ma meeshka
Iconoclastic Member
3939 Posts
4/06
|  Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 7:54AMJust wondering what you do when you get a toy that is made out of some kind of funky smelling material like a ball gag that smells like a brand new squash ball. There's no way that kind of thing can taste good, so how do you go about 'breaking it in'? I have something that I'd like to do that to. Normally I would soak it in water, but it's attached to leather, so that's out of the question. Suggestions?  [Link] |
LubeNLuv
Senior Member
1854 Posts
3/06
| Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 10:43AM
That is, unfortunately, the nature of most rubber ball gags. The smell and taste are inherent to the material. For some subs, they actually like the taste as it grows on them and becomes a conditioning agent. Sort of like identifying perfume with arousal. But if you aren't into that much kink, you really only have a couple of options.
If the leather straps are affixed, you are going to be fairly screwed. You can try to wrap them in a balloon or condom to protect them, but that's about it. But assuming you can find a way to protect them, you can try to run the ball gag thru the dishwasher several times....we do this with ours after use just to sterilize it anyways. You can also try to soak the ball portion in a large pot of vodka and/or vinegar and THEN soaking it in water afterwards to leech out any residue. You can also try cool mint listerine...this does a decent job but you'll have to repeat the process after each use. This will take a lot of the taste/smell out of it but once you start using it, the abrasion of the teeth against the gag will undoubtedly release more rubber taste/smell. It's just the nature of the thing.
There are higher-end ball gags made with different materials than just pure rubber that don't carry this smell/taste. There are also penis gags (like small butt plugs for the mouth) that are also taste-free. But most cost more than your ordinary low-end ball gag. Let me know if you'd like recommendations.
Edited by - LubenLuv on 4/20/2009 10:45:11 AM [Link] |
Pagoda
Senior Member
Thread Killer
1747 Posts
10/05
| Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 3:50PM
^^Do you find that storing rubber toys in a breathable pouch helps? I get asked this at the shop, and because I personally don't own any rubber toys, I don't know the answer. I'd think that storing it in an air-tight container would trap the rubber fumes in the toy. What's your recommendation for storage?[Link] |
LubeNLuv
Senior Member
1854 Posts
3/06
| Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 4:51PM
We have a large, private locked "playroom" off of our master bedroom, so the vast majority of our toys get stored hanging on a wall or shelf in there. However, when we travel and take them with us, my wife found (no idea where) some very nice, velvet "toy bags" that she stuffs everything into for the trip. For some of the Fleshlights and stuff we keep, they have their own custom boxes that I designed but that is after they have been allowed to air dry for a day or so first. Male sex toys are quite a bit different than a womans sex toys, however, in that the fundamental design of them means there is always a hole or a cavity that stays damp after cleaning.
But back when we had to store them in a closed, locked box to keep them away from prying eyes of kids, yes, I noticed the smell would be far more pungent. They also tended to take on the scent of each other so it really wasn't a great solution. But small house, small kids = locked in a footlocker in the closet.
When we ordered our Liberator gear, they threw in several of these really nice Zomi "toy bags" as gifts with our purchase. These LOOK really nice, high quality stuff, but they are waterproof. We will likely use these for travel as they will keep lube from spilling out during the change in cabin pressure you experience during flight. But I wouldn't recommend them for everyday storage.....I think letting things breathe is your best bet for sex toys. Otherwise, you are just asking for mildew to form.
Back to ball gags, however, the rubber smell/taste is an acquired like. For casual use, I'd suggest you go with a silicone ball or even latex. These usually cost a little more but the silicone ones, in particular, are totally tasteless/odorless and are far more sanitary. The rubber ball gags are just basically what the OP described: A squash ball with a leather strap.
[Link] |
Pagoda
Senior Member
Thread Killer
1747 Posts
10/05
| Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 6:06PM
^^Thanks so much for the info! I didn't know the Zomi's were waterproof. My husband and I have considered contacting a friend in Viet Nam to arrange manufacturing of some nice pouches we'd market as toy storage. I think there's a market for it. People seem to think inside the box, and they ask me at the shop for toy storage cases/bags. All they have to do is put a draw-string in a pillow-case and they'd be set, but people don't think of things like that. Hmm.
Regarding the ball gag/taste issue, another alternative is a pony bit/bridle. Less of the toy contacts the surface of the tongue, plus it gives the dom complete control over the sub's head. Sparticus makes one made of pure silicone. I've got my eye on that. The other advantage is that the wearer doesn't have to hold his/her mouth open very wide, which is easier on the jaw for TMJ sufferers.[Link] |
| |
|
LubeNLuv
Senior Member
1854 Posts
3/06
| Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 7:07PM
I think there would be a nice market for classy toy bags. I saw one once that was basically a throw pillow for your bed but with a secret compartment in it that zipped and let you put a dildo or three inside. The waterproof ones make sense for some things due to leakage of lube bottles, etc. But when you consider that a really good rabbit vibe costs upwards of $75, a $15 bag to store it in, keep it clean, etc would be a nice investment.
What I'd really like to see is a bag that incorporates some of that microbial material, like the Magellan travel bags they offer for dirty laundry, etc. It may be a little bit of a gimmick but c'mon...these are sex toys and we all know gimmicks sell![Link] |
Pagoda
Senior Member
Thread Killer
1747 Posts
10/05
| Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 7:10PM
^^ Ooh, good idea![Link] |
ma meeshka
Iconoclastic Member
3939 Posts
4/06
| Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 8:46PM
Wow! Thank you both for a comprehensive response. This is something I will have to chew over for the rest of the day (on lunch break right now).[Link] |
Pagoda
Senior Member
Thread Killer
1747 Posts
10/05
| Posted - Apr 20 2009 : 10:43PM
^^ Don't gag on it.  [Link] |
ma meeshka
Iconoclastic Member
3939 Posts
4/06
| Posted - Apr 21 2009 : 3:39AM
ok, so the leather straps are attached, so i think i'm fairly screwed. darn.
what if i, like, covered it in honey or something? then washed it off the next day?
hah, i might try the listerine.
will let you know how it works out.
more suggestions appreciated![Link] |
Pagoda
Senior Member
Thread Killer
1747 Posts
10/05
| Posted - Apr 21 2009 : 4:37AM |
