When to Replace a Sex Toy: It's Been Great, but It's Time to Say Goodbye

It was your first decent vibrator. You've been through a lot together: the long-distance relationship, the terrible ex, that one incredible week off work. It has excellent memories attached to it. Unfortunately, it also has a peeling patch near the tip, and nostalgia isn't going to fix that.

Sex toys don't all expire after the same number of months. Their material, use and care all affect how long they last. So the real question is whether the toy's still intact, cleanable and working as it should. And if it's not, well, you've got a very good excuse to go shopping.

Cracked, torn or peeling? It's finished

Look over the parts that touch your body, including seams and the base. Cracks, tears, rough patches, chips and peeling coatings all mean it's time to stop. A good wash can remove dried lube, but it can't restore a surface that's breaking apart or stays sticky after cleaning. Nor does a condom turn a damaged toy back into a good one.

Our materials guide explains why surfaces need different care. None of them benefit from a home repair involving glue and optimistic swearing.

Loose bases, straps and fastenings

A loose toy base or a torn harness strap changes how securely everything stays in place. Worn restraint stitching or an unreliable release needs attention before your next go, too. A scuffed storage bag is one thing. A damaged part that's holding your toy or your wrists is another. Replace it or use an approved replacement part.

Hot, swollen or smelling burnt? Stop now

Unusual heat, swelling, leaking, damaged wiring or a burning smell mean stop using and charging it, straight away. Don't open up the sealed toy to investigate its battery. There's no romance in hoping an electrical fault will sort itself out, so save the suspense for something a lot more enjoyable.

A toy that just runs for less time may have an ageing battery or a charging fault, and our charging guide covers the ordinary problems. If that doesn't help, ask the retailer about support.

A fresh sleeve might save it

If a removable masturbator liner is worn but the case and controls still work, a compatible replacement may be all you need. Our replacement sleeve guide explains how. It won't fix a broken clip or case, though, so sort out the real fault, not just the soft part nearest your cock.

Give the old toy a decent send-off

Powered toys belong with an e-waste service, not in the household bin. Ask the collection service how it takes toys with built-in batteries, as damaged ones need special handling. It's the most boring possible end to a very exciting career, but it's the right one.

Now for the fun part

So there's a gap in your drawer. Get something better than what you had. You know a lot more about what you like now than you did when you bought the old one. The Maia Flora is a very pretty way to move on, or browse the full vibrator range, and make the next one last by following our sex toy storage guide.

You can remember all the good times without keeping a cracked dildo in active service.