How to Store Your Sex Toys: Tips and Ideas

When playtime’s over, do you do you like a good boy and put away your toys? No, we’re not talking about your Nintendo Switch, your copy of Drag Race Monopoly, or that FWB situationship that’s simmering on the backburner. We’re talking about sex toys.

When it comes to playthings of the adult variety, many guys are clueless as to how to take care of them (even though all that’s usually in the instruction manual) and toss ‘em in the nearest drawer when they’re done. But unless you’ve rigged the innards of that piece of IKEA particleboard with disinfecting UV, putting away your toy colleXXXtion before giving it the proper aftercare can lead to a whole lot of problems.

Read on as we tell you everything you need to know about how to store your sex toys.

What to know before stashing your sex toys

Although keeping toys in a drawer is better than leaving them out on the nightstand, it’s not exactly a sanitary solution. The best way to store sex toys is to ensure they’re completely clean and dry before putting them away.

Think about it: Once you’re done having fun with a sex toy, it’s most likely covered in lube … and such. It's also teeming with masses of mischievous microbes that, although invisible to the naked eye, are just dying to make your acquaintance. Sure, that Fleshlight may feel dry the next time you pull it out of its box or storage bag, but unless you put it away clean (more on how to do that in a bit), it’s anything but.

How much storage do sex toys need?

That depends — how big is your collection, and how girthy are the toys in it? Keep a running inventory of your toys so you know where you do or don’t have room. Whether you’ve got a simple plug-and-play gadget or an arsenal of weapons of ass destruction, the only way to know how much storage your toys need is to know where they fit without compromising the integrity of the materials. The ideal storage solution is one where they won’t risk being overcrowded or damaged.

How to store your sex toys

Storing your sex toys is relatively simple. Whether you hide them discreetly or display them on the living room wall for all to see is up to you — and we’re all for you doing you. That said, the two most important rules of sex toy storage are:

• Rule #1: They should be clean.
• Rule #2: They should be dry.

Those are the basics, but what if your toys are anything but basic (read: expensive), or you just want them to last as long as possible? Here's a list of sex toy dos and don’ts to ensure your favorite vibrator is vibing when it’s not in use:

Sex toy storage dos

• Take out the batteries: Remove the batteries from your sex toys before storing them. This prevents battery leakage and gives you a fighting chance at remembering to put them back in the remote you stole them from.

• Keep charging cables with (or close to) your toys: You don’t want to lose the only way to power up your favorite toy. Store them with your toys so they’re always ready to go.

• Get creative with storage solutions: There’s no need to feel like you’re on a mission to make Marie Kondo or Martha Stewart proud. If you want to show off your colorful collection of pole and hole pleasers, any clear plastic container will do. Or, if you’d rather be neat and discreet about your stash of strap-ons, butt plugs, and suction tubes, go with something opaque and inconspicuous, like a lockable storage box or a discreet travel pouch that blends seamlessly into your space. As long as it’s clean, you’re in the clear.

Sex toy storage don’ts

• Cheap out: Want your toys to last? Then don’t just throw them in a cardboard box and hope for the best. Quality sex toys cost a pretty penny, so you might as well invest in storage options that they (and you) deserve.

• Store your sex toys together: Separate your toys, especially if they’re made from different materials. For example, silicone toys often react poorly with materials like jelly, rubber, or silicone lube and might prematurely degrade if kept in the same drawer or storage bag. 

• Store them dirty: Call us a broken record, but we’ll hit the repeat button anyway: Never put away your sex toys without cleaning off all the lube and whatnot and drying them first. Again, using unclean toys can pose health risks. Official toy cleaners exist, but you’re OK cleaning off most toys with mild antibacterial soap and water. Remember, a clean toy is a happy toy.

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Sex toy storage ideas

Still scratching your head about where to park all your prostate pokers? Before you resort to the shadowy corner of the closet, here are a few more ideas:

A sex toy storage box

A dedicated sex toy box with dividers — perfect for organizing toys and their charging cords — makes storage effortless once you’re done. Just like with the dishes or laundry, everything has its place, so you’ll always know exactly where to find them. 

A storage case

A case is an excellent option for storing sex toys, especially if you’re always on the go in the fast lane — just like your libido. Many cases are designed to keep your toys safe and come in discreet styles that won’t raise an eyebrow — unless the owner of said eyebrow's a little freaky themselves.

A storage bag

Soft storage bags are a versatile, discreet choice for stashing your sex toys. Opt for bags made from breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup (not that you’d ever store your toys without drying them first, right? Right?!). Drawstring bags are especially handy because you can label them for quick and easy access, perfect for those moments when you need to get off and you need to get off now.

A hidden compartment

Got a secret drawer in your couch that no one else knows about? If you’re not sure where to hide sex toys, hidden compartments in furniture are a clever spot to stow them. Just one rule: make sure it’s a clean, safe space. Because let’s be real, your anal beads don’t belong in the pantry next to the wild rice, no matter how inconspicuous it may seem.

Drawers with organizers

A nightstand can either be the no-frills motel of sex toy storage — practical and convenient but lacking flair — or a five-star penthouse with 24/7 room service. The difference? Drawer organizers. These handy additions transform any drawer into a tidy, luxurious haven for your sex toys, letting you stash them discreetly here, there, and everywhere around the house.

Toys, toys, toys: You lookin’ for a good time?

Sure, it’s tempting to ride your toys hard and put them away wet — especially when you’re all spent after yet another satisfying solo sesh. But resist the urge. Your sex toys are the MVPs of your pleasure game, after all. If you want them to keep delivering, a little care will go a long way.

Looking for where all the boy toys are stored? They’re right on your phone. Download the Grindr app and connect with new playpals today.