The time, precision and care taken in choosing your new battery-operated-boyfriend is often a laborious task for many women. And, similar to any new relationship, your new rabbit vibrator requires careful handling, care and precision to get the most out of it. Stay healthy, happy and hungry for more of your new best friend by observing these three simple steps for proper storage, hygiene and use of your rabbit.
STEP ONE – LUBRICANT
Using your rabbit right out of the box is a step taken by many women. Though before throwing the packaging of your rabbit vibrator away, take time to find out which material its made out of. This will affect not only how you clean your rabbit but how you use it. For example:
Silicone based lubricants
Silicone based lubricants are often associated with flavoured brands such as some Durex varieties or WET Platinum Silicone lubricant. Now, flavoured lubrication is great for oral play/playing as a couple while silicone based lubricants on the whole are generally long lasting. Some of the best silicone based lubricants on the market today are:
The ID Millenium Silicone lube (LoveHoney.co.uk – £5.99 for 29ml).
This pure silicone lubricant goes a long way, doesn’t stain and holds up even in during water play with your favourite submersible vibrator. At only 29ml, this long-lasting product requires very little doses for prolonged use.
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The WET Platinum Silicone lubricant travel size (88ml).
This product is a clean, non-stain, non-sticky silicone-based lubricant available in travel size. At £11.99 from LoveHoney, this product is a firm favourite and, like the ID, ideal for water play, is long lasting and effective.
Silicone based lubricants generally differ from water-based in that they are only really suitable for some vibrators. Bear in mind that while your favourite silicone-based lube might be great in the bath or the shower, it might not necessarily be body safe for your or your rabbit vibrator. For jelly rubber and abs plastic rabbit vibrators this type of lubricant is safe. For silicone-based, skin-safe rubber or TPE/TPR vibrators, head for a water-based lubricant.
Water based lubricants
As a general rule of thumb, if your vibrator isn’t made from jelly rubber or abs plastic, then head for the water-based lubricants. Simple to use, non-sticky and safe for use on every part of the body, wherever and whatever you use your rabbit for, you can’t fail with a water-based lube. The only downside of water-based lubrication is however, that it won’t generally last as long as silicone lube. In the bath or shower, application will need to be more frequent in order to remain body safe. Finally, remember, water based lubricants are the only all rounder that is guaranteed to be safe for use with your rabbit so if in doubt, try these out!
LoveHoney’s Enjoy Lubricant
LoveHoney’s own ‘Enjoy’ water based lubricant comes in at £4.99 for 100ml. The upshot of water-based lubricant being that it is generally cheaper by the ml, so cost shouldn’t really be an issue, only application. This particular lubrication also comes enhanced with aloe vera and ginseng for soothing, conditioning properties – perfect for smoother, cleaner play sessions.
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The Play Range by Durex (Flavoured)
The ‘Play’ range by Durex also comes with flavoured, water-based alternatives to silicone lubrication. If you want to add a little bit of flavour to couples or even solo play, the Durex range comes in a variety of tantalising, sugar-free, tasty treats such as this passion fruit version. Purchasing two of these at £3.99 each (50ml) from LoveHoney will also earn you a free satin storage bag in which to keep your favourite rabbit (worth £2.99).
The best part about water-based lubricants is that not only are they completely body and toy safe but they come in many different varieties and are often included in many promotional offers from stockists. Feel free to shop around for deals, flavours and types to suit your taste. Also, when using a silicone-based rabbit remember to use lashings of your favourite lube to get the safest, most enjoyable fun out of your playtime.
STEP TWO – CLEANING YOUR RABBIT
Shortly after playtime, take a moment or two to thoroughly clean your rabbit. This will not only prolong the life and condition of your rabbit but will protect you from harmful bacteria and a build up of dust which can cause irritation or help the development of a yeast infection. Clean your rabbit as soon as you can after play to prevent bacteria from building up. Remember to check if your rabbit is waterproof or splash proof and remove any batteries before cleaning.
Waterproof?
The advantage of buying a waterproof vibrator goes far beyond bath time or shower frolics. Your waterproof vibe can be submersed, meaning that you can place it in warm water with some mild anti-bacterial soap in order to thoroughly clean it. You can leave your rabbit to soak though don’t neglect the act of picking your rabbit up and cleaning thoroughly with a damp cloth underneath any ridges and between the clitoral arms. Similarly, if your rabbit isn’t 100% waterproof use your head! Simply clean with a warm, damp cloth and some mild anti bacterial soap.
If your rabbit is of the more realistically built variety (see here for an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSCeLokvGwo) be sure to clean thoroughly under the head and don’t forget to clean behind the ears! The classic two pronged rabbit ears should be cleaned thoroughly to prevent a build up of bacteria.
Toy Cleaner?
The act of intricately cleaning your rabbit after each use is a necessary evil in order to keep it body-safe and in good condition. However, there are quite a few products on the market to aid fast, effective cleaning of your rabbit. For many users, these are the difference between scrubbing your bathroom clean or using a leave-on dedicated cleansing agent. Most dedicated toy cleaners come in spray form, are ph balanced for even the most sensitive skin and specially formulated to protect against allergic resistance or sensitive skin.
LoveHoney Fresh Toy Cleaner
The LoveHoney branded Fresh Toy cleaner is a steal at £4.99 for 120ml. Simply spray onto your toy, leave for a few minutes then wipe down or rinse.
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Bondara Toy Cleaner
Alternatively, pick up Bondara’s own branded toy cleaner for £4.95 for 150ml. Safe, easy to use and odourless, this spray is, like LoveHoney’s, usually available at a discount price with selected purchases or included as part of several bundles.
More for convenience and caution than necessity, these body-safe cleaners really are a matter of preference. As mentioned, you can usually pick these goodies up as part of most stockists’ special offers with your rabbit or selected bundles. They are also inexpensive, cheap and easy to use. A couple of sprays per session also means that they won’t exactly break the bank in terms of topping up your supply.
Remember: dedicated toy cleaners are a matter of preference. The safe maintenance and hygiene of your vibrator is not.
STEP THREE – STORING YOUR VIBRATOR
This step goes way beyond throwing your rabbit into your knicker drawer, contrary to popular belief! Before doing so, you should observe the following rabbit-etiquette:
Remove any batteries from your rabbit before hand – in other words, don’t put them back in after cleaning. This will protect your favourite toy from any damage should your batteries corrode or leak
Ensure your rabbit is completely dry before tucking it in – particularly in the case of silicone based toys, this will prevent any unwanted nasties such as mould or mildew forming on your toy.
Make sure your rabbit sleeps alone! Don’t store it in direct contact with other sex toys. Doing so may cause discolouration, deformity or abnormality in reaction to different materials. Your rabbit is a dedicated play partner and does not play well with other bunnies or toys.
Tuck him in – place your rabbit in a dedicated storage bag, sheet of material or even a sock. Store him in a cool, dry place where he won’t attract any lint.
Many high-end vibrators will generally come with their own satin or velvet storage bags. These little draw string bags are not just for the sake of vanity, however. They will help keep your product separate from your other toys, protect the materials surrounding it and make an attractive alternative to popping it in a sock! They will also protect your toys from prying eyes, pawing pets or inquisitive family members. They can also add a nice sense of occasion to playtime and, with many bags available at only a couple of pounds, a pretty storage bag can be bought to spoil both your rabbit and yourself:
Lovehoney Small Satin Drawstring Toy Bag
This attractive purple satin bag offers a discreet storage option. Large enough to accommodate most rabbits, this sophisticated offering from LoveHoney can be purchased for only £2.99 and is included in many offers as a freebie thrown in with other purchases.
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Bondara Velvet Storage Bag
This velvet storage bag in a girly shade of soft pink from Bondara. This pouch easily fits any toy up to 12 inches in height and six inches wide. A little bigger than the LoveHoney pouch, this is a good alternative for bigger toys.
Remember, there are many ways in which to store, clean and use your rabbit. Whichever way you do all of these things remember that the happiest rabbit owners are body safe, hygienic and discreet. Treat yourself and your rabbit right to get the most out of your playtimes.