The CK Beginner's Guide to Toys
Introduction
Due to the delicate nature of adult toys we've compiled this easy to read guide that highlights the materials your toy might contain, how to properly care for those materials, and how to keep yourself safe when using your toys. Simply use the navigation links below this introduction to skip to what you need! We hope you find this guide useful and informative during your shopping experience.
Cleaning Your Toy
Toys should be cleaned before and after each use to prolong the life of your toy and to prevent growth of harmful pathogens.
For devices with replaceable batteries the batteries should always be removed first. Only waterproof toys are safe to completely submerge in water.
Simple clean – This method consists of simply washing your toy before or after use with a mild unscented soap or toy cleaner and hot water; suitable for most toys and materials. The simple clean method is ideal for toys being used by a single person without symptoms of infection.
Deep clean – This method involves 70% rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution to kill surface microbes; suitable for silicone, glass, and metal toys. First wash the toy with an unscented soap or toy cleaner and water, dry the toy and cleanse the surface with your solution of choice. Finally, thoroughly rinse the toy and allow to air dry on a clean surface. Deep cleaning is a perfect way to sanitize toys which are used for multiple partners, for anal play, or if the user has previously had an infection to prevent reoccurrence.
Sanitizing – The most thorough method of cleansing, only suitable for silicone, glass, and metal without electronic components. First, wash your toy thoroughly with a mild unscented soap then set it aside on a clean surface. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and submerge the toy or toys for at least ten minutes to fully kill surface microbes. After the ten minutes is up turn off the burner and remove the toy or toys with metal tongs, placing them on a clean surface to cool. Sanitizing is a great option for toys used with multiple partners or for anal play.
UV Sanitizing – This method uses a UV-C light device to sanitize the surface of a toy and is suitable for any material with or without electronic components. Prior to placing your toy in the UV light chamber you should wash it with mild unscented soap or toy cleaner, next follow the instructions for the UV-C light device to ensure your toy is adequately sanitized. This is a great option for any toy owner especially if you invest in high end electronic devices.
Cleaning Methods By Material
Simple Cleaning
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Most materials
Deep Cleaning
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Silicone
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Glass
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Metal
Sanitizing
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Non-electronic Silicone
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Non-electronic Glass
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Non-electronic Metal
UV-C Sanitization
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Best method, all materials
** Always check for cleaning recommendations from the manufacturer prior to choosing a method.
Storing Your Toys
To properly care for your toys it is important to store them in a clean dry place when not in use. Batteries should be removed if possible and rechargeable toys should never be left on the charger. Keep individual toys wrapped in protective cloth as some materials can bond together if they are left touching for a prolonged time or in the case of glass and metal the materials can potentially be scratched or damaged.Preventing Infection
Proper care and storage are integral components of toy ownership. Toys that are used internally can potentially harbor infection causing microbes and pathogens. In order to prevention infections or reinfections here are some useful tips to protect your body.
Know your toy! When purchasing a new toy know what it’s made from. Buying less expensive toys made from porous materials is fine, especially for beginners, but knowing the material will allow you make the best decisions for care of your toy and your body.
When using toys made from porous materials like TPE and PVC we suggest using a one on one rule; one body, one purpose. Put simply this means porous toys should not be shared with multiple partners and vaginal toys should not be used anally or vice versa.
Porosity describes a material with small pores that may harbor microbes and chemical residue, porous toys should be discarded after six to eight months of use to prevent risk of infection.
Porosity and Sex Toys
Highly Porous
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Polyvinyl chlorine (PVC)
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Thermalplastic elastomer (TPE)
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Stone or natural fiber
Semi porous
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Silicone
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Sealed wood
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Latex
Non-Porous
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Glass
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Stainless Metal
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Hard Plastic
When in doubt use a condom. Many people may not be aware that condoms are useful for internal toys to protect against infection with harmful pathogens like yeast or trichomoniasis. Just remember to discard condoms after each use and continue to clean toys before and after each use.
Vibrating Toys
Take care of your cables, rechargeable or AC powered electronic toys will include USB or wall adapter charging cables. It is important to remember to never leave your toy on the charger as this can shorten the lifespan of the battery which is permanently fixed in the toy. Carefully store your cables so that they are not bent or twisted and make sure they are in a safe place where they will not get lost.
Pay attention to temperature. With the exception of some toys designed to produce heat it is important to pay attention to the temperature of your toy. Some less expensive designs may not have a safety shut off in the case of over-heating and they should be powered off immediately if you suspect it is getting too hot. Over-heating is sometimes an indication of a malfunction or defect in the toy.
Be careful in the bath! Not all toys are meant to be used in water so it is important to refer to manufacturer recommendations prior to introducing your toy to the bath. Some toys may claim to be waterproof however in the case of toys with replaceable batteries they should be treated as splash proof incase the internal compartment is not resealed correctly before use.
Common Warnings Explained
Do not use on unexplained calf pain.
Deep muscle pain or cramping in the leg may be an indication of a type of blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When vibration is applied to DVT there is a chance the blood clot could travel through the body and complications may arise should the clot move into a vital organ like the lungs or heart. For this reason it is recommended to never use a vibrator or massager in the presence of unexplained cramping or pain.
Do not use on irritated, inflamed, or swollen flesh
This second warning is fairly straight forward, because vibrators do create mild repeated impact to induce stimulation they may intensify or exacerbate existing conditions that are the result of external trauma. For your own safety it is best to avoid using massagers or vibrators if you have an existing injury or pain.
This product is sold as a novelty item only.
Manufacturers may use this warning to ensure consumers do not believe that the product is useful for therapeutic purposes or that it has be tested for efficacy in these manners. Novelties are used at the consumers own risk.
This product contains chemicals known in the state of California to cause cancer
Typically this warning is applied to certain porous materials like TPE or PVC if they are distributed or manufactured in California because the materials in question frequently contain fragrances with phthalates. According to Proposition 65 any product that may contain chemicals which have shown carcinogenic activity in humans must feature this warning in order to be sold, owned, or manufactured in the state of California.
Toy Materials Comparison Table
Click on a link for more information
Material | Lubricant | Porosity | Vibration | Flexibilty | Durability |
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Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Any | Non-Porous | Excellent | Rigid | Durable |
Acrylic Plastic (Lucite) | Any | Non-Porous | Excellent | Rigid | Highly durable |
Polyvinyl Chlorine (PVC) | Water based | Highly Porous | Fair | Flexible | Fairly durable |
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) | Water based | Highly Porous | Fair | Highly flexible | Fairly durable |
Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS) | Any | Highly Porous | Good | Highly flexible | Durable |
Borosilicate Glass | Any | Non-Porous | Good | Rigid | Durable |
Metal | Any | Non-Porous | Excellent | Rigid | Highly durable |
Silicone | Water based | Semi-porous | Excellent | Flexible | Durable |