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A Fleshlight generally lasts around two years but it ultimately depends on how careful you are with it and whether or not you clean, dry, and maintain the toy properly — and regularly.
Key Takeaways:
- On average, Fleshlight customers don’t need to seek a replacement for about 2 years, although some users on the internet claim theirs have lasted between 5 and 10 years.
- Fleshlights are made from high-quality, durable materials (Super Skin and ABS plastic) and generally will last longer compared to cheaper alternatives when maintained well.
- Fleshlights may function for several years with proper use and care; alternatively, they might last only a few months (or less!) with improper maintenance.
- Fleshlights typically need to be replaced as a result of damaged texture, a ripped orifice, foul odor from the sleeve, or the growth of mold on (or inside) the sleeve.
- Many of these issues can be prevented through proper cleaning, drying, and storage practices; gentler use; and material-safe personal lubricant (water-based only).
- Replacing your Fleshlight after a year or two can be a good idea (for hygienic reasons), regardless of whether or not you’re experiencing any issues with the product.
If you buy a real Fleshlight and not a knockoff, it’ll likely last you at least a couple of years if you properly care for it.
While reviews are full of customers who claim to have needed a new Fleshlight in just a few months, it’s entirely possible that they weren’t following the care instructions that came with the product.
People rarely own up to that sort of thing in public spaces.
At the end of the day, Fleshlights are quite durable and well-made, and with proper care and infrequent use, they could theoretically last a lifetime.
How Long Do Fleshlights Last?
How long a Fleshlight lasts is subjective, as it ultimately depends on the user’s habits in regard to use and maintenance.
A well-cared-for Fleshlight can offer years of service, while one that is never cleaned or is used with the wrong type of lube might bite the dust in a matter of months.
Fleshlight states that “With proper use and care, the Fleshlight will last you a lifetime.”
The company also mentions that its product is built to last because it’s “made from a patented, high-quality material” known as Super Skin encased in ABS plastic.
For this reason, Fleshlights are considered to be more durable and longer-lasting than some of the cheaper alternatives out there.
However, despite the fact that Fleshlights are built to last, it’s up to the user to make sure that happens.
Care of a Fleshlight involves:
- Thorough cleaning
- Ample drying to prevent mold and mildew growth
- Powder (cornstarch) dusting
- Proper storage
- Using only water-based lube
- Avoiding “rough” use that can damage the orifice or sleeve
All of these things will help you to enjoy your Fleshlight for longer.
How Long Will A Fleshlight Last With Proper Maintenance?
Although the company boasts a “lifetime” of potential use, some Reddit users have claimed that their Fleshlight lasted 5 to 10 years (or longer) while properly caring for their Fleshlight.
Others — namely displeased reviewers who likely didn’t maintain the toy correctly — claim far less time.
On average, Fleshlight users will enjoy at least a couple of solid years with their masturbator before seeking a replacement.
With proper care and maintenance, your Fleshlight can last longer than that.
The instruction manual that comes with your Fleshlight provides instructions on how to clean it the right way.
This includes not only a thorough cleaning of the interior masturbation sleeve with soap (or its proprietary Fleshwash) and warm water but also properly drying it before using it again.
What Can Degrade Fleshlight Materials Over Time — And What Not To Do
There are a number of things that can cause faster degradation of your Fleshlight’s materials, including poor cleaning (or drying), incorrect storage, the wrong lube, and too-frequent or rough use.
Below is a list of improper Fleshlight care habits (what not to do):
- Exposing the Fleshlight to heat — such as leaving it outside in the hot sun or hiding it somewhere in a hot room — could cause the sleeve’s material to melt or degrade quickly.
- Improper cleaning habits will cause Fleshlight materials to degrade. These include failing to clean it after each use, using soap or detergents (Fleshwash is okay), using water that is too hot, not rinsing it thoroughly, or not drying it thoroughly and putting it back into the case when it’s still moist.
- Overuse or rough use can cause the Fleshlight orifice (or sleeve) to rip or tear, causing the material to degrade more quickly.
- Exposing your Fleshlight to ANY oil-based lubricant WILL ruin the material. Only water-based lube should be used.
- The growth of mold, typically from excess moisture (such as putting the Fleshlight sleeve back into its case when it’s still wet after cleaning) will likely render the toy unusable and it must be thrown away.
How To Make Your Fleshlight Last Longer
To make your Fleshlight last longer, you must pay special attention to its maintenance and follow the best practices for cleaning, drying, storage, and use.
Tips For Making Your Fleshlight Last Longer:
- Between uses, store or hide your Fleshlight in a cool, dark place — such as inside a drawer in your bedroom — to keep it out of direct sunlight and heat.
- Follow Fleshlight’s instructions on how to properly clean and dry your toy after each use. For optimal care, use the company’s proprietary Fleshwash (don’t use soap or detergent) and dry the sleeve in an open space that is not too hot.
- Don’t put your Fleshlight back in its case while the interior sleeve is still wet or moist after being washed. Let the sleeve dry in an open space in your home (not in the hot sun) for an adequate amount of time. Dust the surface with cornstarch (or Fleshlight Renewal Powder) before putting the sleeve back in its case.
- Don’t be too rough with your Fleshlight during use OR cleaning. For example, don’t vigorously rub a towel over the surface to dry it, as this might tear the material.
- Only use water-based lubricants with your Fleshlight.
How To Know When To Replace Your Fleshlight
There are certain signs that indicate it’s time to replace your Fleshlight and all of them have to do with the state of the sleeve’s material.
You should replace your Fleshlight when:
- You notice mold growing within the interior sleeve or on the surface of it.
- The materials have started to degrade, warp, or melt due to heat exposure.
- The surface of the material has been damaged after contact with oils.
- The orifice is ripped or torn.
- Your Fleshlight has a permanent, foul odor — indicating the presence of bacteria, fungus, or unhygienically compromised materials.
Closing Thoughts
Although there’s no definitive answer to the question, “How long does a Fleshlight last?” proper use and care can help to ensure it’ll give you at least a couple of good years.
It’s unlikely you’ll need to replace your Fleshlight in a matter of weeks or months if you are caring for it properly and following the product’s instructions.
If you do need to replace your Fleshlight and buy a new one, the silver lining is that you can try something new — and you might like it even more than the toy that’s being replaced!
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Complete Guide To Fleshlights and Everything Fleshlight hub, in-depth and evolving resources that comprehensively explore and review all aspects of Fleshlights from the company’s discreet billing and shipping, to the types of products they carry, how to use them, materials, and safety.
