When it comes to male sex toys, everyone has questions — but not everyone feels comfortable asking them. That’s why online forums like Reddit and community Q&A boards are packed with repeat queries on everything from cleaning Fleshlights to whether it’s safe to travel with a vibrator in your carry-on.
To save you time (and a little embarrassment), we’ve rounded up 8 of the most common sex toy FAQs, drawn from real-world discussions and brand care guides. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced toy owner looking for better care tips, these answers will help you keep things safe, discreet, and long-lasting.
Contents:
- Do I need toy cleaner or is soap enough?
- Can I clean my toys later if I forgot?
- Can I share toys with a partner?
- Are flavoured lubes safe?
- Can silicone toys melt together?
- Are cheap toys safe?
- How long should toys last?
- Will shipping be discreet?
Cleaning & Hygiene
When people think about safe sex, how they use their sex toys isn’t usually top of their list, but keeping your toys clean is just as important as any other kind of sexual hygiene. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 4 infections is caused by shared or not properly cleaned toys.
Do I need toy cleaner or is soap enough?
Most of the time, you’re absolutely fine cleaning your toys with a simple, unscented soap and warm water. Specialist sex toy cleaners are convenient and sometimes quicker, but not essential.
Top tip: warm water is usually best for breaking down oil-based lubes, while cold water is better for water-based lube or semen. Use a combination of both for the best clean, especially for pocket pussies.
For more details, read our helpful guide on how to clean your pocket pussy.
Can I clean my toys later if I forgot?
Yes, you can. While it’s best to clean your toys straight away, if you forget (or can’t), just make sure to do it as soon as you remember. Non-porous materials like silicone, glass or metal are your friend here, as there are fewer places for bacteria to hide. On the other hand, porous materials like rubber, latex, PVC, or TPE have small holes that can harbour nasty germs.
Just make sure that you are particularly thorough in your cleaning if you didn’t do it right away, and you should be fine.
Can I share toys with a partner?
Sharing sex toys does increase your risk of infection, but you absolutely can do it safely. First off, non-porous materials are much safer for sharing. Secondly, make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning your toys every time you use them. Finally, the safest way to share toys is to use a condom every time.
Lube Compatibility
Not all lubes were created equal, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some lubes are actually harmful and can damage your sex toys, depending on the materials used.
Water-based lubes are the safest. They break down more easily than other lubes and are kinder on your toys. Silicone and oil-based lubes can be riskier. It’s thought that silicone lube can damage silicone toys, causing them to degrade over time, and, like oil-based lube, it’s harder to clean.
However water water-based lube dries out more quickly and has a looser feel. In short, Water-based lube is safest, but for many people, silicone and oil-based lube gives a better sensation. Just make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning your sex toys and checking for any damage regularly.
Are flavoured lubes safe?
Yes, flavoured lubes are absolutely safe if you buy good lube and clean your toys properly. It tends to be stickier and therefore harder to clean.
Can silicone toys melt together?
When we talk about silicone sex toys, there are actually lots of different types of silicone that can be used, and some of them don’t like each other very much.
The wrong types of silicone sex toys, when stored together in the wrong conditions, can cause each other to break down or even, in some more extreme circumstances, melt together.
The easy way to avoid this? Store your silicone toys in separate, cool, dry, and dark places and only use water-based lube with them.
Safety & Buying Tips
Like all things these days, it pays to be savvy when shopping for sex toys, and there are 3 questions that we see over and over again:
Are cheap toys safe?
They can be, but generally speaking, the cheaper your toy is, the higher your risk of infection or damage. Always acquaint yourself with the materials being used, whether you’re buying a cheap toy or an expensive one. And remember that non-porous materials are always safer.
How long should toys last?
Well-made sex toys that have been stored and cared for properly can last years; many people even report having the same dildo for 10+ years without it degrading.
Non-porous toys last longer (I’m beginning to see a trend here) and, as with most things, how long they last depends largely on how well it was made in the first place.
Will shipping be discreet?
Yes. Most reputable sites ship in plain, unbranded boxes with neutral sender names. Official Fleshlight stores, for example, use plain brown boxes.
Ready to Make a Purchase?
Finding the right sex toy isn’t just about choosing what looks good… It’s about knowing how to use it safely, clean it properly, and make it last. With the tips above, you can get more pleasure and peace of mind from every toy you own.
Looking for the perfect toy to start (or grow) your collection? Be sure to browse our bestsellers — all tried, tested, and backed by plenty of glowing reviews on TrustPilot.
And if you were wondering whether you can take your favourite toy on holiday, we’ve got you covered. Check out our blog – Can I Travel Abroad with Sex Toys? – for everything you need to know before packing your suitcase.
