Materials, cleaning, and storage: how to make sex toys last longer
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
The material of a sex toy determines how you clean it, what it can withstand, and how long it lasts. A business guide to silicone, glass, ABS, and TPE — with cleaning products from our range.
Most questions we receive about this part of our product range are not about what a product does, but about how to clean it and why one item still looks new after a year while another becomes sticky. The answer almost always lies with the material. That determines how you clean it, which lubricant you can use, and how you store it.
This article factually addresses these choices for adults considering a purchase or wishing to better maintain their existing items. No recommendations on usage — only material, cleaning, and storage.
Porous and non-porous: the only distinction that truly matters
Materials for this product group broadly fall into two categories. Non-porous materials — silicone, glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic — have a closed surface. Dirt and moisture remain on the outside and rinse off. Porous materials like TPE, TPR, jelly, and cyberskin have microscopic cavities where residues can remain, even after cleaning.
This difference has two practical consequences. First: non-porous products are easier to clean thoroughly and therefore generally last longer. Second: porous products have a more limited lifespan and are not intended for years of continuous use. Manufacturers often recommend using a condom with this category, precisely because the surface cannot be fully cleaned.
If you are exploring options and maintenance is important to you, the rule of thumb is simple: first look at the material, and only then at shape, color, and price.
The four materials at a glance
Material
Porous?
Note
Silicone
No
Do not combine with silicone-based lubricant
Glass
No
Check for damage before use
Stainless steel / Metal
No
Heavy; quickly adapts to temperature
TPE, TPR, jelly, cyberskin
Yes
Shorter lifespan; not fully cleanable
Silicone is the most commonly used option in the mid-range segment. It is flexible, non-porous, and easy to clean. One point of attention: silicone-based lubricant can affect the surface of silicone products, making it sticky or dull. Use water-based lubricant with it — that combines with all materials. Examples from our range include the Bossoftoys mini massager made of silicone, 11 cm, rechargeable (€ 24.95) and the Power Escorts silicone 3-pack plug set with suction cup (€ 24.99).
Glass is the easiest category in terms of maintenance: completely smooth, no dirt adhesion, and compatible with any type of lubricant. The Glass Wands glass plug in clear and the black glass version of 17 cm both cost € 19.95, as does the transparent glass dildo of 20 cm in a gift box. For glass, there is one constant check: inspect the product for cracks or chipped edges before each use, and stop using it as soon as you notice any.
As soon as there is a motor, battery, or accumulator involved, one extra rule applies: submerging is only possible if the manufacturer specifies the product as waterproof. If not specified, clean with a cloth or spray and keep the charging port dry. Battery-operated products — such as the wand vibrator of 13.3 cm, batteries not included (€ 7.95) — should be stored without batteries. Empty or forgotten batteries can eventually leak, which spells the end for the device.
For rechargeable products, the opposite applies: do not leave a lithium battery completely discharged for months. Recharge such a product a few times a year if you are not using it for a prolonged period. A compact model like the Power Escorts Dolphin G mini vibrator of 12 cm (€ 12.99) easily disappears into a drawer — set a reminder for it if you rarely use it.
What to clean with?
For most materials, lukewarm water with a mild, unscented soap is sufficient, followed by thorough rinsing and complete air-drying. Soap residue left behind is a common cause of irritation — so rinsing is not a trivial matter.
What you should avoid using: aggressive household cleaners, alcohol on silicone, or abrasive sponges. These can damage the surface and make it rougher — and thus harder to keep clean.
Storage: dry, separate, and dust-free
Three points where things usually go wrong.
Allow to dry completely before storing. Moisture in a closed bag or box is the main cause of a musty smell and residue.
Do not store materials touching each other. Different types of soft plastics can react with each other during prolonged contact, causing surfaces to become sticky or discolored. Store them separately, each in its own bag or compartment.
Dust-free and out of direct sunlight. Especially for silicone, which attracts dust and lint. Store in the original box or a linen bag.
There are a few clear signs, regardless of how much you paid for something: a sticky or tacky surface that returns after cleaning, cracks or fissures, discoloration, an odor that doesn't disappear after cleaning, or — with glass and metal — a damaged edge. In all these cases, the product can no longer be properly cleaned and should be discarded.
Products with a silicone surface damaged by the wrong lubricant will not recover. That's why it pays to check that combination beforehand: water-based works with everything, silicone-based does not work with silicone.
Questions? We're here to help
If you want to compare by material, check the collections Toy Cleaners and Intimate Hygiene for maintenance, and Erotica and Lubricant for the broader range. Each product includes the manufacturer's product information; if anything about material, size, or maintenance is unclear, feel free to email info@verpakkingdeals.nl. All orders are shipped neutrally and without a recognizable sender.
This article is about material and maintenance and is not medical advice. If you have health questions or concerns, please consult your doctor.
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