Because shoving them in a drawer is ruining your collection (and maybe your health).
You’ve built up a collection that brings you joy and pleasure. Maybe it’s a trusty vibrator, some glass beads, or a high end silicone toy. But once the fun’s over, where do those things actually go?
For most people, the answer is a quick shove into the nightstand drawer or a random shoebox in the closet. And while keeping things discreet is obviously important, improper storage is actually one of the fastest ways to completely ruin what you spent good money on. Without the right care, your favorite toys can degrade, collect harmful bacteria, or literally melt together.
Storing your stuff correctly isn’t just about hiding it from roommates or kids. It’s about protecting your health and making sure these products actually last. With a few simple steps around hygiene, materials, and where you keep things, you can ensure your collection stays safe, clean, and ready whenever the mood strikes.
Tip #1: Always Clean Before Storing 🫧
This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial: never store a sex toy dirty. Even if you think you wiped it down well enough, microscopic bacteria and fluids can stick around. When you toss a dirty toy into a dark, enclosed space, you’re basically creating a perfect breeding ground for mold, yeast, and bacteria.
The cleaning method depends on the material, but for most waterproof toys, warm water and antibacterial soap does the job. Specialized toy cleaners are great too because they’re made to be gentle on materials like silicone.
For porous materials like jelly toys or Cyberskin, you need to be extra careful. These have microscopic holes that trap bacteria. If you’re unsure about the material, using a condom during use is the safest bet.
After washing, make absolutely sure everything is completely dry. Use a lint free cloth or fresh towel to pat them dry. If you store something damp, especially in an airtight container or plastic bag, you’re asking for mold or that musty smell that never comes out.
Why Your Toys Are Melting Together
One of the most shocking discoveries for people is opening their storage bag to find their toys have fused into a sticky, unusable mess. This happens because of a chemical reaction between similar materials.
High quality silicone is popular because it’s non porous, body safe, and easy to clean. But here’s the problem: silicone is chemically unstable when it touches other silicone for long periods. If two silicone toys are stored touching each other, they can react and start to degrade, essentially melting together. Once that happens, they’re ruined.
Softer materials like jelly, TPE, and TPR are also prone to reacting with each other and with other plastics. These materials can “sweat” oils over time, and if they’re stored touching a hard plastic or silicone toy, they can cause staining or degradation.
The solution? Every toy needs its own barrier. Fabric pouches made of cotton, satin, or velvet are ideal because they protect from dust and light while allowing air circulation. If you kept the original packaging, that’s often the best option since it usually has a molded insert. You can use plastic bags in a pinch, but only if the toy is 100% dry, and fabric is generally better since plastic traps moisture.
Picking the Right Storage Spot
Once everything is clean, dry, and individually wrapped, you need a designated place to keep them.
Airflow is generally good for preventing mold, but if you live somewhere really humid, you might want a hard sided container to keep moisture out. If you go with an airtight plastic bin, throw in a few silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture.
If you share your space with roommates, family, or kids, a lockable storage box gives you peace of mind. You can buy specialized sex toy cases with antimicrobial linings and locks, or just use a lockable makeup case or fireproof document box.
If you’re using a nightstand drawer, don’t just toss everything in. Use drawer organizers or small baskets to keep bagged toys separate so they don’t roll around and cords don’t get tangled.
Battery Care Matters
Many modern toys are rechargeable, but for battery operated ones, take the batteries out if you’re not planning to use it for a few weeks. Batteries can corrode and leak acid over time, which will destroy the internal connections and ruin the toy completely.
For rechargeable toys, check on them every few months. Lithium ion batteries degrade if left at 0% charge for too long, so giving them a quick charge now and then keeps the battery healthy.
Keep It Cool, Dark, and Dry
Where you store your container matters just as much as the container itself.
Avoid heat. Don’t leave toys in direct sunlight or near a heater. UV rays and high heat can cause materials like silicone and jelly to crack, fade, or get sticky.
Avoid the bathroom. It might seem convenient to keep them near the shower, but bathrooms are the worst place for storage. The constant temperature and humidity changes create a perfect environment for bacteria and mold.
The ideal spot is a closet shelf, under the bed, or inside a bedside table. These spots are usually temperature controlled and dark.
Quick Questions
Can I store toys in the fridge? Some people enjoy temperature play and put glass or metal toys in the fridge or freezer. This is generally safe for non porous materials like glass or stainless steel, but check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Don’t store silicone or motorized toys in the freezer as it can damage the motor or battery.
How do I store long toys or whips? Hang them up if possible to prevent creasing or cracking. If you must store them flat, lay them out straight rather than coiling them tightly.
Is a wooden toy box safe? Wooden boxes look nice and are sturdy, but wood is porous and can absorb moisture or scents. If you use one, make sure your toys are wrapped in fabric pouches or that the wood is sealed on the inside so it can be wiped down.
Better Storage, Better Experience
Taking time to organize and store your sex toys properly might feel like extra work, but it’s the best way to protect what you invested in. A well maintained collection is safer for your body, lasts way longer, and is always ready when you need it. Keep things clean, dry, separated, and in a stable environment, and your next experience will be just as good as the first one.
Treat your toys with care, and they’ll continue to take care of you.
