Things to Use as a Vibrator (Safe Household Alternatives)
If you’ve ever typed “things to use as a vibrator” or “what to use as a vibrator” into a search bar, you’re not alone. Sometimes the mood hits when you don’t have a toy handy—or you’re curious about household items to masturbate with that feel good and won’t put your body at risk. This gentle, practical guide walks you through safe DIY alternatives, how to set them up, what to avoid, and when to upgrade to a purpose‑built vibe like a wand.
What actually makes a good “DIY vibrator”?
- Broad, steady vibration (feels cushioned and rumbly) rather than sharp, percussive thumps.
- Sealed surfaces you can cover/clean.
- Simple controls and no exposed edges.
- Dry‑area use for non‑waterproof gadgets.
Consumer and health guides also caution that percussive massage guns are built for large muscles; they’re powerful and not intended for delicate areas. Stick to gentle, broad vibration (think “wand” style) around sensitive anatomy.
12 safe(ish) household alternatives (external use only)
Below are things to use as a vibrator when you’re improvising. Each tip includes setup and a safety note. For ideas and tone, we drew on inclusive DIY explainers from Scarleteen and a roundup of common household picks (toothbrush, face brush, shower head, hairbrush handle, game controller) that appear in mainstream guides.
1) Electric toothbrush (use the non‑bristled end)
- How: Remove the brush head if possible, or flip to the smooth end. Cover with a condom; add lube on the skin.
- Why it works: Focused buzz you can aim around the clitoral hood or frenulum.
- Safety: External only; never in water when powered.
2) Facial cleansing brush (silicone heads)
- How: Place a thin cloth/condom barrier over the head, add lube, and sweep gently over external hotspots.
- Why it works: Broad, pulsing vibration mimics “fluttery” stimulation.
- Safety: Check it’s actually waterproof before any splashes; disinfect before facial use later.
3) Back/neck “personal massager” (wand style)
- How: Use the rounded head over the mons pubis, labia, or perineum. Keep sessions short if it’s very powerful.
- Why it works: Wide, rumbly stimulation feels closer to purpose‑made wands.
- Safety: External only; don’t use plug‑ins in the tub.
4) Shower head (external water play)
- How: Aim a gentle stream at the vulva from above or let it bounce off your hand first.
- Why it works: Warm, steady “patter” creates vibration‑like pulses.
- Safety: Keep it external; avoid internal water flow due to infection risk.
5) Phone vibration (through a towel)
- How: Set your phone to continuous vibrate, place it in a case under a folded towel, and grind lightly.
- Why it works: The towel diffuses the buzzy feeling into a soft pulse.
- Safety: Keep moisture away; clean your phone case after.
6) Hairbrush handle (external pressure only)
- How: With panties or a cloth as a buffer, use the padded end for gentle pressure and rocking.
- Why it works: Consistent pressure engages internal clitoral structures.
- Safety: Avoid insertion; check for seams/edges; cover with a condom if you prefer.
7) Game controller (vibration mode)
- How: Rest it (in a clean case or cloth) against the pubic mound during a vibration event in‑game.
- Why it works: Intermittent pulses can feel teasing.
- Safety: Not waterproof; keep fabric between skin and device.
8) Electric razor (handle end only)
- How: Remove the blade head; use the back/handle with a condom barrier and lube.
- Why it works: Focused buzz without the sharp parts.
- Safety: External only; no water while powered.
9) Pillow or folded towel (the grind pad)
- How: Add a drizzle of water‑based lube to a clean cloth over a small pillow; rock your hips for broad pressure.
- Why it works: Rhythmic grinding is a classic route to orgasm for many people.
- Safety: Launder fabrics after; keep lube off hard floors.
10) Removable shower wand + bath faucet combo
- How: If you have both, alternate a gentle faucet stream with wand pulses for variety.
- Why it works: Mix of steady and pulsing sensation keeps arousal building.
- Safety: Again, external only; avoid internal water flow.
11) Ice or warm compress (temperature play)
- How: Wrap an ice cube in cloth for a glide over external areas, or use a warm (not hot) compress.
- Why it works: Temperature contrast heightens nerve response.
- Safety: Don’t insert frozen items; frostbite risk is real.
12) “Personal massager” from the drugstore
- How: Many “back massagers” are sold in personal‑care aisles; use the rounded head externally.
- Why it works: Affordable, accessible, and often powerful.
- Safety: Follow manufacturer instructions; avoid water with plug‑ins.
What to avoid (common mistakes & high‑risk hacks)
- Percussive massage guns. They’re built to pummel large muscles, not sensitive genitals; consumer and health guides advise caution on sensitive/bony areas. Choose gentle vibration instead.
- Electric items + water. Unless something is explicitly waterproof, don’t mix electricity and baths/showers.
- Internal water jets. Keep shower streams external; internal water flow can push bacteria upward and raise infection risk.
- Breakables and sharp edges. Glass/ceramic not made for bodies can chip; aluminum cans and bottle rims can cut. Stick to smooth, padded, or covered surfaces.
- Sharing without barriers. If multiple people use the same item, use a new condom each time and clean thoroughly; sharing without hygiene can transmit STIs.
For a sense of how mainstream these improvisations are (and how to do them more safely), check inclusive DIY guides like Scarleteen’s and household‑item roundups from adult retail blogs. They commonly name electric toothbrushes, facial brushes, shower heads, hairbrush handles, and game controllers—with heavy emphasis on condoms, cleaning, and no electricity in water.
Lube & barrier basics (2 minutes that change everything)
- Best all‑around: Water‑based lube—condom‑safe, fabric‑friendly; you may need to reapply.
- Longer‑lasting: Silicone‑based lube—also condom‑safe; great glide, but can be harder to wash off.
- Avoid with latex: Oil‑based lubes (including coconut oil) degrade latex—use only with non‑latex barriers if you choose oils.
Cleaning & storage (keep DIY body‑safe)
- After each session: Remove and dispose of the condom on the item; wash any reusable surfaces with mild soap and warm water; dry fully. Healthline’s cleaning guide highlights why porous materials are harder to sanitize and why dry‑down matters.
- If sharing: New condom for each person and between body areas. Planned Parenthood and Healthline both note the STI risk from shared toys without barriers/cleaning.
- Retire items wisely: If something cracks, chips, or can’t be cleaned well—retire it.
Before you try anything: the 7 safety rules
- External only for electronics. Household gadgets that vibrate (toothbrushes, back massagers, facial brushes) are for external stimulation only. Don’t insert anything with an electrical current. Never use plug‑in devices in the tub or shower. Scarleteen’s DIY guides stress these limits clearly.
- Cover repurposed items with a condom. A fresh condom on the contact point makes cleanup easier and helps keep bacteria at bay—especially if an item is porous or hard to sanitize.
- Mind lube compatibility. Water‑based and silicone‑based lubes are condom‑safe; oil‑based lubes weaken latex and can cause breakage. (If you need oils, use non‑latex barriers like polyurethane.)
- No sharp, breakable, or splintery objects. Skip glass/ceramic not designed for body use, and anything that could chip or shed. Scarleteen’s “absolute rules” include avoiding anything that can shatter or puncture.
- Keep water play external. Shower heads and faucets can feel great on the outside. Avoid forcing water internally; campus health resources flag infection risks from contaminated showerheads and internal water flow.
- Sharing? Use new barriers and clean well. Sex‑ed sources note that sharing toys without proper cleaning/barriers can transmit STIs.
- For anal play, only use toys with a flared base. Do not insert household odds‑and‑ends anally—the rectum can “pull” objects inward; flared bases are non‑negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use as a vibrator at home—fast and safe?
Try the non‑bristled end of an electric toothbrush, a facial brush with a thin cloth barrier, or a back/neck personal massager used externally. Always keep electronics out of water and cover contact points with a condom.
Is it safe to use a shower head as a vibrator?
Yes, for external water play. Avoid internal water flow—health resources warn that forcing water inside can raise infection risk.
Can I get an STI from household items used as vibrators?
Not if only you use them and you clean them well—but sharing without barriers/cleaning can spread STIs. Use a fresh condom for each person and wash thoroughly.
Are massage guns okay to use down there?
No. They’re designed for large muscles; consumer/health sources advise caution on sensitive areas. Choose gentle, broad vibration instead.
Which lube should I use with DIY vibrators?
Water‑based or silicone‑based lubes are condom‑safe. Oil‑based lubes weaken latex—use only with non‑latex barriers if you go that route.
Any items I should never use as a vibrator?
Avoid anything sharp, breakable, or with exposed edges; don’t mix electricity and water; don’t insert household items anally (only flared‑base toys belong there).
People search “what can u use as a vibrator” or “things i can use as a vibrator”—what’s the simplest answer?
Pick soft, external, easily covered items (toothbrush back, facial brush, gentle massager), add lube + condom, and keep water and electricity separate. If you like the feel, a wand vibrator will do it better, safer, and quieter.
