12 Expert-Backed Tips: Material Safety and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying adult wellness products can feel confusing, especially if you're new to it. Many buyers make the same small mistakes, again and again — not because they're careless, but because good information is hard to find. Here are 12 simple, expert-backed tips to help you shop smarter and stay safe.

1. Always Check the Material First

Before you look at price or size, check the material. Body-safe silicone and TPE are the two safest choices. If a listing doesn't say what the product is made from, that's a warning sign. A good seller always tells you the material clearly.

2. Don't Trust a Very Low Price Alone

A very cheap price often means a lower-quality, unclear material. This doesn't mean expensive is always better — but if the price feels too low compared to similar products, ask why before you buy.

3. Avoid Products With a Strong Chemical Smell

A strong plastic or chemical smell straight out of the packaging is a common sign of poor-quality material. Body-safe silicone and TPE usually have little to no smell.

4. Match Your Lubricant to Your Material

This is one of the most common mistakes people make. Silicone-based lubricant should never be used with silicone toys — it can damage the material over time. Water-based lubricant is the safest choice for almost everything. Our Lubes & Essentials collection explains this in more detail.

5. Clean Before, Not Just After

Most people only clean after use. But cleaning before use matters too — it removes dust or residue from storage. Make this a habit, not an afterthought.

6. Use the Right Cleaner, Not Just Any Soap

Harsh soaps and alcohol-based sanitizers can dry out silicone and TPE over time. A dedicated toy cleaner is made specifically for these materials, so it cleans well without damaging them.

7. Never Skip the Drying Step

Storing anything even slightly wet creates the perfect place for bacteria to grow. Always dry fully before putting a product away — this simple step matters more than people realize.

8. Store Items Away From Sunlight

Heat and direct sunlight can slowly damage silicone and TPE, making them sticky or changing their shape. A drawer or closet shelf, away from light, is the better choice.

9. Keep Different Materials Separate

If you own more than one product made from different materials, don't store them touching each other for long periods. Some materials can react badly when left in contact.

10. Start Small If You're New

If you're trying something for the first time, start with a simple, smaller design. Our Expert's Guide has more tips specifically for first-time buyers.

11. Buy From a Seller Who Explains Things Clearly

A trustworthy seller doesn't hide details. If a product page clearly lists material, size, and care instructions — like our 10 Inch Brown Dildo — that's a good sign. Vague listings usually mean vague quality.

12. Don't Ignore Discretion and Delivery Details

Material safety isn't the only thing that matters. A good seller also protects your privacy — plain packaging, no product details on the outside, and clear delivery information. This is a sign the seller actually cares about the buyer's experience, not just the sale.

Final Thoughts

Most mistakes people make are small and easy to avoid, once you know what to look for. Check the material, match your lubricant correctly, clean and store properly, and buy from a seller who's honest about the details. If you want more guidance, our Expert's Guide covers all of this in even more depth.