How To Use A Vibrator

In the last decade or so, vibrators went from being taboo and hushed to part of mainstream culture. Sex and the City helped usher in this new era, and while there’s a long way to go, these days a lot of people accept sex toys as part of an intimate, exciting and fulfilling sex life.

Vibrator Care

To get the most out of your vibrator it’s important to look after it. Keep it in good working order by cleaning, storing and charging it properly.

How To Clean A Vibrator

Clean a vibrator when you first get it, and before and after each use. This helps protect you from infection and helps your toy last longer. Some people use regular soap and water; however, if you find this irritates your vagina or anus you may be better off using a toy cleanser.

Vibrator Storage

Storing your toys properly also help protect you and the toy by keeping lint and dust away from the toy and your body. Many toys come with their own storage bags now. If they don’t—or if you’ve amassed a collection—check out these storage solutions.

Batteries And Charging For Sex Toys

If the vibrator uses batteries, take them out between uses. This helps them last longer and prevents acid buildup. If the toy is rechargeable, you can charge it up automatically in between uses or wait until it dies.

Best Vibrator Positions

You can use a vibrator in whatever position you want. Experiment with what feels most comfortable in your body and lets you use toys in a variety of ways.

Some popular positions include:

Flat on your back, with your legs open or closed
On your back with your knees bent and thighs spread
On your stomach
On your back with your knees pulled into your chest or open in a V
On your hands (or elbows) and knees

For partner sex, think about which positions give the easiest access wherever you’re using the vibrator. Cowgirl (standard or reversed) and doggy style are two great options.

Use Lube On Sex Toys

Lube reduces friction, decreasing your risk of getting chaffed/irritated or micro cuts AND increasing the amount of sensation you feel. Plus, people often skip the warm-up when using toys and neither the anus nor penis makes lube on its own.

You can use a vibrator in whatever position you want. Experiment with what feels most comfortable in your body and lets you use toys in a variety of ways.

If using silicone sex toys, stick to water-based or aloe-based lubes. For other toy materials, try silicone.

Vibrator Basics

Start it on the lowest setting and apply it to whichever body part feels best, often the clit, penis, balls, or anal opening. Apply different pressures to see what feels good. Hold it steady or try out different movements like gentle taps, circles, or strokes.

As you get more turned on, you may find yourself wanting more stimulation. Try turning the toy up, applying more pressure, or quickening your motions.

Best Ways To Use A Vibrator Creatively

Despite the categories vibrators typically get put into (e.g. g-spot vibes, clit vibes), most can be used in different ways. The one exception are toys you want to use anally. These must have a flared base—also called a flange—which prevent the toy from getting stuck in your body (and save you a trip to the ER).

With that in mind, here are 9 creative ways to use a vibrator:

Circle it around your nipples
Run it the shaft of the penis
Use the vibrator on the perineum: the space between the vaginal opening or balls and the butt hole.
Stroke the labia
Circle just around the vaginal or anal opening, not going in.

Circle it around your nipples… Run it the shaft of the penis… Stroke the labia.

Wand style vibrators make great back and neck massagers, meaning this all-purpose tool to carry you through foreplay and beyond.
Use a vibrating cock ring as a clitoral vibrator—hook your fingers through the ring and put the vibrating head of the ring on your clit. It’s super comfortable.
Speaking of vibrating cock rings, put one on your favorite dildo for extra stimulation.
Place a vibrator against your cheek while going down on your partner. The vibes will transmit through your mouth to their tingly bits and make it an extra tingly experience.