What Can I Use as a Dildo? Pros, Cons and Considerations

When it comes to sexual pleasure, many people turn to household items. Many are also curious about what else they can use as dildo substitutes.

In this article, we will share 10 items that are commonly used as a dildo replacement – along with their pros, cons, and scores for satisfaction (how well can it satisfy), realism (how realistic is it compared to a real male genital), and safety (how safe is it to use).

Dildo Alternatives: Word of Caution

Please remember that household items can be fun dildo alternatives, but ultimately, they’re not designed for sexual use. They will always come with a degree of safety and hygiene considerations (detailed guidelines in below section). In short – to ensure maximum safety, we always recommend:

• Going slow first
• Thoroughly clean (before and after use)
• Using a condom
• Using lubricant
• Being in a safe position

10 Items to Use as a Dildo

1. Fruits and Vegetables:

An age, old classic. Fruits and vegetables are a common dildo choice, and have been used by many over the centuries. If you’re interested in trying this out, we recommend using smooth vegetables.

Popular choices include: aubergine (eggplant), cucumbers, carrots, bananas, zucchinis, leek, or corn on the cob. Start by picking a size that you’re most comfortable with.

Pros:

• Easily accessible from grocery stores
• Inexpensive
• Come in various shapes and sizes - think smoothness, ridges, curves, thickness and more…
• Allow for constant experimentation and new experiences
• Easy to be discreet – if placed in kitchen or dining area
• Have more of a ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ feel - balance of firmness, softness, flexibility and not too hard, which are essential for more realistic pleasure
• Have curves and bends

Cons:

• Can break, fragment or splinter (especially if not used with a condom)
• Can have potential bacteria or unwanted residue on exterior, if not washed properly
• Not easily plantable or attach to surfaces to ride
• Be mindful of juices leaking if over squeezed and not used with a condom
• May raise suspicion if left in bedroom or bathroom

Satisfaction Score: 4/5
Realism Score: 4/5
Safety Score: 4/5

2. Electric Toothbrush:

Many make the switch from manual to electric toothbrush for more convenient oral care. It can also double up as an easy vibrating dildo and sex toy. If this piques your interest, we recommend only using the handle end, as it’s safer and has less potential for injury.

Pros:

• Easily accessible
• Quite sturdy, harder to break
• Different colour options available
• Some handles have built in soft grip or padding – adds texture and softness
• Buttons, ridges, grooves can add extra stimulation
• Not too big – good for beginners
• Easily portable, great for travelling
• Vibrates! Can double up as a vibrating dildo, vibrator or clitoral massager
• Easy to be discreet – can be placed anywhere at home
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Lack of size options – smaller size ideal for many, but can be too small for others
• Shape may not be as satisfying
• Lack of curves or bends
• Vibration may not be strong enough for sexual pleasure
• Can still break (from aggressive use) – hard plastic breaking can cause sharp pieces
• Can cause injuries due to hardness, if not careful
• Can be planted, but may not be very stable and can cause injury

Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Realism Score: 2/5
Safety Score: 3/5

3. Candle:

Romantic and relaxing. Other than for ambiance, many use them as dildo substitutes. If this speaks to you, we recommend choosing a candle with a good length, so you can easily hold on to it during usage. Pick one with a comfortable thickness for you. Long, thin candles can be a good start. You can always fit a bunch of them together in a condom to increase thickness later.

We recommend staying away from candles made with paraffin wax, as this material isn’t safe for body insertion, and can easily break and fragment. Try to go for more body-safe, organic options, such as candles made with beeswax or soy wax. Always check the ingredients and avoid inserting cheap, budget candles. We also do not recommend lighting the candle.

Pros:

• Various sizes, length, thickness and colour options – more adaptable to different preferences
• Smoother than plastic – better sensation for gripping and insertion
• Some come with pleasant scents – adds to a more relaxing, calming session
• Easy to be discreet – can be placed anywhere at home

Cons:

• Can break easy, or fragment
• Small wax particles may come off during use, if not used in conjunction with a condom
• Purchasing safer candles that are more body safe and organic, may require more effort or harder to find May still feel too hard for many, as they’re not very flexible or bendable
• Not many shape choices – tend to be straight
• Lack of curves and bends
• Not easily plantable or attach to surfaces to ride
• Not have stimulating textures on the exterior

Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Realism Score: 3/5
Safety Score: 2/5

4. Showerhead:

Whether you prefer a gentle rainfall or a powerful jet stream, the right showerhead can elevate not just your shower experience, but also your sex toy experience.

We’re all familiar with using showerheads as a clitoral massager, but if you’re aiming for dildo use, we recommend only using showerheads that have a smaller, narrower head size that can fit and feel comfortable. For broader, wider showerheads, try twisting it off and use the narrow end instead.

Pros:

• Easily accessible in most bathrooms
• Can provide a strong and steady stream of water for clitoral stimulation
• Convenient - can be used when showering or taking a bubbly bath
• Very study and hard to break, generally made from metal materials
• Smooth and some have slight curve
• Easy to be discreet by leaving them in the bathroom, and shouldn’t cause much suspicion even if left anywhere else in the house
• Easy to clean
• Provides a smooth exterior during penetration

Cons:

• Water pressure may not be strong enough for some individuals
• Shape may not be ideal for penetration
• Not all showerheads will work, some may be too large and feel too uncomfortable
• Metal can feel too hard for some
• Can cause injuries, if not used carefully
• Not easily plantable or attach to surfaces to ride
• Not have stimulating textures on the exterior

Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Realism Score: 2/5
Safety Score: 4/5

5. Hairbrush Handle:

Chances are, you might have a bunch of hairbrushes at home. This makes them a popular dildo alternative. If you’re looking to try this out, we recommend using the hairbrush handle. Look for ones with a good cylindrical, rounded shape. Some also have built in ergonomic features and padding, which could increase comfort and stimulation. Avoid handles that are sharp or pointy.

Pros:

• Easily accessible
• Inexpensive
• Quite study, generally hard to break
• Lots of size, thickness and colour options – good for beginners and advanced users
• Lots of material options – such as plastic, wood, metal, silicone
• Silicone handles are a great alternative, giving a lot more comfort, softness and realism
• Easily portable
• Easy to be discreet – can be placed anywhere at home
• Easy to clean
• Provides a smooth exterior during penetration

Cons:

• Gripping the hairbrush end might be uncomfortable and awkward to hold
• Can still break and cause sharp fragments, if used too aggressively (depending on the material)
• Can be too hard for some, as handles are designed to be rigid
• Can cause injuries, if not used carefully
• Likely to not have curves or bends to satisfy the right spots
• May not have very stimulating textures
• Generally, not very long and may not be long enough for some
• Not easily plantable or attach to surfaces to ride

Satisfaction Score: 4/5
Realism Score: 3/5
Safety Score: 4/5

6. Silicone Spatula and Wooden Spoon Handle:

Not just for flipping pancakes, kitchen spatulas and spoons could have a lot of love to give as a dildo substitute. If this interests you, we recommend using the handle side. Silicone handles would generally feel the most comfortable, as silicone is one of the best materials for sex toys (though sex toys generally use a higher grade). However, wooden spoons could also work, along with any other type of kitchen utensil that you see fit.

Pros:

• Can be easily gripped and held onto
• Provides a firm and smooth surface for penetration
• Silicone options will add a bit more softness
• Good length for most average users
• Different colour options available
• Harder to break
• Easy to clean (most materials)
• Easily accessible
• Can be inexpensive
• Easy to be discreet – especially in kitchen, but can be placed anywhere at home, without causing much suspicion

Cons:

• Can still break and cause sharp fragments, if used too aggressively (depending on the material)
• Wood can have splinters
• Can be too hard and rigid
• Can cause injuries, if not used carefully
• Limited shape options – likely standard straight, cylindrical
• Likely to not have much curves or bends to satisfy the right spots
• Not have stimulating textures on the exterior
• Generally, not very thick for those looking for bigger width

Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Realism Score: 3/5
Safety Score: 4/5

7. Shampoo Bottle:

Got empty ones lying around? Many repurpose shampoo bottles as a dildo, for creative sexual pleasure. If you’re choosing this option, we recommend starting with narrower, thinner shapes at first. You could always gradually increase the thickness to your liking, as you become more experienced. We also recommend picking ones that have a good length, so it’s easier for you to control and hold. If they’re too small, you may risk having it stuck!

Any other plastic bottle could work in theory as well. We don’t recommend using glass bottles or wine bottles, as they’re easier to break and can create sharp fragments.

Pros:

• Can be easily gripped and held onto (if has a good length)
• Provides a smooth exterior during penetration
• Softer plastic – won’t be as hard as some other choices
• Good length options for most average users
• Variety of sizes, thickness and colours – good for beginners and advanced users
• Harder to break or snap
• Top or bottom of the bottle can be used for different sensations
• Easy to clean
• Easily accessible
• Inexpensive
• Easy to be discreet – can be placed anywhere at home

Cons:

• Can dent or collapse
• Can still feel a bit too hard for some
• Can cause injuries, if not used carefully
• Limited shape options – likely standard straight, cylindrical
• Likely to not have much curves or bends to satisfy the right spots
• Not have stimulating textures on the exterior

Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Realism Score: 2/5
Safety Score: 4/5

8. Baseball Bat:

Baseball bats are a common prop used by adult performers in adult scenes and webcam shows. Their gradual thickness makes them unique compared to other choices.

Pros:

• Big size, great thickness for advanced users
• Can find smaller options
• Can be easily gripped and held onto
• Grip stop at the end of handle, making it harder to slip
• Some come with rubber or leather on the handle (added softness)
• Provides a smooth exterior during penetration
• Good length, for deeper penetration and hard-to-reach spots
• Has a narrow to thick shape, which can be fun during insertion – go up to what feels comfortable
• Built to be durable, hard to break
• Can use both ends for different experimentation
• Different material and colour options – wood, aluminium, composite or softer toy options
• Easily accessible
• Easy to be discreet – can be placed anywhere at home
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Not ideal for beginners, can be too big and thick
• Can cause injuries, if not used carefully
• Wood can have splinters
• Can still break if riding against hard surface (depending on material)
• Hard to plant and stabilise on a surface
• Can be very hard for some, lacks flexibility
• No curves or bends to satisfy the right spots
• Not have stimulating textures on the exterior

Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Realism Score: 2/5
Safety Score: 3/5

9. Tennis Racket Handle:

Just like a baseball bat, the handle of a tennis racket is an interesting option. The unique shape and features of the handle make it a go-to for the more adventurous.

Pros:

• Big size, great thickness for advanced users
• Can be easily gripped and held onto
• Can come with grip tape or grip textures, for added stimulation
• Padding on grip adds a bit of softness
• Good length, for deeper penetration and hard-to-reach spots
• Options for thicker or thinner handle available
• Different colour options available
• Built to be durable, hard to break
• Easily accessible
• Easy to be discreet – can be placed anywhere at home

Cons:

• Not ideal for beginners, can be too big and thick
• Shape of handle may not feel that great for some
• Can cause injuries, if not used carefully
• Hard to plant and stabilise on a surface
• Can be too hard for some, lacks flexibility
• No curves or bends to satisfy the right spots
• The racket net end might feel awkward to hold

Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Realism Score: 2/5
Safety Score: 3/5

10. TV Remote Control:

Different remote shapes and buttons could create unique sensations for dildo play. If this speaks to you, we recommend finding one that meets your size preference. Do take out the batteries, so you’re not accidentally flipping channels during your intimate session. Also, try to find one that has a good length for you to grip. Remotes that are too small can get lost or stuck inside of you!

Pros:

• Different sizes and thickness available
• Buttons can heighten sensations
• Some may have slight curves and dents, for extra stimulation
• Different colour options available
• Harder to break
• Easily accessible
• Easy to be discreet – can be placed anywhere at home

Cons:

• Shape may not be ideal or feel that great
• Can cause injuries, if not used carefully
• Hard to plant and stabilise on a surface
• Hard plastic can feel too hard for some
• Generally not that long – can’t penetrate as deep and risk of getting lost or stuck
• Harder to clean

Satisfaction Score: 2/5
Realism Score: 1/5
Safety Score: 3/5

Dildo Substitute Safety Considerations

While everyday items can be a fun and cost-effective way to spice up your sex life, it is important to consider the safety and hygiene factors. Do always keep in mind that these items are not designed for sexual use. They will all come with a degree of safety, hygiene and injury risk.

Beyond this list of household dildo items, there are lots more that could be potentially used as a dildo. There are no limits to what can be experimented on, as long as you experiment safely.

Follow these safety principles:

Dildos Are Still the Best and Safest Option

At the end of the day, a purpose-built dildo will always be your best option for a dildo. When it comes to maximum satisfaction, realism and safety – it’s hard to find a replacement for a proper dildo.

Pros:

• Affordable and accessible online
• Lots of different designs, textures, colours, firmness, and sizes – great for anyone’s personal preference
• Much safer than everyday household items
• Much more satisfying experience
• Much more realistic sensation – with right balance of flexibility, softness, firmness and curves
• Options for highly stimulating textures – such as veins, bumps, ridges, or fantasy details like tentacles, dragon textures
• Easily plantable and stabilise on, or against, any surface, with suction cup base (great for riding and hands-free action)
• Waterproof options available
• Body-safe material options
• Premium-grade silicone options (highest, safest grade for body use)
• Specifically designed for sexual use
• Discreet shipping and packaging options available

Cons:

• Not as easily accessible as household items
• Can be more expensive than regular household items (but can be worth it!)
• Once opened from discreet packaging, not as discreet if left openly in your home

Satisfaction score: 5/5
Realism score: 4-5/5 (Depending on item and material)
Safety score: 5/5

Dildos Are More Affordable and Accessible Than You Think

Dildos are now more affordable and accessible than ever, especially with the added convenience of online shopping and online sex shops. We no longer live in a time where dildos are hard commodities to come by. If you’re looking for the best and safest sexual experience at home, why not also try a proper dildo.

Order Body-safe Dildos Online

At Exo Reya, we encourage passion and healthy sexual exploration. We believe that sexual wellbeing, is an important part of overall wellbeing. If you’re interested in trying out a dildo, you can explore our range of dildos. We recommend browsing our collection of fantasy dildos and classic dildos. All come with free shipping and discreet packaging.

Other than us, there are lots of options online available. Be sure to go with a trustworthy brand and read verified customer reviews before purchase.

Want to Read More?

You might like these blog articles:

• How to Use a Dildo: Your Ultimate Guide to Self-Pleasure
• Designing an Intimate Bedroom: A Guide to Reigniting Passion
• Beginner's Guide to Vibrators

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*Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes, based on our research and surveys. We do not endorse any household item as safe or risk-free dildo alternatives. If you do choose to experiment, please do so at your own risk, and take proper safety and hygiene measures. We are not liable for any personal experimentation decisions, misuse or injury. If any injury or emergency does occur, please seek immediate medical attention. Thanks for understanding, and we hope you enjoyed this article!