Sex dolls are among the most expensive types of sex toys on the market.
Like any good investment, you may wonder how long you’ll be able to enjoy your doll before it starts to break down.
Let’s take a look at the average lifespan of different dolls and what you can do to preserve them.
How Long Does a Sex Doll Last?
Sex dolls last anywhere from a couple of years to several decades.
A few factors impact their longevity.
The biggest factor is the doll’s material.
Let’s see how each material, silicone, and TPE, impacts a doll’s lifespan.
Silicone Dolls Last for Decades
Silicone dolls have the longest lifespan.
You can expect them to last 10+ years with proper maintenance.
Without proper maintenance, you may be able to use them for between five and 10 years.
The reason they last a long time has to do with the strength of the material.
It doesn’t stretch easily which means there’s less risk of tearing.
It’s also a bit more dense which makes it able to take impact damage.
If you drop the doll, for example, then it won’t damage it as easily.
Silicone is also non-porous.
This means that germs, dirt, and dust won’t seep into the material.
It’s a lot easier to keep it clean and sanitary.
This plays a vital role in the longevity of the doll because it determines just how quickly mold spreads through it.
Since nothing seeps into the material, mold is less likely to grow on silicone dolls.
You can easily wipe off the germs and feel comfortable knowing your doll is truly clean.
Between a lack of abrasion danger and mold growth, silicone dolls tend to last for decades.
TPE Dolls Have Shorter Lifespans
TPE sex dolls, on the other hand, tend to last between two and five years.
If you’re extremely careful with them and take good care of them, then you can sometimes have them last for a decade.
There are a few key reasons why TPE dolls don’t last as long as silicone dolls.
TPE is a soft material.
It has a consistency and texture similar to real skin.
When you poke it, it has some give to it.
This soft texture makes the doll feel lifelike, but it also makes it prone to damage.
TPE is not stiff, so there’s a higher chance that the skin might tear.
If you pull it a certain way, for example, then it’s possible for the skeleton within the doll to poke through the soft material.
Due to its soft material, TPE dolls are also more likely to face blunt damage.
If you drop it, then you might notice that the skin, and shape, become deformed.
As such, TPE dolls require a bit more care when transporting and storing them.
The other factor is TPE’s porosity.
Because it’s porous, like real skin, it allows germs, dirt, and debris to seep into it.
You can never fully sanitize a TPE doll.
The germs seep below the surface.
This leads to eventual mold growth.
Mold can quickly spread and eat away at the doll.
While you can clean off the mold that sprouts on the surface, you’re never going to be able to take care of mold at its source.
As a result, it will continue to spread.
The best way to prevent mold growth is to use condoms with a TPE doll.
You can also use a removable vagina which tends to use silicone rather than TPE.
Even if your doll withstands physical damage, it will likely eventually succumb to mold damage.
How to Make Your Sex Doll Last a Long Time
Now, if you want your sex doll to last as long as possible, then you need to be proactive with its maintenance.
Since you might connect with your doll on an emotional level, the last thing you want to do is toss it into the trash because it’s broken or moldy.
Follow these steps to keep your doll a part of your life for as long as possible.
Regular Cleaning Fights Back Mold Growth
The key to reducing mold growth is to clean your doll.
The best practice is cleaning your doll after you use it and at least every other week on top of that.
Cleaning your doll isn’t as simple as wiping it down either.
You need the right tools and supplies.
Using the wrong cleaning supplies could actually make you damage it.
For the best results, you’ll want to use antibacterial soap and a microfiber cloth.
Never submerge your doll in water.
It’s a good way to rust up its skeleton.
If you clean the doll properly, then you can reduce the spread of mold and enjoy your doll longer.
TPE Dolls Need Frequent Powdering
If you own a TPE doll, then you’re going to need to add an additional step to your maintenance.
TPE leaks oil with time.
If you live in a humid environment, then it might leak more.
To keep it from leaking oil, you’re going to need to use a specific type of powder.
The manufacturer likely sells it.
However, in a pinch, you can also use baby powder.
The powder helps keep the oil in the material which also reduces its stickiness.
You should powder the doll each time you clean it as well as at least once every other week.
If you use the doll frequently, then it might be a good idea to powder it every week.
By regularly powdering the doll, you can keep it in good shape.
Store Dolls in Dark and Cool Places to Avoid Deformation
Storing your dolls where they receive direct sunlight is not a good idea.
Constant exposure to the sun can damage your doll in a few ways.
TPE dolls, in particular, are more in danger than silicone dolls.
The UV rays can change the doll’s coloration, for one.
You might notice that the color has become leeched in certain places where it had sun exposure.
If the sun is particularly hot, then you might even notice small deformations in the skin like it melted.
To avoid those problems, you should store your doll in a dark place.
Closets work well since they tend to be both dark and cool.
If you bought a storage crate for the doll, then the crate also works as a great place to store it.
Avoid Bathing it to Reduce Corrosion
Putting your doll in the bath or shower seems like a convenient way to clean it.
However, it can also damage your doll’s interior.
Inside your doll is a skeleton usually made out of steel.
TPE dolls and silicone dolls with holes in their feet can absorb water.
This water then travels to the skeleton where it can cause the material to rust.
When the skeleton becomes too rusty, it also becomes brittle.
You might notice that when you try to pose it, the skeleton breaks.
Keep the skeleton strong by not bathing with the doll.
Find the Companion You Want to Use for a Long Time
Sex dolls can last a long time when given proper care and maintenance.
Because they can last such a long time, it’s worth ensuring you’ve chosen a doll that you want around with you for that long.
Check out our guide here to help you find the perfect companion.
