Dildos... arguably the most basic of sex toy, but also oftentimes the most versatile and easy to use.

You see, while technology has treated us to all kinds of different sex toys to use in a variety of ways, the dildo is still one of the most popular pleasure products.

Dildos are great to use for partnered play or solo fun, and can enhance any sexual experience. And no, not all dildos need to be have veins, a pronounced head, or balls!

So, let's get started with all of your dildo questions! (or jump right in and see our selection of dildo sex toys here).

What is a Dildo?

A dildo is a phallic-shaped sex toy that's used for penetrative stimulation. These pleasure products are genderless, and can be put into the mouth, anus, or vagina. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and some are made specifically to target certain hotspots, such as the prostate or the G-spot.

Fun fact: did you know that dildos have been around for thousands of years? In fact, archeologists found a 28,000 year-old dildo in the Hohle Fels cave in Germany!

What Are the Different Types of Dildos?

Because these sex toys are so versatile, there are so many different types of dildos. 

1. Hard Dildos: these are made with non-flexible materials, like glass or stainless steel.

2. Soft Dildos: these are made from flexible materials making them squishy, such as silicone.

3. Realistic Dildos: these are dildos that represent the human penis with some being adorned with veins and balls.

4. Non-Realistic Dildos: these are dildos that don't represent the human penis.

5. Vibrating Dildos: this kind of dildo often has a small bullet inside the dildo, allowing it to vibrate for extra stimulation.

6. Doubled-Ended Dildos: this dildo can be used for double penetration on one person (for example: vaginally and anally), or they can be made in such a way that two people can experience penetration using it.

7. Strap-On Dildos: these dildos either come with a harness or straps so that one can attach a dildo to penetrate their partner.

8. Suction Cup Dildos: these dildos are great for solo players as they can sit firmly on a surface and allow you to enjoy hands-free penetration.

9. Strapless Strap-On Dildos: this is a dildo that doesn't come with a harness or straps, but instead is inserted and kept in place using one's pelvic floor muscles, resulting in penetration for both partners.

What Are the Different Shapes of Dildos?

The possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to the different dildo shapes. Here are a few:

• Standard Dildos
• Curved Dildos
• Textured Dildos
• Life-Like Dildos
• Strapless Strap-On Dildos
• Double-Ended Dildos
• Anal Dildos
• Vibrating Dildos
• Squirting Dildos
• Fantasty Dildos

What Materials Are Used to Make Dildos?

When it comes to sex toys, they could be made from either porous or non-porous materials. Non-porous materials are safer, as they aren't as favourable to harbour bacteria. Either way, both types of material need to be washed thoroughly before and after use... especially porous dildos. 

Some popular materials that dildos are made of include:

• Silicone: bendy, realistic and non-porous
• Stainless Steel: hard, allows for temperature play, non-porous
• Glass: hard, allows for temperature play, non-porous
• Jelly: realistic, cheap, porous
• Rubber: latex material, porous
• PVC: cheap, soft, porous

How Do You Use a Dildo Safely?

Depending on the kind of dildo you have, the way you'll use it will differ. As we mentioned, there are various types of dildos, so when you purchase one, we recommend reading up about how best to use your particular sex toy. 

What we can do however is give you general tips that apply for anyone using a dildo:

Choose Your Size: if it's your first time, we recommend going smaller rather than bigger.

Choose Your Material: non-porous dildos are highly recommended for optimal health.

Clean Your Dildo: before and after use is recommended (cleaning instructions will depend on the type of material your dildo is made of).

Use Lube with Your Dildo: lube is an excellent way to create a smooth glide, making things even more comfortable and pleasurable.

Get Warmed Up with Foreplay: you could use your dildo to lightly caress your or your partner's body, such as the inner thighs, nipples, and tummy.

Try Penetration Slowly: when you're ready and feel aroused, grab more lube and insert the dildo where you desire/feel most comfortable.

How Do You Clean Your Dildo?

 The way in which you clean your dildo will depend on the type of material it's made of.

Here's a cheat sheet on how to clean your dildo:

Glass: Use a mild antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Pyrex glass is dishwasher-safe.

Stainless Steel: boil or soak it for 10 minutes or place it in the dishwasher.

Hard Plastic & Silicone: use anti-bacterial soap and water.

Rubber: use room temperature water and a soapy washcloth.

PVC: wash delicately and thoroughly with water, air dry, and add a small amount of corn starch to prevent stickiness.

Why Are Dildos so Appealing?

Dildos are super appealing and popular because they can be used by anyone. They are genderless sex toys and can be enjoyed by a person of any sexual orientation. 

Not just that but they're entirely versatile. They can be used during solo play or partnered pleasure, and they can be used to experiment with pegging, double penetration, anal and vaginal stimulation. They're also great to use in order to stimulate those super erotic zones, such as the G-spot and the prostate.

Basically, there are no limits when it comes using a dildo, making it a perfect treat to have in your pleasure chest!