Key takeaways
- Heat, sunlight and bathroom humidity are the main enemies of toy materials and batteries, so a cool, dry drawer or box is the best home.
- Silicone, glass and metal toys can share space in separate pouches, but porous TPE and jelly toys should always be stored on their own.
- Use the original charging cable, make sure contacts and ports are completely dry, and unplug once the indicator shows a full charge.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries last longest when they are never left fully drained, so top up toys you rarely use every few months.
- Retire any toy with cracks, tears, a sticky surface, a lingering smell or a swollen or overheating battery.
Store toys clean and fully dry in a cool, dark place, each in its own breathable pouch, and keep softer TPE or jelly toys away from others. Charge with the cable supplied, from a laptop or low-output USB adapter, on a dry port, and top up stored rechargeables every few months so the battery never sits completely empty.
You did the research, picked the toy, maybe even took the Find Your Match quiz. And now it lives in a sock drawer next to a stray hair tie and a dead AA battery. Sound familiar? No judgment. But a little care between uses is the difference between a toy that lasts for years and one that quietly gives up after a few months.
This guide covers the unglamorous-but-important bits: where to keep your toys, how to charge them without stressing the battery, what to do with toys you only reach for now and then, and how to tell when something is ready to retire. Cleaning gets its own deep dive in How to Clean Sex Toys (and Store Them) the Right Way, so we'll keep that part short here.
Where should you store sex toys?
The ideal spot is wonderfully boring: cool, dry, dark and dust-free. Think a bedside drawer, a lidded box on a closet shelf or a dedicated toy bag. Not a sunny windowsill, a hot car or the cupboard under the bathroom sink.
Why heat, light and humidity matter
- Heat stresses lithium-ion batteries (the rechargeable type inside most modern toys) and can soften or warp some materials.
- Sunlight can fade colours and, over time, break down softer plastics.
- Humidity is the sneaky one. A steamy bathroom stops toys from drying properly and lets moisture creep into charging ports and seams.
- Dust and lint love silicone, which is naturally a little grippy, and they end up exactly where you don't want them.
Pouches, boxes and cases
Many toys arrive with a satin or cotton pouch. Use it! Breathable fabric keeps dust off and stops toys rubbing or scratching each other. If yours didn't come with one, a clean cotton drawstring bag or a soft glasses case does the job. A lidded box with dividers is handy once your collection grows.
One thing to avoid: sealing a toy in an airtight plastic bag while it's even slightly damp. Trapped moisture is how musty smells start.
If you'd like storage that adds an extra hygiene step, the LUV Portable UV Sanitizing Case gives toys a dedicated home. Think of UV as a bonus after washing, never a replacement for soap and water or a proper toy cleaner.
Can sex toys touch each other in storage?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It comes down to material.
A material is porous when its surface has tiny openings that can hold on to moisture, lube and bacteria. Non-porous materials, like silicone, glass and metal, have a sealed surface that washes clean. Softer porous materials such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer, a stretchy rubber-like plastic) and "jelly" can react with other toys, turning sticky, cloudy or misshapen where they touch. Lower-quality silicone blends can behave the same way, which is why separate pouches are the safest habit for everything.
For the full rundown, see Sex Toy Materials Explained and What Does "Body-Safe" Actually Mean?
| Material | How to store it | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Its own fabric pouch; fine alongside glass and metal | Lint, pet hair, leftover silicone lube residue |
| Glass | Padded pouch or wrapped, away from hard objects | Chips and hairline cracks |
| Metal | Dry drawer or box, in a pouch to prevent scratches | Water spots or residue if not dried thoroughly |
| ABS plastic (a hard, smooth plastic) | Pouch or divided box | Scuffs and gaps around seams or buttons |
| TPE / jelly | Completely separate, in its own bag | Stickiness, cloudiness, odours, colour transfer |
Kegel trainers deserve a mention here too. Sets like the Blush Wellness Kegel Training Kit come with several pieces, so keep them together in one pouch so nothing goes missing, and make sure any retrieval cord is fully dry before you pack it away.
How do you charge a sex toy properly?
Before anything else: read the manual. Brands design their batteries and chargers differently, and their instructions always beat general advice, including ours. That said, most toys fall into one of four power types.
| Power type | How it works | Care tips |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic USB charging | The cable clicks onto two small metal contacts on the toy | Wipe contacts dry; keep the magnetic end away from hairpins, crumbs and metal bits |
| Port or pin charging | A plug slides into a socket or pinhole on the toy | Check the port is dry and lint-free; close any rubber cover afterwards |
| Plug-in (corded) | Runs directly from wall power, no battery | Inspect the cord regularly; keep away from baths and sinks |
| Disposable batteries | AA, AAA or button cells | Remove batteries for storage; check for corrosion |
Can you use any USB charger?
Stick with the cable that came in the box. Many charging cables are made specifically for one toy, and a loose or mismatched connection is one of the most common reasons a toy "stops working." Plug it into a computer's USB port or a standard, low-output wall adapter. Some brands advise against high-powered fast chargers, so check your manual.
Lost the cable? Contact the manufacturer for a genuine replacement rather than guessing with a random one online.
How long should you charge it?
Many brands recommend a full charge before the very first use. After that, most toys have an indicator light that changes colour or stops blinking when they're full. Unplug at that point rather than leaving the toy on the charger for days. It's kinder to the battery and to your power bill.
Never charge a wet toy
Know your terms. Waterproof means the toy is sealed for use in water, often including the bath. Splashproof means it can handle a rinse or a few drops, not submerging. Even a fully waterproof toy should have its contacts or port completely dry before charging, because moisture plus current can corrode the metal over time.
The same rules apply across the board, whether you're charging a rechargeable wand like the VeDO Wanda Rechargeable Wand, a ring-style toy like the Voodoo Halo Wireless 10X or a rechargeable pelvic-floor trainer such as the Evolved Twistin The Night Away Kegel Rechargeable.
Why won't my vibrator charge?
Before you assume the worst, work through these in order. Most charging "failures" turn out to be something simple.
- Check the connection. Magnetic chargers need the contacts lined up exactly. Give the cable a gentle nudge or flip it around.
- Clean the contacts or port. Dried lube and lint build up surprisingly fast. Use a dry cotton swab, or one barely dampened with water, then let everything dry fully.
- Try another power source. Swap to a different USB port or adapter to rule out the plug.
- Look for a travel lock. Many toys can be locked so they don't switch on in a bag, and a locked toy can look dead. Your manual will list the unlock button combination.
- Give a flat battery time. A deeply drained battery sometimes needs to sit on the charger for a while before the light comes on.
- Contact the brand. If none of that works, the manufacturer's warranty or support team is your next stop.
How do you look after a rechargeable battery long-term?
Lithium-ion batteries don't love extremes: not too hot, not too empty for too long. A few habits keep them happy.
- Don't store it completely flat. A battery left at zero for months may struggle to charge again.
- Top up the toys you rarely use every few months, even if they're not out of rotation forever.
- For long breaks, a partial charge is kinder than storing at 0% or leaving it permanently at 100% on the cable.
- Keep it cool. No radiators, dashboards or sunny shelves.
- Actually use it. Regular charging and use is completely normal and fine.
Stop using any toy whose casing is swelling or bulging, that gets hot while charging, or that smells odd. Unplug it, don't try to open it, and take it to a battery or electronics recycling point rather than putting it in household rubbish.
What about toys with disposable batteries or a power cord?
Battery-powered toys
If you won't use a battery-powered toy for a few weeks, take the batteries out. Old batteries can leak and leave a white or greenish crust that corrodes the contacts. Store spares separately, in their packaging, away from keys and coins. When you put the cap back on, make sure any rubber seal (often called an O-ring) sits flat so moisture can't sneak in.
Plug-in toys
Corded classics like the Vibratex Magic Wand Plus skip battery worries entirely, but the cord needs a little love. Coil it loosely rather than wrapping it tightly around the handle, which strains the join over time. Unplug it when you're done, check the cord now and then for fraying, and keep it well away from water. You'll find more plug-in and rechargeable options in our wands and clit toys collection.
Should you clean toys before putting them away?
Always. Putting a toy away without washing it is the fastest route to odours, residue and a shorter lifespan. Wash with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner, then let it air-dry completely or pat it with a lint-free cloth. If a toy has a motor, only submerge it if it's fully waterproof.
A spray cleaner makes the routine quick. Good options include Universal Toy Cleaner w/Aloe Vera, Sensuva Think Clean Thoughts Anti Bacterial Toy Cleaner and Main Squeeze Toy Cleaner. Browse the rest of our toy care and essentials for more.
Don't forget the lube
Lube residue is a common culprit behind sticky surfaces and gunked-up charging contacts. A water-based formula like Swiss Navy Water Based Lube rinses off easily and works with every toy material. Silicone lubes such as Spunk Pure Silicone Lube last longer but can affect some silicone toys, so patch-test first and wash it off thoroughly. Our water vs. silicone lube guide and the full lubricants range can help you choose.
Sharing or switching toys
Popping a fresh condom over a toy, like a Durex Air Condom, is an easy way to share it with a partner or move between different kinds of play. Swap to a new one each time, and still clean the toy before storing. If you're exploring backdoor play, Anal Play for Beginners covers hygiene in more detail.
How do you store toys discreetly or take them travelling?
At home, a lockable box, a zip pouch tucked inside a drawer, or a cute storage case on a high shelf keeps things private from housemates, kids and curious visitors. Choose whatever lets toys stay clean, dry and out of direct sunlight.
On the road:
- Switch on the travel lock if your toy has one, or remove the batteries.
- Wrap glass toys in a padded pouch or a soft sweater.
- Pack rechargeable toys in your carry-on, since many airlines prefer lithium batteries in the cabin. Check your airline's rules before you fly.
- Bring a travel-size cleaner, like Swiss Navy Toy & Body Cleaner (1 oz), so hotel-room cleanup is easy.
- Don't forget the charging cable. It's the item people leave behind most.
And if privacy starts before the toy even arrives, every YourFemme order ships in a plain, unbranded box with a neutral billing name on your statement.
How often should you replace sex toys?
There's no fixed expiry date. Well-made silicone, glass and metal toys can last for years with good care. Porous materials like TPE and jelly have a shorter life because they can never be fully sanitised. Whatever the material, it's time to retire a toy when you notice:
- Cracks, chips, tears or splits, especially on glass
- A sticky, tacky or cloudy surface that won't wash off
- A smell or discolouration that lingers after cleaning
- Gaps opening up along seams or around buttons
- A battery that no longer holds a charge, or any swelling or overheating
If anything about your body feels off after using a toy, such as irritation that doesn't settle, check in with a clinician.
Your quick toy-care checklist
- Clean after every use and dry completely before storing.
- Give each toy its own breathable pouch; keep TPE and jelly separate.
- Store somewhere cool, dry and dark, not the bathroom.
- Charge with the original cable on dry contacts, and unplug when full.
- Top up rarely used rechargeables every few months.
- Remove disposable batteries before long breaks.
- Inspect toys regularly and retire anything damaged.
Look after your toys and they'll look after you. When it's time to add something new, explore our vibrators and dildos, or read Types of Vibrators Explained first. Orders over $79 ship free, and you'll earn rewards points on every purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my vibrator charging overnight?
It's best not to make a habit of it. Most toys show a light that changes or stops blinking when they're full, so unplug at that point. Leaving a battery on the charger for long stretches adds unnecessary wear, and it's generally wise not to leave any lithium-ion device charging unattended. Always follow the manufacturer's manual, as some brands give specific charging times.
Can I charge my sex toy with my phone charger?
Use the cable that came with the toy, since many are designed for that specific model. You can usually plug that cable into a laptop USB port or a standard low-output wall adapter. Some brands advise against high-powered fast chargers, so check the manual. If you've lost the original cable, ask the manufacturer for a genuine replacement rather than guessing with a random one.
Is it okay to keep sex toys in the bathroom?
It's not ideal. Bathrooms get warm and steamy, which stops toys from drying properly, can push moisture into charging ports and seams, and encourages musty smells. A bedroom drawer, closet shelf or lidded box is a better home. If the bathroom is your only private spot, keep toys in a sealed case and make sure they're completely dry before you put them away.
Do silicone toys really react with each other?
High-quality, 100% silicone toys usually sit side by side without problems, but lower-quality blends and soft porous materials like TPE or jelly can turn sticky, cloudy or misshapen where they touch. Since it's hard to know exactly what's in every toy, the easiest rule is to give each one its own pouch and always store TPE and jelly toys completely separately.
How do I store a toy I rarely use?
Clean it, dry it thoroughly and put it in a breathable pouch somewhere cool and dark. For rechargeables, store with a partial charge and top up every few months so the battery never sits completely flat. For toys with disposable batteries, take the batteries out to prevent leaks and corrosion. Check it over for damage before your next use.
Can I take a vibrator on a plane?
In most cases, yes. Turn on the travel lock or remove the batteries so it can't switch on in your bag, and pack rechargeable toys in your carry-on, as many airlines prefer lithium batteries in the cabin. Rules vary by airline and country, so check before you fly. Pack the charging cable and a travel-size toy cleaner too.
How long do sex toys last?
There's no set lifespan. Body-safe silicone, glass and metal toys can last for years with proper cleaning, storage and battery care, while porous TPE and jelly toys wear out sooner. Replace any toy that's cracked, torn, sticky, smells after cleaning, or has a battery that won't hold a charge, swells or gets hot while charging.
Browse more toy care & essentials, all shipped in a plain box with discreet billing.
