The best vibrators are those that are looked after properly.

No matter how often that stick of pulsating perfection is freed from the drawer in your bedside cabinet, with a little tender loving care, it could go on to exquisitely pleasure you for years and years.

Not to get too grotty here, but bearing in mind what a vibrator does and where it goes, it is vital that the toy is properly cleaned after use; otherwise it will become germ-infested. Of course, it’s all right to wait to the morning after if the buzzing afterglow sends you into delirious sleep!

Your vibrator should come with cleaning guidelines and while warm water and soap should do for most models, it does depend what they are made of. For example, don’t use an alcohol cleaner on a jelly vibrator, as it will dissolve. If in doubt, most sex shops on the high street of online will sell sex toy cleaner.

The rule is to make sure and rinse the vibrator of any soap and dry thoroughly. Traces of cleaning products could smart next time you use them. Damp plastics and silicone could go mouldy if not thoroughly dried first. It’s most hygienic to leave the product to air dry, but don’t forget you’ve done it then invite your parents over if you pick that option. That could be awkward!

If you and a partner are sharing the toy, then either clean it ‘between goes’ or wrap in snugly in a condom to prevent the spread of any infections. This goes doubly if the vibrator is being used for anal and vaginal use.

Once clean and dry, make sure to store your vibrator nicely to prolong its life. Remove the batteries and place it inside a closed container. If you don’t have a Tupperware that’s big/bendy/discreet enough, then perhaps invest in one of the many sex toy storage bags that are on the market.

Look after your best friend, so that it can continue to ‘look after’ you for many more orgasmic times to come!