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Naima Karp has penned some great articles at Spy on everything from seeking out the best down mattress toppers to unveiling the latest trends in men's lingerie. In this article Naima went looking for discreet sex toy storage solutions to keep your toys clean and in tip-top shape. When she reached out to me for my take I was happy to oblige. Here is a brief synopsis of the article with a link to the full article below.
Heather Jeffcoat
Is Discreet Sex Toy Storage Important to You?
Read on for the why's and how's of this often overlooked part of your sex play routine
Here at Femina PT we deal with a broad spectrum of pelvic related issues, and that includes making sex play not only possible again for those who need it, but as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. If sex toys are a part of what makes your play time extra fun, you need to know some of the ins and outs of keeping your toys hygenically clean - and ready to use again the next time you are so inclined.
That said, let's get to the article, which begins:
Sex toys can be a fun and exciting way to practice self-care or bond with a partner. That being said, keeping sex toys clean and hygienic is just as important as that earth-shattering orgasm. A lot of people keep their toy collection hidden away from prying eyes in a bedside table or jumbled together in an underwear drawer. While that may be convenient, it’s not sanitary and can damage toys in the long term.
To avoid infections and rashes, it’s best not to cross-contaminate toys. You should also rinse them off properly after use. Plenty of sites like Lovehoney sell toy cleaners, but be sure to get a water-based one, as silicone and oil-based ones can degrade silicone toys over time.
A couple thoughts on this... if keeping your toys away from prying eyes (children for example) is your primary focus, it's a good idea to keep the "cookie jar effect" in mind. In short, people - and particularly children - tend to want what they are told they can't have. In other words, never tell your children as you are leaving the house "Now don't get in that cookie jar!" which you have just put away in the highest place you can find. It's almost guranteed that they will grab a ladder as soon as you're out the door!
Similar thinking applies to hiding your sex toys. If you put them in a flashy locking case on top of your dresser, it's a sure sign to everyone that something important rests inside. Just don't lose the combination (or the key), or you could be sorry when that moment comes!
On the other hand, a simple pouch under your bed that looks like it could hold a wad of extension cords might very well go unnoticed. But if prying eyes are of no concern, then by all means get whatever suits your fancy!
Now that we've covered matters of style, let's talk hygene for a moment.
Sexual health author and pelvic health doctor Heather Jeffcoat adds,
"It’s best to clean your sex toys with soap and water or a cleaner designed for your device after every use — even if you only use it externally. Our bodies have oils on them, and any oil or moisture left on the device can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure your device is completely dry before you store it.
It might be a good idea to have a dedicated spot in your bathroom where you let your toys dry, assuming it's not a communal bathroom. Perhaps a sort of drying rack, kind of like Grandma's old baking rack where she cooled her pies? Or a repurposed shower caddy hanging from a towel bar? Then again if you're sharing a bathroom then you will have to be a little more creative.
So you've got your toys clean and dry, what now?
“It’s best to keep toys in their case or a breathable and sealable bag after use. Never store your sex toy in a plastic bag — if there is any moisture on the toy or in the bag, it will breed bacteria. Using a bag that has a drawstring or zipper is ideal, as it will also keep dust out. Canvas bags work great, as they leave little to no residue on your sexual wellness aid.”
At the bare minimum, you can put your sex toys in soft fabric bags before graduating to hard cases or larger fabric pouches with dividers.
Many high quality toys come with their own storage solutions. Some are specifically designed to be hygenic, while others are not. If your toy came with a hygenic case and instructions, of course follow them closely. If you're not sure, it's better to be safe than sorry. Putting each toy into it's own pouch or case (once it's clean and dry of course), and then putting them all into one large case or pouch is a great way to go.
There's a lot more to discuss about discreet sex toy storage at the full article here. And if you are experiencing pelvic issues that are keeping you from enjoying sex to the fullest, we are here to help!
