How to Look After Your Toy Collection - And When It’s Time to Let Go

Most people build up a collection of intimate wellness items over the years. Some become trusted favourites, some sit untouched, and some… well, we all have that one impulse purchase hiding at the back of the drawer.

A well‑maintained collection is safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable. This guide helps you:

• Look after the items you keep

• Decide what to retire

• Understand whether you can sell pre‑owned items

• Dispose of older products responsibly

It’s all about curating a collection that fits your life right now.

1. Start With a Quick Health & Safety Check

Before anything else, inspect each item for:

• Tears, cracks or peeling

• Discolouration

• A sticky or tacky surface

• Weak motors or loose wiring

• Battery corrosion

• Changes in smell or texture

If you spot any of these, it’s time to retire the item. Damaged materials can harbour bacteria or cause irritation.

2. Ask Yourself the Real Questions (The Ones Most People Avoid)

A collection should work for you, not overwhelm you. These questions help you decide what stays and what goes.

Do I actually have space for all of this?

If your drawer is overflowing or items are touching each other without protective bags, you’re not storing them safely. Lack of space is a sign it’s time to curate.

Are they stored safely and hygienically?

Proper storage means:

• Cleaned after every use

• Fully dried

• Stored individually

• Kept away from heat and sunlight

If you can’t store everything properly, prioritise the items you genuinely use.

Do I really use all of these?

Most people rotate between a few favourites. If something hasn’t been used in a year, it’s probably not a keeper.

Is it time to upgrade?

Technology moves fast. If something is older, porous, or simply not performing like it used to, upgrading might be the better long‑term choice.  Maybe you've moved on in size and keep old toys for sentimental reasons - decide if the space is worth it.

3. How to Clean and Maintain the Items You Keep

A simple routine keeps everything fresh:

After each use

• Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap

• Pat dry

• Let air‑dry fully before storing

For deeper cleaning

• Use a specialist cleaner for silicone, stainless steel, glass

• Avoid submerging battery compartments or charging ports

Storage tips

• Individual pouches prevent material reactions

• Keep away from heat

• Store charging cables together

4. Can You Sell Pre‑Owned Intimate Items?

Short answer: sometimes - but only in very specific circumstances.

Mainstream resale platforms do NOT allow it

eBay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and most general resale sites prohibit used intimate items.

But niche collector communities DO

These communities typically allow resale only if:

• The item is made from non‑porous materials

• It’s in excellent condition

• It’s been thoroughly cleaned

• The buyer understands it’s pre‑owned

These communities usually operate through:

• Specialist forums

• Reddit groups

• Discord communities

Your social following matters

If you have a social media presence - even a modest one - that can create demand. Collectors often want items from someone they follow because:

• They trust the seller

• They know the item’s history

• It feels more personal

• It adds uniqueness

This applies only to non‑porous, fully sanitised items.

What condition is acceptable for resale?

To be considered sellable, an item should be:

• Free from tears, scratches or discolouration

• Fully functional

• Made from silicone, stainless steel, glass or ABS

• Cleaned and sanitised

• Photographed clearly and honestly

Porous items cannot be sanitised to resale standards and should not be sold.

5. How to Dispose of Items Safely

If selling isn’t an option, here’s how to dispose of items responsibly:

For silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, glass

• Remove batteries

• Separate components if possible

• Recycle metal or glass at a local centre

• Dispose of electronics at an electrical waste point

• Silicone can go in general waste if no recycling option exists

For porous materials

• Wrap securely

• Place in general waste

• Never donate to charity shops

6. Curate a Collection That Fits Your Life

A great collection doesn’t need to be big - it needs to be:

• Safe

• Clean

• Well‑stored

• Aligned with your current preferences

• Free from clutter

• Easy to maintain

Regularly reviewing your items helps you stay organised, hygienic and intentional about what you keep.