Cleaning and storage, without ruining anything

Wash before and after every use with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner or unscented soap. Skip antibacterial hand soap: the fragrance and the surfactants both irritate mucous membranes.

Motorised toys are splash-proof or waterproof, never dishwasher-safe. Check the rating on the product page before submerging anything. Rinse around charging contacts rather than over them, and dry fully before storing — trapped moisture is the most common cause of a dead motor.

Store silicone pieces separately, in cotton bags rather than sealed plastic. Different silicone formulations can react on contact and leave a permanently tacky surface. A drawer with dividers beats a box where everything touches.