8 Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Sex Toy

Think you are using your sex toy the right way? You might want to double-check. Whether it is your first purchase or your tenth, some mistakes are so common that most people make them without even realising it, and a few of them can seriously affect your health.

The most frequent mistakes when using a sex toy include choosing unsafe materials, skipping lubricant, neglecting hygiene, going too intense too fast, storing toys incorrectly, sharing without precautions, ignoring signs of wear, and buying based on looks alone. Avoiding these keeps your experience safe and far more enjoyable.

In this article, you will discover:

• The 8 most common errors people make with intimate products
• Why each one matters for your comfort and safety
• Simple fixes you can apply right away

No judgement here, just practical advice. Let's get into it.

Mistake 1: Choosing a Toy Made from Unsafe Materials

This is the mistake with the most serious consequences, yet it is the one people think about the least. Not all sex toys are made from body-safe materials. Cheap products often use jelly rubber, PVC, or soft plastics that contain phthalates, chemicals linked to hormonal disruption and skin irritation. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that some toys were marketed as "phthalate-free" when they were not, and others carried contradictory safety labels on the same packaging.

The safest options are medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, and borosilicate glass. These materials are non-porous, meaning bacteria cannot hide inside them, and they can be thoroughly cleaned between uses. If a product feels unusually soft, has a strong chemical smell, or does not clearly state its material on the label, treat that as a red flag. At our shop, every product we carry is selected with body safety in mind.

Mistake 2: Skipping Lubricant or Using the Wrong Type

Using a toy without lubricant is one of the fastest ways to turn a good experience into an uncomfortable one. Friction increases irritation, reduces sensation, and can even cause micro-tears on sensitive skin. Yet many beginners skip this step entirely, assuming it is optional. It is not.

A good water-based lubricant works with virtually every toy material and makes everything smoother and safer. But here is where people slip up: using silicone-based lube on a silicone toy. The two react chemically, degrading the surface and making the toy sticky and impossible to sanitise. Pretty costly mistake for something so easy to avoid, right? When in doubt, water-based is always the safe choice. Check out our lubricants and care collection if you need a compatible option.

Mistake 3: Not Cleaning Your Toy Before and After Use

You would not reuse a glass without washing it. The same logic applies here, but many people either forget or assume a quick rinse is enough. Bacteria builds up on intimate products just like on any surface, and skipping proper cleaning is a direct path to infections, irritation, and unpleasant odours.

Here is something most beginners overlook: you should also clean a brand-new toy before its first use. Between the factory, packaging, and shipping, invisible residues can sit on the surface. According to health experts at One Medical, leftover cleaning product residue can also be irritating, so always rinse thoroughly after washing. After each use, clean your toy, let it air dry completely, and store it in a clean pouch.

Mistake 4: Starting Too Big, Too Fast, or Too Intense

Excitement can get the better of anyone, but jumping straight to the largest size or the highest vibration setting is a recipe for disappointment. Your body needs time to adjust, especially if you are new to intimate products. Starting with a smaller, simpler toy lets you discover what actually feels good without any pressure or discomfort.

Most vibrators offer multiple speed levels for a reason. Begin on the lowest setting and work your way up gradually. If you start at maximum, you lose the ability to build sensation, and you might even desensitise the area temporarily. Just picture it: you would not start a workout with the heaviest weight on your first day at the gym. Listen to your body and explore at your own pace.

Mistake 5: Storing Your Toys the Wrong Way

So you have cleaned your toy properly. Now where does it go? Tossing it in a drawer alongside other objects is more harmful than you might think. When different toy materials touch each other during storage, they can react chemically over time, causing surfaces to degrade, become tacky, or even warp. As noted by Public Health Post, most intimate products lack clear safety instructions, and storage is rarely mentioned at all.

The fix is simple. Keep each toy in its own individual pouch or bag, ideally the one it came with. Fabric pouches work best because they allow air circulation while keeping dust and lint away. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth. Also, remove batteries from vibrating toys if you will not use them for a while.

Mistake 6: Sharing Toys Without Proper Protection

Using a toy with a partner can be a great experience, but sharing without precautions is a surprisingly common mistake. Bodily fluids left on a toy can transfer bacteria, yeast, and even certain STIs from one person to another. This risk is even higher with porous materials that cannot be fully sterilised.

The safest approach is simple: always use a fresh condom over any shared toy and change it between partners. If the toy is non-porous, wash it thoroughly with warm water and soap between uses. Never assume a quick wipe is enough. You might feel like it kills the mood, but a few seconds of hygiene is always worth the peace of mind.

Mistake 7: Ignoring the Signs Your Toy Needs Replacing

Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your favourite vibrator. Yet many people keep using toys long after they should have been retired. A sticky or tacky surface, persistent odour, discolouration, or weaker vibrations are all signs that the material is breaking down. At that point, no amount of cleaning will make it safe again.

How long a toy lasts depends on its material. Medical-grade silicone can hold up for years with proper care, while jelly rubber or TPE products may need replacing within months. If something about your toy feels, smells, or performs differently than when you bought it, trust that instinct. Letting go of a worn-out product is not wasteful. It is responsible.

Mistake 8: Buying Based on Price or Looks Alone

A bright colour or a low price tag can be tempting, but choosing a toy based purely on appearance is one of the most common regrets. Cheap toys often use questionable materials, weaker motors, and poor construction that falls apart quickly. They end up costing more in the long run because you replace them over and over.

Instead, focus on what actually matters: the material, the brand's reputation, and whether the product suits your needs. A well-made body-safe toy from a trusted brand may cost more upfront, but it lasts longer, performs better, and keeps your body safe. Don't worry, you do not need to spend a fortune. Even mid-range products from reputable brands outperform the cheapest options by a wide margin.

Keep Your Toys Safe and Your Experience Even Better

Most mistakes with sex toys come down to a lack of information, not a lack of common sense. Once you know what materials to trust, which lubricant to pair with your toy, and how to clean, store, and maintain everything properly, the whole experience becomes simpler, safer, and far more enjoyable.

The best habit you can build is to treat your intimate products the way you treat anything that touches your body: with attention and care. It does not take much effort, just a few small routines that quickly become second nature.

If you are looking for body-safe options to start or upgrade your collection, take a look at our vibrators and stimulators collection. Every product is selected with quality and safety in mind, and everything ships in fully discreet packaging.