Are your sex toys past their prime? This is when you need to replace them, according to experts
Half of Brits have never replaced their sex toys, while one in 10 have had the same toy for over 10 years. Those shocking stats come from sexual wellness brand Smile Makers and refurbished tech sale site Back Market, who are educating us about sustainable sex this Valentine's Day.
The survey of nearly 3,000 people also found that a quarter have up to five goodies in their drawer, though most people own just one or two sex toys.
Although most people said they keep using their intimate gadgets until they’re worn out or broken, many admitted that by stubbornly hanging onto defective, under-performing or out-of-date toys, meaning they could be cheating themselves out of orgasms.
So what is the right amount of time to use a sex toy for, when is it time to get a new one and how exactly do you dispose of an intimate device? We asked the experts.
When should you replace a sex toy?
The lifespan of a sex toy depends on its quality, materials, and how well it’s cared for, says Samantha Marshall, head of brand at Smile Makers.
'There’s no exact expiration date for a well-made vibrator, suction device or other electronic toy, but there are signs that it may be time for a new one,' Marshall explains.
'If the battery no longer holds a charge, the material starts to wear — such as cracks or peeling, making it no longer body-safe — or if the vibrations weaken, it’s worth considering an upgrade.
'Hygiene is also important; even with regular cleaning, long-term use can lead to material degradation over time.'
How to care for your sex toys
Proper cleaning, storage and care can prolong the life of your sex toy. 'Washing it after every use with mild soap and warm water or a specially formulated wash, like our new Vibe Wash, keeps it clean and in good condition,' says Marshall. 'A dedicated cleaner is gentle, made for purpose and makes regular cleaning an easy habit.
'Storing your vibrator in a cool, dry place that’s free from dust – like a storage pouch or box – helps protect it from wear.'
Charging it correctly also plays a role in its longevity. 'Always use the charger provided to avoid battery damage, charge when the power is low, and unplug once fully charged to prevent overloading the battery,' adds Marshall. 'With a little care, your vibrator will last longer and continue delivering pleasure exactly as it should.'
How to get rid of sex toys
One in three throw their old sex toys in the bin, according to the new research. However, just like all electricals, parts from erotic toys can be recycled. That's why Smile Makers and Back Market are joining forces to encourage everyone to be more sustainable with their sex toys.
Sex educator Alix Fox, who supports the campaign, says: 'Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled, but people are often too embarrassed to do the right thing with old sex toys, even though they wouldn’t feel the same shame about other intimate devices such as sonic toothbrushes or bikini line hair trimmers.
'The truth is, discarded sex toys are becoming an unnecessary part of the e-waste problem – and it’s time we gave them a proper send-off.'
Back Market are now accepting old electronic sex toys for recycling in order to improve the problem. 'Our data clearly shows Brits hold onto their non-functional sex toys for years because they just don’t know how to dispose of them,' said Luke Forshaw, head of brand and marketing at Back Market.
'Just like our everyday devices, sex toys contain electronic components and valuable materials which shouldn’t end up in landfills – but unfortunately do.'
In the UK, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations mandate the proper disposal of electronic waste. You can utilise local council recycling programs to dispose of your vibrator responsibly. To find your nearest recycling facility, visit the UK Government's recycling collection page.
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