What to Use Instead of a Vibrator: 14 Household Items You Can Use in Place of a Vibrator
Do you remember your first girlfriend or boyfriend? Remember your first kiss? How about your first orgasm? It’s hard for most women to forget their first orgasm! Having an orgasm can be amazing.
If you’ve never owned a vibrator before, nothing beats a machine designed for reaching climax, and we have some great suggestions in our guide to the best vibrators for beginners and some great budget options in our best affordable vibrators article or our Black Friday Sex Toys article.
Other good news is that you can order online and it will come in discreet packaging! However, nothing is more frustrating than not being able to achieve an orgasm without a vibrator, when there is no vibrator in sight!
We’ve brought together many household items that you may not have viewed as pleasure tools previously, but can do a fantastic job at helping you reach an orgasm! Read on for our list of 14 household items you can use as vibrator substitutes…
What to Use Instead of a Vibrator
First things first – please be aware that nothing is as good at being a vibrator as an actual vibrator! It makes sense – they’re designed for the task of giving you the most pleasure! The vibrations are just right and the materials they’re made from are perfect for skin contact.
That said, a survey of more than 900 people from ages 18 up to 71 years old, found that 70 percent of women in the group had used a household item for masturbation. Surprisingly, if you find yourself without a sex toy sex toy there are numerous items around the house that you may have not given much thought to before. Be creative!
1) Electric Toothbrush
This one is really a great option as it provides a steady vibration. With the firm, consistent vibration you can really feel it! My preference is to use the handle and avoid the bristles. Nevertheless, some people may enjoy the hairy attachment too, in which case, we recommend you have a dedicated attachment for that purpose. But if you really want to get sophisticated and are willing to make the investment, you can get a dedicated toothbrush attachment known as the “Tingle Tip”. In addition to the capability of delivering an orgasm, it is small and quiet which allows you to discreetly use this in a variety of places.
2) Washing Machine
An older, but well-known method is the washing machine. When your washer is on the spin cycle it can really put out a decent amount of vibration. You can add heavy items such as jeans, towels or blankets to one side of the washer tube. This creates an imbalance in the spin which in turn causes sporadic movement of the machine. Have you seen Mad Men? Here’s a memorable scene where Betty Draper discovers the joys of a strongly vibrating washer.
Once the machine gets going you can take a seat on the edge to feel the impact. Although this may not be the best option for someone who prefers a real intense vibration, it does work well for those that have sensitivities.
3) Cell Phone
These days practically everyone owns a cell phone. The majority of these phones have the vibrate settings by default. These days you can find an app for everything, cell phone vibrators are no exception! When you need quick relief you can download one of these apps:
Best Vibrator PRO – This app is available on both Apple and Android devices. Even better it can be downloaded for free. It will even vibrate with the screen off.
Vibrator Massage iVibe (iOS) / Gvibe Vibrating Massager (Android) – This app is available on both Apple and Android devices. There is no charge to download this.
MeVibe – This Android app can provide 7 different vibrating functions. It’s free to download through the Google Play Store.
4) TENS Unit (Electrodes)
Most often TENS units are used to relieve muscle aches, but when placed on the inner thighs these units can provide strong pulsations to your genitals. This pulsating action of a TENS machine can really build up and cause an intense orgasm. You can even place them on the outer genital areas, even on the lowest setting this can provide extreme sensations. It would be best to make sure that any areas that you will be applying the pads are clear of any hair. The pads can be rather sticky and could become painful if hair is to become attached to the pads.
5) Back or Neck Massager
This has been a popular at-home item that has been used for quite a while. Famously, in the 1960sHitachi designed a great neck and shoulder massager, which proved to be amazing on the clitoris. Very easy to use as it vibrates in a very similar pattern to most standard vibrators. You just can’t help admiring a piece of equipment that can provide a true total body massage! Magic wand vibrators are indeed magical!
6) Showerheads / Hot Tub Jets
Another method that has stood the test of time is detachable showerheads and power jets. Both have the same concept. The water pressure creates an intense stimulation similar to that of a traditional vibrator – with the added bonus that, afterward, you can enjoy a bath or shower without having to move!
7) Electric Face Scrubber
Mainly used for skincare, your face scrubber can be used to stimulate your clitoris using the rotating soft bristle attachment. If you are sensitive in that region, you can turn it around and apply pressure using the base of the scrubber.
8) Stereo System
This one may seem surprising, but if you happen to have a stereo system with a great bass speaker or subwoofer this item might get the job done! Turn on some of your favorite music that has a heavy base, then you can rest against the speaker in a comfortable position. You will literally feel the music!
9) Vibrating Stuffed Animals
Okay we know this one may seem a little out of bounds, however surprising some stuff animals come with strong vibrating elements inside. This can provide a steady, but soft stimulation when you press against it. Obviously we don’t recommend you use a child’s, it would be best that you have a special one that specifically is for your use only, stored away in a manner no child would have access to the toy.
10) Electronic Nail File
With the similarities in regards to spinning mechanisms in electronic toothbrushes, electric nail files can be a great choice for a vibrator. Turning the file on and using the base can really bring you more satisfaction. Hey what is better than great nails and great orgasms!
11) Chinese Meditation Balls
Okay, this item does not vibrate, but it certainly does the job! Even without any motors or electric components, these stress-relieving balls do a great job of producing a gentle humming or vibrating sensation! They are sleek and easy to insert, but we do recommend a condom for hygiene purposes. The balls come in a variety of sizes, which make them a great travel companion.
12) Hand Mixer
For this one you want to use caution. We never recommend using this with any tools attached. In fact, anything that is sharp and pointy should be kept far from your vulva. Just power this machine up, you can use something such as a pillowcase or your underwear in between your body and the mixer to add another layer of protection.
13) Electric Hair Trimmer
Electric hair trimmers can provide quick and firm vibrations to your clit. You want to make sure not to have any attachments on the device while in operation. You can remove the head of the trimmer, if it has a small plastic vibrating piece that will provide a lot of stimulation. However, this could be a bit rough. we recommend covering the plastic with something that will pad it or using the sides/base of the trimmer for a more gentle approach.
14) Game System Controller
Do you play video games? Most modern game console controllers come with a built-in ‘rumble’ function, ie. Vibrations! Some women may really enjoy this tool, as it can provide both entertainment and pleasure! The challenge is to keep the vibrations going – scraping a virtual car along a virtual wall in a driving game can keep the very un-virtual vibes going!
Bonus: Non-Vibrating Household Items to Use For Self Pleasure
If you’re looking for items to use in place of a vibrator that will allow your hands a needed assist, we have a few notable mentions. In most households you will be able to find items like cucumbers, bananas, squash, shampoo bottles, and brush handles. All serve well when in need of a phallic-shaped object to tickle your clit! However, we don’t recommend these options for penetrative games.
Final Thoughts
Erotica is a natural thing, there is nothing wrong with having some solo fun or with adding a toy when having sex with your partner! When you are masturbating don’t be scared to be inventive, try new things, the possibilities are endless!
Remember to clean and sanitize all objects before and after your pleasure sessions. Also, before using any non-conventional items to pleasure yourself check for any glass, sharp edges, or potential dangers. Before using any unconventional item, make sure to take protective measures, such as starting masturbation with underwear on to check intensity and safety.
Of course, when it comes to vibrators, nothing beats the real thing! If you’re new to the wonderful world of vibrators, we have an article with some great suggestions for beginner vibrators. If you and your partner want to start this journey together, make sure you check our best vibrators for couples guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which items have some of the quietest vibration?
Chinese Meditation balls, vibrating stuffed animals, Tens units, game system controllers, and cell phones would probably be considered some of the quietest options.
Which items have some of the fastest vibration?
The electronic items such as the toothbrush, face scrubber and shaver provide quick vibrations.
Which are some of the items that vibrate the hardest?
A detachable showerhead or the hot tub jets really apply a lot of firm pressure and vibration. In addition to those, the electric toothbrush delivers quite a firm vibration pattern!
Should I use lubricant?
If you are familiar with sex toys – the ones manufactured with that intention in mind – you will know that manufacturers always recommend the use of lube. Apart from making things easier to insert – for those who are after penetration – they can really assist in keeping your skin from becoming too dry/sensitive which can turn pleasure to pain quickly!
