How often should I replace toys or parts (like silicone sleeves, suction cup bases, or shared attachments), and what’s the safest way to store them so they don’t get gross or contaminated?

Non-porous toys (solid silicone, glass, stainless steel, hard plastic) can last for years if they stay smooth, non-sticky, uncracked, and odor-free. Porous or soft parts like sleeves, suction cup bases, and “real feel” textures usually need replacing every 6–24 months, sooner if they get sticky, discolored, torn, or weird-smelling.Safest storage: fully wash and dry your toy, then keep it in its own clean pouch or bag, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Don’t store different materials mashed together, and avoid tossing damp toys straight into dark drawers.If a toy ever starts to look, feel, or smell sketchy, believe your senses and retire it.Want help deciding if your toy’s still safe or if your discharge is the real issue? Bring it to Gush and unpack it with someone who actually gets it.

How often to replace sex toys and how to store them to stay clean and safe

How long different sex toy materials usually last

Here’s the rough lifespan **if** you’re cleaning and storing things decently:- **Medical-grade silicone (solid, non-porous)**:- Can last many years.- Replace when it becomes sticky, cloudy, cracked, or torn, or if a smell lingers after cleaning.- **Glass and stainless steel**:- Basically indefinite if they’re not chipped, cracked, or rusting.- Any crack or chip = retire immediately; those edges can cut skin and trap bacteria.- **Hard ABS plastic**:- Typically lasts several years.- Replace if the coating peels, surface roughens, or casing cracks.- **Porous materials (jelly, TPE, “real feel,” soft sleeves)**:- 6–24 months is typical.- They slowly break down, absorb lube, sweat, and bacteria.Think of porous toys as makeup sponges: not meant to be forever.

Specific parts: silicone sleeves, suction cups, shared attachments

**Silicone sleeves and strokers**:- Higher-quality silicone lasts longer than jelly or TPE.- Replace when:- The inside tears or stretches out.- The surface becomes tacky or sticky even after washing.- There’s a persistent smell or discoloration.**Suction cup bases**:- These are often softer silicone or TPE.- Replace when:- They stop sticking even on clean, smooth surfaces.- The base cracks or splits.- The material becomes gummy or warped.**Shared attachments (like wand heads, harness-compatible dildos, shared sleeves)**:- If they’re **non-porous silicone, glass, or steel** and not damaged, they can be used longer – but only with proper cleaning between people.- If they’re **porous**, use condoms over them if sharing and replace more frequently.

How your cycle and discharge impact toy wear and tear

Your vaginal discharge is not random goo. It shifts with your hormones and it absolutely affects how “dirty” toys get and how often they need deep cleaning.- **During your period**:- Blood plus uterine lining and cervical mucus coat toys more heavily.- Dried blood can be harder to clean and can stain lighter materials.- Blood is also a great growth medium for bacteria and yeast if left on toys.- **Follicular phase (post-period)**:- Estrogen rising means more clear, watery or creamy discharge.- This usually rinses off easily, but if you’re using toys a lot, it’s still building a residue layer if you only half-clean.- **Ovulation**:- Fertile mucus is stretchy, egg-white-like, and very slippery.- Excellent for natural lubrication, but it can sit in ridges and textures on toys.- **Luteal phase (PMS)**:- Discharge often gets thicker or more sticky.- Progesterone can make tissue drier and more sensitive, so rough or degraded surfaces may feel scratchier.If you’re on **hormonal birth control**, your discharge pattern may be more same-y all month, usually less stretchy and more consistently creamy or minimal. That can mean more reliance on external lube (which also coats toys) and more buildup over time.So yes, your hormones affect how much gunk ends up on your toys and how aggressively you need to clean. The more texture and ridges a toy has, the more that cycle-goo (highly scientific term) hides in it.If your discharge pattern feels out of nowhere, smells different, or you’re not sure whether the problem is the toy or your body, that is exactly what Gush is for – a human to help you untangle whether this is a storage issue, a hormone thing, or a “go get tested” moment.

Safe storage to keep toys from getting gross

Treat your toys like things that go inside your body – because they literally do.**Post-use steps before storage**:1. Wash thoroughly with gentle, unscented soap and warm water.2. Rinse really well.3. Dry completely: air-dry or pat with a clean towel. Make sure internal sleeves are dry inside.**Storage rules**:- **Separate bags or pouches**:- Use individual cloth bags, zip pouches, or even clean socks if you’re broke and creative.- This keeps toys from touching each other and sharing dye or residue.- **Cool, dry, dark place**:- Heat and sunlight break down rubber, jelly, and some silicone faster.- A drawer or box is fine as long as toys are dry and bagged.- **Don’t store different materials squished together**:- Some plastics and silicone blends can react or melt slightly when touching long-term.- **Keep away from lint and hair**:- Your vulva does not need a side of cat hair or sweater fuzz.

When to 100% retire a toy or part

Time to say goodbye if:- There are **cracks, cuts, or tears** in the material.- The surface is **rough, sticky, or gummy** even after washing.- There’s **visible mold** (black, green, or fuzzy spots). Do not try to salvage it.- It has a **strong, persistent odor** after proper cleaning and full drying.- It caused irritation, burning, or infection more than once even with good hygiene.If you used a toy during an **untreated STI, BV, or yeast infection**, and it’s porous or can’t be boiled/sanitized thoroughly, it’s often safer to replace it once you’re treated, especially if you share toys with partners.

How to get rid of old toys without feeling weird

- Remove or cover batteries.- If possible, wrap it in paper or a bag so you’re not flashing your entire trash crew.- Some sex shops or eco-programs offer **toy recycling**, especially for silicone and electronics – worth Googling in your area.It’s not wasteful to get rid of something that touches your genitals and no longer feels safe. That’s called boundaries.