Don't Kill the Play! Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Love Toys

Common Sex Toy Mistakes are easy to make when you first get that new vibrator or tempting vibrating ring, and the excitement is palpable. Sex toys are incredible tools for pleasure, but like any tool, there's a right way to use them to ensure safety, hygiene, and maximum fun. 

Often, out of inexperience or impatience, we make small mistakes that can ruin the experience or, worse, compromise our intimate health.         

Don't worry! Here, we're going to break down the 6 common sex toy mistakes, explain why they're a problem, and, most importantly, give you simple solutions to make your next pleasure session flawless. Your well-being is our priority, and we want every vibration to be pure bliss from PlayLoveToys. 

Mistake #1: Forgetting to Clean! (The #1 Common Sex Toy Mistake)

This is the cardinal sin of sex toys, and surprisingly common. Many people simply put them away after use.

Why it's a mistake:

• Your toys come into contact with bodily fluids, skin bacteria, and sometimes even environmental bacteria. If you don't clean them properly after each use, they become a breeding ground for germs. Using a dirty toy can lead to vaginal, urinary, or skin infections, in addition to shortening the material's lifespan. It's like using the same toothbrush without washing it.

What to do instead:

• Always clean your toys before and after each use! Most modern toys are safe to use with warm water and mild soap (no alcohol or strong fragrances). There are specific sex toy cleaners that are excellent and safe for the materials. Be sure to dry them completely before storing them. If your toy isn't submersible, use specific cleaning wipes.

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Lube (A Costly Common Sex Toy Mistake)   

Thinking that "any lube will do" or that "it's not necessary" if you're already aroused.

Why it's a mistake:

• Not all lubricants are compatible with all toy materials. For example, silicone-based lubricants can damage and degrade silicone toys, making them sticky or deteriorating them. Using too little or no lube can cause painful friction, irritation, or micro-tears in delicate intimate skin, increasing the risk of infection.

What to do instead: 

• Always use lube! Lubrication is key for comfort and pleasure. 

• Silicone with water, Glass with everything, Steel with everything: The golden rule is: if your toy is silicone, use only water-based lubricants.

• If it's glass, stainless steel, or ABS (hard plastic), you can use water- or silicone-based lubricants. For porous toys like jelly or TPR (which we don't recommend much), only water. 

Read the manufacturer's instructions:

• Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for material care.

Mistake #3: Improperly Storing Your Toys (Avoid This Common Sex Toy Mistake)

Tossing your toys into the bottom of a drawer with other items or without protection.

Why it's a mistake:

• Sex toy materials, especially silicone, can react negatively with other materials like soft plastics, rubber, or even other silicone toys if they're not medical-grade. This can cause the toy to deform, become sticky, or get damaged. Also, leaving them exposed to air or in humid environments can promote bacterial growth or dust accumulation.

What to do instead:

• Store each toy separately in its own breathable cloth bag (the ones that usually come with the toy) or in a specific storage compartment. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity (not in the shower!).

Mistake #4: Starting with Too Much Intensity or Speed (One of the most common sex toy mistakes)

Going straight to the highest setting on a vibrator or pressing too hard.

Why it's a mistake:

• Intimate areas, especially the clitoris, are incredibly sensitive. Starting with high intensity can be overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even painful, which can discourage pleasure and exploration. It's like shouting at someone instead of speaking softly. It can also cause "numbness" or overstimulation.

What to do instead:

• Always start with the lowest setting and the gentlest pressure! Take your time to explore and feel how your body reacts. Gradually increase the intensity, always listening to your body's signals. Pleasure is a journey, not a race. Delicacy can be the key to the explosion.

Mistake #5: Not Listening to Your Body (A critical sex toy mistake to avoid)

Ignoring any feeling of discomfort, pain, or irritation during use.

Why it's a mistake:

• Your body is your best guide. Pain or discomfort are signs that something isn't right: maybe the toy isn't suitable, you're using the wrong lubricant, or you need a break. Ignoring these signals can lead to injuries, abrasions, or more serious infections..

What to do instead:

• Be mindful and attentive to sensations! If something doesn't feel right, stop immediately. Check the toy's cleanliness, the amount and type of lubricant, or simply give your body a break. Pleasure should always be pleasurable, not painful. The mind-body connection is fundamental.

Mistake #6: Not Reading the Instructions (A Common Sex Toy Mistake)

Ignoring the small manual that comes with the toy.

Why it's a mistake:

• Every toy is unique. The instructions will tell you the specific material, cleaning and storage recommendations, how to charge it (if rechargeable), and sometimes even specific usage tips. Skipping this information can lead to poor toy care, rapid deterioration, or inefficient use.

What to do instead:

• Take five minutes to read the manual! It's a small investment of time that will save you trouble and ensure you avoid common sex toy mistakes.  

Conclusion: Play Safe and Enjoy the Most!

Avoiding these common sex toy mistakes is simple and makes a big difference in your sex toy experience. By prioritizing cleanliness, lube compatibility, proper storage, and listening to your body, you not only protect your health but also ensure your moments of pleasure are always the most satisfying and worry-free.  

Sex toys are wonderful allies on your journey to fuller intimate well-being. Use them with knowledge, respect, and an open mind, and they will reward you with a universe of sensations. So go, have fun, and explore, but always wisely with your PlayLoveToys!