By now, everyone knows what a dildo looks like and what it does, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. An interview with Pleasure Place co-owner Eleanor Leung reveals that women—men, take note—can’t simply be satisfied with just a straight-up, blunt object. “Most women absolutely require direct clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, and the powerful, consistent stimulation of a clit stimulator delivers like nothing else can,” she explains.

It’s no surprise that these clit stimulators, or to be specific, clit stimulator rabbits, are quite the bestsellers at the store. Women clearly know what they want. But apart from branching out in terms of toys, Eleanor also stresses the importance of caring for them.

For instance, you also need to consider the shelf life of some of your battery-operated and rechargeable toys.

“Like all electronics, toys break down,” says Eleanor. “Saving up to buy a more expensive toy due to its better quality is our best advice. Generally, better toys can last up to two or three years.”

Then again, it's all about how well you take care of your them. If you're a beginner, you might be a little too excited with your new gadgets, and forego some of the important rules. Thoroughly cleaning your toys after use is one. “Maintain your toy by storing them properly and cleaning them gently after each use with soap and water,” advises Eleanor. “Some toys are made of materials which allow them to be boiled.”

And just in case you feel like sharing some of your toys (even with your partner), think again. “Toys that break the skin (bondage toys) should not be shared,” she says. “Dedicating a toy to a lover goes a long way in protecting each other from blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis, which can live for a long time on the surface of the toys."”

(Photo by Caroline via Flickr Creative Commons; edited by Jennifer Chan)