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Nowadays, even though many powered sex toys use rechargeable tech, some of the more affordable/cheap ones will use regular batteries.
There’s nothing wrong with these necessarily, just make sure that if you have to use them, that you get the most out of them. Here are some ways on how to store batteries and other useful tips…
DO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE
Primary Batteries
- Aka. Use-and-toss
- One common kind is Alkaline
- Must be disposed of correctly
Secondary Batteries
- Aka. Rechargeable
- Examples include Lithium-ion(Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium(Ni-Cd), Nickel-Metal Hydride(Ni-MH)
- If broken or damaged, still must be disposed of properly
DO BUY CHARGEABLE
Not only will it save you money, but they are also better for the environment. However, you still should take them out of whatever device/toy you’re using and store them separately until you’re ready to play again.
SIDE NOTE – It’s normal for them to get a bit warm while charging. If they get really hot, unplug the charger and find out if it’s the batteries, the housing, or both.
DON’T MIX THEM
There is some wisdom to this old suggestion (one that most people don’t listen to). Not only should you avoid mixing old ones with new ones, you really shouldn’t mix brands either. It can cause faster depletion, leakage, or even lowering the device performance.
DO CHARGE THEM SAFELY
Your first battery pack should come with a charger. If so, stick with it! Also, when you buy new rechargeable, make sure (if humanly possible) to stick with the same brand of battery + charger.
DO KEEP THEM IN PACKAGING
It can be like Christmas (or in my case, a bit of obsessive-compulsive disorder) – you want to feel the satisfaction of ripping open that cover and pulling out your new power babies and tossing them in whatever container houses their brothers and sisters. However, the package they come in will go a long way to protecting them until you actually have to use them.
DO KEEP THEM BOXED
Keep them in their packaging, or a non-conductive box and away from metals.
DON’T SWITCH SIZES
This one might seem obvious, but apparently some people failed the “square peg in round hole” test when they were kids. Please don’t try to use AAAs in AA devices (with tinkering to make them fit) – or any other size swap for that matter!
DO AVOID HUMIDITY
Some people store them in the fridge – which can be done as long as you do it right! The issue is that humidity will cause damage and leakage, and temp changes in the fridge (from you opening and closing and putting warm-ish stuff in after cooking, can cause condensation. Put them in a vapor-proof container, and when you need them, take them out and let them acclimate for twenty-four hours.
DON’T TOUCH THE OOZE
I’ve repeated “leakage” a lot throughout the article, but it’s important. If you do forget things and one day open your vibrator to see crusted gunk, do NOT touch it with your fingers. Use a paper towel or toothpick to get them out.
DO TOSS THEM CORRECTLY
It should be common knowledge by now, but it doesn’t hurt to say it again – Remember to toss your dead/unusable batteries properly. This means putting them in a designated recycling point. You can find them pretty much anywhere – grocery stores, malls, phone shops, even bus stations!
Any other suggestions on how to store your batteries or make them last longer? Share in the comments!
