What are the most common mistakes people make when storing sex dolls for long periods?
Storing a sex doll for long periods requires careful attention to prevent damage, maintain its condition, and ensure hygiene. However, many users, especially those new to owning a sex doll, may make several common mistakes during long-term storage. These mistakes can lead to issues like material degradation, deformation, mold growth, or dust buildup, all of which can compromise the doll’s longevity and appearance.
1. Improper Positioning and Support
One of the most frequent mistakes people make when storing sex dolls is failing to position the doll correctly or provide adequate support, leading to permanent deformations.
- Leaving the Doll in a Lying or Sitting Position: Many users store their dolls by simply lying them down on a bed or in a seated position. While this may seem convenient, it can cause compression marks or indentations on the parts of the doll that bear weight for extended periods, such as the buttocks, thighs, or back. The weight of the doll pressing against these surfaces can deform the material over time, especially if the doll is made of TPE, which is softer and more prone to indentations than silicone.
- Lack of Suspension or Stands: Ideally, long-term storage should involve hanging the doll using a doll suspension kit or doll stand. These tools keep the doll upright, preventing any one area from bearing the doll’s weight. When a doll is suspended, the body’s natural shape is maintained, reducing the risk of deformities. Failing to use these methods can result in unwanted flattening or warping of the doll’s surface.
- Not Using Cushions or Padding: If a doll must be stored lying down, it’s crucial to use soft padding or a memory foam mattress to distribute the weight evenly and minimize pressure points. Failing to use proper cushioning can lead to areas of the doll becoming squashed, and it may be difficult to restore the original shape once deformed.
2. Failure to Clean Properly Before Storage
Another significant mistake people make is storing the doll without proper cleaning and drying. This can lead to various hygiene and material issues.
- Storing the Doll While Still Wet: After cleaning a doll, especially cleaning the internal cavities, it’s critical to ensure the doll is thoroughly dried before storage. Moisture left inside the orifices or on the surface of the doll can lead to the growth of mold or bacteria, which can be harmful to both the doll’s material and the user’s health. Many users neglect to use drying rods or air-drying tools specifically designed for sex dolls, leading to moisture accumulation over time.
- Skipping Cleaning Sessions: Some users may store the doll without cleaning it after use, believing that they will clean it upon taking it out again. However, storing a doll that still has bodily fluids, lubricants, or dirt on it can lead to staining, odor development, or material degradation. In some cases, the oils from TPE can interact with certain substances, causing the material to break down or become sticky.
3. Improper Use of Materials and Chemicals
Using the wrong cleaning products or failing to protect the doll’s surface can cause long-term damage, particularly to dolls made of TPE or silicone.
- Using Harsh Cleaning Products: A common mistake is using abrasive cleaners, alcohol, or harsh chemicals to clean the doll’s skin. These substances can degrade the surface of TPE or silicone, making it more susceptible to cracking, peeling, or becoming sticky. It’s important to use only pH-neutral, antibacterial cleaners that are safe for sex dolls, as well as warm water and mild soap.
- Skipping Powdering: Many sex dolls, especially TPE dolls, can become sticky over time, particularly when stored in humid environments. This stickiness attracts dust and debris, which can settle into the material and cause a permanent dirty appearance. Regularly applying talc-free powder or cornstarch to the doll’s surface after cleaning helps reduce this stickiness and protects the doll from dust accumulation during storage.
4. Not Using Protective Covers or Bags
Leaving a doll exposed during long-term storage is another common mistake that can result in various issues related to dust, dirt, and material wear.
- Exposure to Dust and Debris: Storing a sex doll without a protective cover or bag allows dust, dirt, and debris to settle on the doll’s skin. Over time, these particles can become embedded in the material, especially if the doll is sticky or not powdered. This can make the doll more difficult to clean and may also result in long-term damage to the surface.
- Lack of Protection from UV Light: If a doll is stored in a location where it is exposed to sunlight or UV rays, such as near a window, this can cause material discoloration or fading, particularly in TPE dolls. UV light can also accelerate the degradation of the doll’s skin, causing it to become brittle over time.
- No Air Circulation: While it’s important to cover the doll, using a non-breathable plastic cover can trap moisture inside, leading to mold growth, especially in damp or humid environments. Instead, using a breathable storage bag made of cotton or microfiber is ideal for protecting the doll while allowing air circulation.
5. Storing the Doll in an Uncontrolled Environment
The environment in which the doll is stored plays a critical role in its preservation, and many users make mistakes related to climate control.
- Exposure to Extreme Temperatures: TPE and silicone are sensitive to temperature changes. Storing a doll in an area that experiences extreme heat or cold—such as an attic, basement, or garage—can cause the material to become brittle, crack, or degrade. Ideally, the doll should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment, with temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C and 29°C).
- High Humidity: Humid environments are particularly problematic because they promote mold and mildew growth, especially inside the doll’s orifices. Failing to store the doll in a dry location, or not using a dehumidifier in damp areas, can lead to serious hygiene issues and long-term material damage.
6. Neglecting the Doll’s Joints and Skeleton
Sex dolls with articulated skeletons or joints require special attention during storage, and improper care can lead to mechanical problems.
- Storing in a Tensed or Bent Position: Leaving the doll with its limbs bent for long periods can cause strain on the internal skeleton and joints. Over time, this can lead to loose or damaged joints, making the doll difficult to pose or move. It’s recommended to store the doll with its limbs in a neutral, relaxed position, with arms and legs straightened to avoid tension.
- Ignoring the Skeleton’s Maintenance Needs: Some dolls require occasional maintenance of their internal skeleton, especially if the joints are made of metal that can rust or seize up. Failing to perform occasional checks or maintenance on the skeleton can lead to joint failures or stiffness, particularly after extended periods of storage.
7. Neglecting Regular Inspections and Maintenance During Storage
Many doll owners make the mistake of assuming that once a doll is stored, it does not require further attention until it is needed again.
- No Periodic Inspections: Even when stored properly, it’s a good idea to periodically check on the doll’s condition. Failing to do so can result in unnoticed problems like mold, material degradation, or mechanical issues with the skeleton. A monthly or bi-monthly inspection allows users to catch minor issues before they become significant.
- Forgetting to Reapply Powder: Dolls stored for long periods may lose the powder applied to their surface, particularly in humid conditions. Failing to reapply powder occasionally can result in the doll becoming sticky, making it more prone to dust accumulation and harder to clean later.
Conclusion
Long-term storage of sex dolls requires attention to proper positioning, cleaning, environmental control, and regular maintenance. Common mistakes include improper positioning that leads to deformations, failure to clean and dry the doll properly, using incorrect cleaning products, and neglecting to use protective covers or climate-controlled environments. By avoiding these mistakes and taking proactive steps to care for the doll, users can significantly extend the lifespan of their dolls and ensure they remain in good condition for future use.