.
Batteries, charging ports, and where water gets in
Water rarely penetrates through the material itself. It enters through the seams: the battery compartment lid, the screw cap, the rubber seal around a button, and especially the charging port.
Items that run on separate batteries, such as the Wand Vibrator 13.3 cm - Battery Operated (€7.95), have a lid or screw cap with a rubber ring. As long as that ring is clean and fits properly, it will keep water out. If there's soap or sand on the ring, or if it's dried out, it will leak. So, check the ring before you get into the bath, and always tighten the cap completely.
For rechargeable items, the charging port is the weak point. Some versions have magnetic contact points instead of an open port; this makes much more sense in a wet environment. Never charge as long as there is any moisture in or around the port. A drop of water between two contact points is enough to cause a charging problem.
This is where most people encounter problems. Water-based lubricant dissolves in water. In a full bath or under a running shower, it dilutes within seconds and no longer works as intended. This is not a matter of quality; it's precisely why water-based products rinse off so easily and wash out of textiles.
For use in or near water, there are three workable solutions:
Apply outside the water and only then enter the bath or shower. Works for a short time, but it works.
Use silicone-based lubricant. This does not mix with water and therefore stays put. Please note: silicone lubricant and silicone items do not go together — it can damage the surface. So, combine silicone lubricant with glass, metal, or hard plastic, or use a condom as an intermediary layer.
Using water as a lubricant does not work. Water actually creates more friction than you'd expect and dries quickly.
What's already in the bathroom might seem practical but isn't. Shower gel, bath foam, shampoo, and body lotion are made for skin, not mucous membranes; they often contain perfume and soapy substances. Vegetable oil is also not a good substitute: oil attacks latex, making condoms unreliable, and oil is difficult to remove from textiles.
A bottle that is intended for that purpose, such as the Intimate Wash Gel 400 ml – pH-neutral (€7.95), should be used for cleaning, not as a lubricant. Keep the two separate.
Cleaning, drying and storing
An item you use in the bathroom should also be cleaned there immediately. That's the practical advantage. The pitfall lies in what happens next: storing it wet.
Rinse with lukewarm water — not boiling, as that can damage soft materials.
Pat dry with a towel and then air dry for at least an hour, with the battery compartment open if possible.
Only store it when it is completely dry. A damp item in a sealed bag will start to smell musty, and that smell won't go away.
Place a Silicone Drain Cover (€5.95) in the shower drain if you often bring small parts or attachments — they'll otherwise disappear right there.
Do not store anything in the bathroom itself for extended periods. Fluctuating temperatures and humid air are bad for rubber rings, battery contacts, and soft materials. Use in the bathroom, store in a dry cabinet.
In short
Before purchasing, check if it explicitly states that an item is waterproof. Keep battery compartment seals clean and never charge with a wet port. Apply water-based lubricant outside the water, or choose silicone-based and pay attention to material compatibility. Do not use soap or oil as a substitute. And dry everything completely before storing it.
Find out for yourself
Compact and rechargeable models can be found under Vibrator and Mini Vibrator. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are listed under Lubricant, cleaners under Toy Cleaners, and care products under Intimate Hygiene. The full 18+ assortment can be found under Erotica. If it's not clear whether an item can be used underwater, please email info@verpakkingdeals.nl, and we'll look up the manufacturer's specifications for you. All orders are shipped in neutral packaging.
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