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How Often Should You Replace Sex Toys?

by mads Finn viuff on Mar 20, 2026

Let's be honest — most people never think about replacing their sex toys until something clearly goes wrong. A motor that gives up. A weird smell that wasn't there before. A surface that used to be silky smooth and now feels… off.

But by the time those signs show up, your toy has often been due for retirement for a while.

Knowing when to replace sex toys isn't just about getting the best experience — it's about staying safe. Degraded materials can harbour bacteria, damaged motors can overheat, and worn surfaces are harder to clean properly no matter how thorough you are.

This guide breaks it down by toy type, material, and the signs you should never ignore. No judgement, no guessing — just a clear, practical answer to a question more people have than will admit.

Why Replacing Sex Toys Actually Matters

Sex toys go through a lot. Friction, body heat, lubricant, moisture, cleaning products — all of it takes a toll on materials over time, especially on softer toys.

The main concerns with worn or old toys are:

Porous materials breaking down. Toys made from TPE, TPR, rubber, or jelly can develop micro-tears over time. These tiny gaps trap bacteria and cannot be fully sterilised, no matter how well you clean them.
Surface degradation. Silicone and other materials can become sticky, tacky, or rough — which not only feels unpleasant but signals the material is breaking down.
Mechanical failure. Motors, charging ports, and vibration patterns can become inconsistent, weaker, or fail completely.
Hygiene. Even body-safe, non-porous toys become harder to clean effectively when scratched, cracked, or damaged.

The good news: most quality toys last longer than you might think — as long as you clean them properly, store them well, and pay attention to the signs.

How Long Do Sex Toys Last? A Guide by Type

Vibrators

A well-made vibrator — silicone body, USB rechargeable, from a reputable brand — can last anywhere from two to five years with regular use and proper care.

The motor is usually the first thing to go. If you notice weaker vibrations, inconsistent patterns, or the toy cutting out, the motor is reaching the end of its life. Battery-powered vibrators tend to have a shorter lifespan than rechargeable ones, partly because battery corrosion can damage internal components over time.

Swap your vibrator out if the silicone becomes sticky or discoloured, or if the body cracks near the charging port.

Browse our full range of vibrators if yours is showing signs of wear.

Dildos

How long a dildo lasts depends almost entirely on what it's made from.

Silicone, glass, and stainless steel dildos are non-porous and can last many years — potentially indefinitely — if undamaged and cleaned correctly. Glass and metal toys should be retired immediately if chipped or cracked.
TPE and rubber dildos are porous and degrade faster. If the surface becomes sticky, tacky, or discoloured, or if you notice a smell that doesn't wash off, it's time to replace it.
Realistic blended-material dildos should be replaced when the texture or surface starts to break down — usually within one to three years of regular use.

Shop our dildo range for body-safe options built to last.

Masturbators

Masturbators — whether pocket strokers or automatic devices — tend to have a shorter lifespan than hard-bodied toys.

The soft inner sleeve is typically made from TPE or TPR, which is porous and breaks down with use and cleaning. Most sleeves need replacing every six to twelve months with regular use, sometimes sooner if they develop a persistent smell or become sticky.

Always dry the sleeve completely after cleaning — moist interiors breed bacteria fast. Store it with a little cornstarch powder to extend its life.

Explore our masturbator collection when yours is ready for an upgrade.

Butt Plugs and Anal Toys

Because anal toys come into contact with areas of the body that carry higher bacterial load, material quality and condition matter more here than almost anywhere else.

Silicone, glass, and metal plugs can last for years with proper care. Replace them immediately if the surface cracks, chips, or becomes rough in any way.

Rubber or TPE anal toys should be replaced every six to twelve months, or sooner if the surface starts to break down. These materials are impossible to fully sterilise.

If you use lubricant with anal toys — which you should — make sure you're using one that's compatible with your toy's material. Oil-based lubes break down silicone over time.

Couples Toys

Couples toys — wearable vibrators, remote-controlled devices, couples rings — typically follow vibrator lifespans: two to four years with regular use. App or remote connectivity adds more potential points of failure, so keep firmware updated where applicable.

If you and your partner are looking to add something new or replace an old favourite, our couples toy collection has plenty of options — from simple to seriously impressive.

Cock Rings and Wearables

Stretchy cock rings made from silicone or TPE typically last six months to a year before the elasticity starts to degrade. If the ring no longer holds its shape, has lost significant stretch, or feels sticky, replace it. Rigid rings made from metal or hard plastic last much longer but should be checked regularly for cracks or sharp edges.

5 Signs It's Time to Replace a Sex Toy — Regardless of Age

1. The surface is sticky, tacky, or has changed texture

This is the most reliable sign that a material is breaking down. Silicone should feel smooth and slightly velvety. Any stickiness means the molecular structure is degrading — and that's not something you want against your body.

2. A smell that doesn't go away after cleaning

A lingering smell after a thorough clean means bacteria or mould has embedded itself in the material. This toy cannot be made safe again. Retire it.

3. Visible cracks, chips, or discolouration

Any physical damage creates places for bacteria to hide and can cause discomfort or injury. Glass and metal toys with any chips should be discarded immediately — no exceptions.

4. Significant drop in motor performance

If a vibrator that used to have you gripping the sheets now barely registers, the motor is going. A weaker motor also means you'll use it longer or on higher settings to get the same result, which accelerates wear further.

5. Charging or battery issues

If your rechargeable toy no longer holds a charge, or takes longer and longer to reach full battery, the battery is degrading. Like your phone, a sex toy battery has a finite number of charge cycles before performance drops noticeably.

How to Make Your Sex Toys Last Longer

Clean them properly — every single time

Clean your toy before and after every use. For non-motorised, non-porous toys (silicone, glass, metal), boiling or dishwasher cleaning works well. For motorised or porous toys, use a dedicated sex toy cleaner and warm water — avoid harsh soaps which can degrade silicone over time.

Use the right lubricant

Water-based lubricant is safe with all toy materials and is the safest all-round choice. Silicone-based lube should never be used with silicone toys — it bonds with the surface and causes permanent damage. Oil-based lubes break down most soft materials over time.

Not sure which lube works with your toy? Our guide on the best lubricants in South Africa breaks down every type and when to use them.

Store them separately and dry

Silicone toys stored touching each other can chemically react and degrade each other's surfaces over time. Store each toy in its own bag or pouch, completely dry, away from direct sunlight. Never seal toys in airtight plastic bags that trap moisture.

Charge correctly

Avoid leaving toys on charge permanently and don't let them fully drain regularly — both habits degrade battery health. Charge when the toy is low but not flat, and unplug at full charge.

Repair or Replace?

For most sex toys, repair simply isn't practical. Internal motors are sealed. Sleeves can sometimes be bought separately (some masturbator brands sell replacements), but the cost often approaches that of buying new.

If your toy is under warranty and has failed, always contact the retailer first. Otherwise, if it's showing the signs above, replacing it is the right call. Think of it as an upgrade — not a loss.

Starting fresh and not sure what to get? Our guide on sex toys for beginners covers what to buy first and what to skip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace sex toys?

It depends on the material and frequency of use. Silicone, glass, and metal toys can last two to five years or more with proper care. Porous toys made from TPE or rubber should be replaced every six to twelve months. Replace any toy sooner if it becomes sticky, smells after cleaning, cracks, or performs noticeably worse.

Is it safe to use old sex toys?

It depends on their condition. A well-maintained silicone toy that's several years old may still be perfectly safe. A rubber toy that's developed stickiness, smell, or surface changes — regardless of age — should be replaced. When in doubt, replace it.

How do I know if my vibrator's motor is dying?

The most common signs are weaker vibrations, inconsistent power levels, patterns cutting in and out, or the toy switching off without warning. If performance has noticeably dropped compared to when it was new, the motor is likely near the end of its life.

Can I use silicone lube with silicone toys?

No. Silicone-based lubricant bonds with silicone toy surfaces and causes permanent degradation. Always use water-based lubricant with silicone toys. Browse our water-based lubricants for compatible options.

What are the safest materials for sex toys?

Medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel are the gold standard — non-porous, easy to sterilise, and long-lasting. TPE and TPR are softer and more affordable but are porous, requiring more frequent replacement and careful maintenance.

How should I dispose of old sex toys?

Most toys contain electronic components and should be treated as e-waste rather than general rubbish. Remove batteries before disposing. Simply wrap the toy in an opaque bag first — your privacy is sorted.

Time for an Upgrade?

If this guide has you side-eyeing something in your bedside drawer, trust that instinct. A toy that's past its best isn't just less enjoyable — it's not worth the risk.

The good news: new sex toys have come a long way. Better materials, smarter motors, longer battery life, and features that toys from a few years ago simply didn't have.