Considerations
There are several things to consider when displaying toys:
- Aesthetics | A display can be pleasing, utilitarian, or chaotic. Chaotic displays create a sense of disorganization and general messiness.
- Preservation and Damage | Sunlight, mold, and cleaning agents can cause toys to deteriorate, while oils and chemicals can leach from toys and damage other toys or the displays themselves.
- Controversy | The quantity, size, or mere presence of toys can cause uneasiness among guests, especially in a society that considers open discussion of sexuality and sexual behavior taboo.
- Accessibility | Easy access eliminates barriers to playing with toys. Toys stored in hard-to-reach areas are rarely used.
- Cleanliness and Tidiness | Open displays collect dust and can become disheveled as toys are removed and returned after play. Frequent cleaning and rearranging may be needed to keep them presentable.
Figure 1.X: Figure Caption in Title Case
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Preservation and Damage
Because good quality toys are not cheap, the primary consideration in toy display is preservation.
Figure 1.X: Toy's Outline on Shelving
Use of silicone and oil based lubes will likely result in transfer to shelving, even if your toy was washed thoroughly.
Display Guidelines | High Quality Toys
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Keep high-quality toys separated from low-quality toys made from other materials. Ideally, quarantine your low-quality toys in another separate area where oils and fumes cannot reach your high-quality toys.
Avoid using shelving, cabinets, and other surfaces that previously displayed low quality toys. Chemicals released through leaching and off-gassing may remain on these items.
- Place toys on smooth, level surfaces. Grates, gaps, and sharp edges may deform the material.
- Place pads beneath toys used with silicone- or oil-based lubricants. Even after cleaning, residual lubricant may migrate from beneath the surface and transfer to shelving or furniture.
Display Guidelines | Low Quality
- Never let these toys touch one another due to leaching and offgassing that melt neighboring toys.
- Avoid UV exposure, as this exacerbates degredation of material.
Residiual Staining
Any toy left on a surface can leach chemicals onto that surface. Options for cleaning depend on the surface itself.
- Baking Soda | On silicone stains, sprinkle a heavy layer of baking soda on the item and allow it to sit for 24 hours. Remove residual baking soda (vacumn, dry wipe, shake).
- Hair Conditioner | On silicone stains, rub hair conditioner onto the material and let it sit for an hour. Rinse or wash away conditioner.
- Power Wash | Spray and allow two minutes to soak before washing away.
- Acetone | Wet rag and wipe. Repeat every few minutes. Wash with soap and water after final attempt with acetone.
Figure 1.7 [ A — D ]: Solutions for Residiual Stains
Optional universal caption text that applies to the entire figure set. [ A ] Baking soda can absorb certain chemicals. [ B ] Dimethicone in hair conditioner degrades silicone residuals. [ C ] A simple wash with gentle soap and vinegar (power wash) has limited results [ D ] Acetone is a last resort and may damage gear, clothing, and furniture.
Always test on an inconspicuous area prior to attempting stain removal. Always use caution with acetone, as it can degrade many objects and should not be used directly on non-platinum cured silicone toys.
