Vibrators/Material Care

Happy Thursday everyone!! Sorry about my absence the past couple days, the store's been pretty hectic, but it seems like we're getting back to normal. As I've mentioned on the blog's Facebook page, I got my first toy from Pipedream Products to review. It's a compact, beginner-friendly G-spot vibrator from their new line, Juicy Jewels, and I'm excited to rate it for you guys. That's right. As Ariana put it, "Way to put one on one time with a dildo on blast". I do it for you, guys; it's all for you.

Now, you all know that for Toy Tuesday I try to be as specific as possible, especially with the variations of each toy. With female internal vibrators this might be a little difficult, because there are so many different types. So today, to make next week's review a little easier, I'm going to talk about the differences between vibrators and their care/maintenance.

• Slimline: This is the standard, smooth vibrator that slips right in. Sizes and thickness may vary, and some are made with bumps and ridges for additional sensations.

• G-spot: The G-spot vibrator looks just like a slimline vibrator but has the advantage of curving at the end, enabling you to hit your G-spot much easier. For the most part, these toys are smooth and do not have any added texture.

• Tulip G-spot: Similar to the basic G-spot, this vibrator is meant to hit the spot (pun intended). The difference, however, is while the G-spot is thicker throughout the shaft and tapers at the end, the tulip is thinner and its end is bulbous. This shape creates a feeling of fullness at the tip, and massages a wider area.

• Rabbit: I would say the Rabbit vibrator is by far the most in demand toy we have. These are not only great for internal stimulation, but they also have a base attachment meant for clit stimulation, often in the shape of a rabbit, hence the name. Rabbits gained popularity thanks to Sex and The City when one of the main characters admitted owning one. Rabbits are incredibly varied and can come with G-spot vibrators, moving beads, or triple stimulation.

• Realistic: For the woman who doesn't want to feel like she's fucking a piece of plastic, there is a solution. Realistic vibrators are made to look like the real thing, veins, testicles and all, because fucking a detached penis is way less creepy. Many are molded from actual penises, including porn stars'. So the next time you're masturbating, you could be riding Ron Jeremy's dick.

Aaaw yeah

Each vibrator is like a unique snowflake, including it's power settings. Many come with a turning knob at the bottom that enables you to choose your speed exactly to your liking, while others come with a button at the bottom, ranging from one to twelve speeds/pulsations. Your vibrator may be hands free or come with a remote attached; normally the remote-controlled vibrators pack a lot of power. It's not a proven science, but I've found that the bigger the batteries required for your toy, the stronger it vibrates.

When it comes to cleaning, material, not style, is what determines how you should care for each toy. This is true for any other toys made from these materials, including anal toys, clit vibrators, cock rings, pocket pussies, etc. I'll talk about the material themselves, not as vibrators, which is why you may see advice about non-battery operated toys.

• Silicone: Soft and lifelike, silicone is hypoallergenic and warms up to body heat quickly. It's non-porous and easy to clean. One of the highest quality material desired in a toy, it can be sanitized by bowling in water up to 572º F for 5-10 minutes (unless they are battery operated, in which case don't do that), or simply washed with warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Never use scented hand soap as this can cause yeast infections. Only use water-based lubricants when using silicone toys, as silicone-based lubricants will corrode your toy.
• Jelly: This material is achieved by mixing PVC and rubber, making it feel soft and pretty realistic; the downside is they contain a lot of phthalates. Jelly is extremely pourous, and smells of rubber, so for easier clean up, use a condom. And please, don't lose your shit about this tip like my last customer did. If you decide you don't want to use one, clean the toy with mild soap and warm water. Only use water-based lubricants. When storing, keep away from other jelly toys.
• Elastomer: Consider this a higher quality version of jelly, since it does not use any phthalates. They feel very similar, so here's a trick to spot the difference: The more a toy smells (you'll know what I mean), the cheaper the quality. Luckily cleaning is similar to jelly, just use toy cleaners or warm water and mild anti-bacterial soap.
• Cyberskin: The most realistic feeling of the bunch, Cyberskin is a brand name for a type of elastomer. This velvety material is extremely porous, so I would definitely recommend using a condom over it, as cleanup may be a little trickier. Warm water and anti-bacterial soap or specialized toy cleaner may be used, followed by corn starch or renewal powder to keep your toy feeling soft. Only use water-based lubricant 
• Hard Plastic (PVC): Not the most comfortable material to use, but it is the strongest when it comes to vibrating, sometimes too strong. Clean up is a cinch: warm water + soap, rubbing alcohol, or, if it isn't battery operated, boil it in water like silicone. You can use water or silicone-based lubricant.
• Rubber: Firmer than silicone and jelly, but not very life-like. If you are allergic to rubber, obviously do not stick a rubber toy inside you. It's porous, so clean with warm water...yada, yada. Only use water-based lubricant.
• TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber): A good in between material. Less porous than Cyberskin and more so that silicone, it's non-porous, nontoxic, and phthalate-free. Use water and soap.
• Glass/Metal: These materials are pretty similar in the sense that the care and temperature properties are the same. Many people, especially older ones, like to use glass and metal because you can adjust the temperature on them. You can heat them to body temperature or warmer, or, to the delight of psychrophiliacs everywhere, freeze them. To achieve this, heat or cool water to the temperature you desire and then drop the toy for 3-5 minutes; never boil or freeze the toy then use. To clean and sanitize, boil like you would silicone. Any lubricant is ok to use, I recommend silicone-based because it'll feel like fucking silk.

For reliable brands on affordable vibrators, check out California Exotics, Pipedream Products, Shane's World, and Doc Johnson. If you're looking for something a little more high end, Lelo and Tantus are the right choice for you. The latter specializes in strap-ons. When storing your toys, remember to keep them somewhere cool (as in not warm, not on a golden perch in your living room) and away from other toys or similar material.

Congratulations, you are now one step closer to understanding sex toys more. You also have an understanding of what my job is about; to help customers find the right toy for them, not blowing guys in the back. I'm like Mr. Ollivander, except my clients use their wands a bit differently. Although, now that I think about it, it would be awesome if my Patronus were Channing Tatum.

For more info on vibrators, watch Hysteria, a movie featuring Hugh Dancy and Maggie Gyllenhaal, about the invention of the vibrator.