Does your vibrator really have a shelf life?
There isn’t an exact rule as to when you should replace your vibrator; it all depends on a couple of different factors:
- How often do you use your vibrator?
- How often do you take care and clean your vibrator?
Both of these factors will help with the longevity of your vibrator; otherwise, you risk the vibrator breaking or getting damaged. Another thing to consider when looking at how often you should replace your vibrator is the material that your toy is made from.
Typically vibrators that are made from glass, silicone or metal, will last longer. This is because they are super easy to clean and maintain. Cleaning them is as simple as using some hot, soapy water and elbow grease, and you have a brand new looking and smelling vibrator!
But toys made from more porous materials like latex, wood or jelly, need a little more love and attention to help them last as long as possible. You also have to make sure that cleaning these vibrators is a top priority. Bacteria like to hide and fester in all of the crevices, leading to the spread of sexually related bacteria. Your vibrator will also get dirty and clogged, which may mean you have to get rid of it!
To clean porous materials like these, you need a little more than hot water and soap. Some need to be sterilised with alcohol, and others need properly allocated sex toy cleaners to ensure the longevity of your vibrators, porous or not.
When to Replace your Vibrator
It is time to replace your vibrator if:
- Batteries are not working correctly, no matter how many times you change them!
- If corded, make sure there is no fraying or damage to the plug, as this can be dangerous for you and your lover.
- If there are any dents, holes or scrapes that could hurt you or your lover, it may be time to say goodbye to your vibrating friend!
- If there is a lot of bacteria that has built up and can’t be cleaned off, then it’s time to get a new one!
To keep your vibrators safe and lasting as long as physically possible, ensure they are stored correctly. If they are battery-powered, make sure to take out the batteries if you don’t plan on using them for a while because batteries can bleed, which can destroy your toy from the inside out.
So when should you replace your vibrator? Simply, when it has become defected in any way or is too dirty to use anymore. But remember, the key to making your vibrator last for as long as possible is to keep them clean, store them correctly and generally just look after them!
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