STORAGE & TRAVEL

Storage and travel: keeping products clean, safe and private

3 min read · Updated 25 October 2026

How you store a product affects how long it lasts, how clean it stays and who can find it. A few habits protect the material, the battery and your privacy, at home and on the road.

Clean and dry first

Store a product only once it is fully clean and completely dry, following the care instructions in the manual. Moisture trapped in a pouch can damage materials and electronics, and residue left on a surface can mark or degrade it over time. Our materials and cleaning guide explains how to match the routine to the material.

Store products separately

Consumer-advice organisation Test Achats recommends not storing products made of different materials together, because some materials can deteriorate through contact, and suggests giving each product its own pouch. A soft, breathable fabric pouch is a common choice; sealed plastic bags can trap moisture, so check the maker's guidance. Keep products from touching each other, other objects and any lubricant spills.

Choose a suitable place

• Cool and dry: avoid steamy bathrooms, radiators and spots in direct sunlight, since heat and humidity can age materials and batteries.
• Dust-free: a closed box or drawer keeps lint and dust off the surface.
• Out of reach: keep products away from children and pets. A box with a lock or a high shelf is sensible if others have access to your space.
• Not alongside unrelated items: keep products apart from solvents, chemicals and sharp objects.

Look after the battery

• Follow the maker's guidance for charging and long-term storage.
• If a product takes removable batteries, take them out for long periods of storage to avoid leakage.
• Rechargeable lithium batteries generally dislike prolonged heat. Do not leave a product in a hot car or in sunlight.
• Use only the charger and cable supplied or recommended, and stop using a product with a swollen, hot or damaged battery.
• Do not charge a product while it is inside a bag or under bedding.

Privacy at home

If you share your home, think about more than the hiding place. A neutral container and a closed pouch avoid questions; a lock avoids accidents. Remember the digital side too: a product that pairs with a phone app can leave notifications or a device name visible, which our noise and discreet-use guide explains. Packaging from delivery is another clue, so see our discreet-delivery checklist.

Travelling with a product

1. Clean, dry and pack it: use a dedicated pouch so it does not touch clothing or toiletries.
2. Prevent accidental activation: use the travel lock if the product has one, or remove the battery or pack it separately when the maker permits.
3. Check airline and airport battery rules: airlines and security authorities have rules for lithium batteries and rechargeable devices, and those rules differ by carrier and route. Check them before you fly.
4. Expect screening: bags may be X-rayed or opened. A plain, opaque pouch and calm acceptance of a bag check make things simpler.
5. Check local laws: rules on importing or possessing adult products differ widely between countries. Check the law for your destination and any stopovers before you travel.
6. Pack cleaning supplies: a small amount of the cleaner recommended by the maker lets you clean the product properly on the road.

Checklist before you store or pack

• The product is clean and fully dry.
• It has its own pouch or compartment.
• The battery is in good condition and, if needed, stored as the maker advises.
• The location is cool, dry, dark and out of reach of others.
• For travel: the lock is on, airline rules are checked and local laws are checked.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Test Achats: 6 tips for using your sex toy safely (French)
• Sexual Medicine Society of North America: how can one use sex toys safely?