What Can I Use as a Vibrator? Safe DIY & Toy Alternatives

If you’ve typed what can I use as a vibrator, you’re probably looking for quick, discreet ideas that won’t hurt your body—or your wallet. The short answer: purpose‑built toys are safest. If you do improvise, stick to external‑only stimulation, avoid anything that can break or scratch, add plenty of lube, and clean everything that touches your genitals. Health orgs also recommend condoms on shared toys and a new condom if the toy touches someone else or switches from anal to vaginal use. 

Below you’ll find a calm, practical guide to safer DIY ideas, what not to try, and simple, affordable alternatives you can buy when you’re ready—plus clear answers to common searches like what to use as a vibrator, how to make a vibrator, and things to use as dildos.

Quick takeaway: If you’re improvising, keep it external, clean, smooth, and well‑lubed—and know when to step up to a real toy. Oil‑based lubes weaken latex condoms; choose water‑ or silicone‑based instead. 

Before anything else: the safety baseline

• Sanitize & protect. Wash anything that touches your genitals; if an item is shared or switches between bodies/areas, put a new condom on it first. 
• External > internal. Household items aren’t designed for mucosal tissue; keep them outside your body. (Insertables should be purpose‑built, nonporous, and easy to clean.) 
• Lots of lube. Use water‑ or silicone‑based lubricant; avoid oils with latex condoms (they can break).
• For anal play: Only use toys with a flared base—never insert improvised items. This prevents “lost toy” emergencies. 
• Clean up right. Warm water + mild soap after every session; let items dry fully. 

“What can I use as a vibrator?” — 7 safer external‑only ideas

These options focus on outside‑the‑body stimulation and include cautions so you can play it safer while you’re waiting for a real toy.

1. Showerhead or gentle water stream
   A classic: a steady or pulsing stream focused on the vulva or perineum. Keep the temperature comfortable and the pressure moderate; clean the showerhead periodically (biofilm can harbor germs). External water play is generally fine with basic precautions.
2. Handheld back massager
   On the lowest setting, through a towel or underwear, a small back/neck massager can deliver diffuse vibration. Avoid percussion guns directly on genitals—too intense for delicate tissue. (If you try, keep a soft barrier and stop at the first sign of discomfort.) General sex‑toy safety guidance emphasizes choosing body‑safe materials and avoiding harsh surfaces.
3. Electric toothbrush (handle only, external only)
   Some lists mention this. If you experiment, use the handle against the mons pubis or the clitoral hood area through underwear or a soft cloth. Never insert it, never use bristles on skin, and keep pressure light—experts warn toothbrushes can cause micro‑abrasions if used directly. When in doubt, skip it.
4. Vibrating facial‑cleansing brush (external)
   If it’s smooth silicone and easy to sanitize, a facial brush on low can offer gentle external buzz. Clean it thoroughly before/after and keep play strictly external. (In general, nonporous materials like silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, glass are easier to sanitize.) 
5. Smartphone vibration (external, in the case)
   Place the cased phone over clothing on low vibration (timer or app). Risks: heat buildup, hygiene, and rough edges—keep sessions short and sanitize afterwards. This is a stop‑gap, not a long‑term solution.
6. Water‑damp washcloth + fingertips
   The simplest “DIY vibrator”: lubricated fingers with a warm, soft cloth pressed over the clitoral hood or perineum, using pulsing or circling motions. If you’re sharing hands, wash before switching bodies/areas.
7. Fantasy + media (aka “things to jerk off to”)
   Sometimes you don’t need vibration at all—erotica, ethical porn, or audio stories can amplify arousal as much as “things to use as a vibrator.” Focus on comfort and consent; masturbation has broadly positive health associations for stress and sleep.

Important: Many blogs list household items as “toys.” Use those roundups as inspiration, not medical advice; keep a safety‑first filter.

What not to use (and why)

• Fruits/vegetables, candles, glass bottles, hairbrushes, sharp or breakable objects → can splinter, leak, or cut delicate tissue; may break internally.
• Anything inserted anally without a flared base → can get sucked in; that’s an ER visit. Choose only anal‑specific toys with a wide base.
• Porous, unsealed materials (jelly rubber, some vinyls) → harder to sanitize; consider a condom barrier and thorough cleaning if you must use them.

The safest policy for “things to use as dildos” or “things to use as dildo” is actually don’t. If insertion is part of what you want, step up to purpose‑made, body‑safe toys—the risk/benefit is just better.

“How to make a vibrator” or “how to make a sex toy at home”: the honest answer

You’ll find DIY tutorials online, but health educators stress caution: homemade devices can damage skin, harbor bacteria, or fail mid‑use. If you’re determined to make a sex toy at home, keep it external only and favor smooth, nonporous materials that are easy to sanitize (e.g., silicone, stainless steel, glass)—and still put safety first (cleaning + condoms if shared). Better yet, consider a small, affordable purpose‑built vibe as your “DIY alternative you didn’t have to build.” 

The safer shortcut: small, discreet, purpose‑built vibrators

Purpose‑built toys are designed for body safety, easy cleaning, and reliability—they’re discreet, quiet, and often cheaper than you think.

• Explore Remote‑Controlled Vibrators for hands‑light play, date‑night teasing, or reliable solo sessions without improvisation.
• Want tiny and travel‑friendly? A remote bullet keeps things compact and targeted—see Invisible Pink Remote‑Controlled Bullet Vibrator as an example of a starter‑friendly option.

Why upgrade sooner than later?

• Nonporous materials clean easily (reduce infection risk).
• Designed shapes avoid sharp edges or pinch points.
• Better lube compatibility (and manuals that spell it out).
• Safer sharing with condoms and clear care steps from reputable health orgs. 

Lube & barrier basics (so improvised play stays safer)

• Water‑ or silicone‑based lube = condom‑safe; oil‑based can weaken latex (risk of breakage).
• Anal play needs extra lube; butts don’t self‑lubricate. Never insert anything anally without a flared base.
• Condoms on toys: put a fresh condom on before the toy touches someone new or switches from anus to vagina/mouth. Wash or change condoms between users.

Cleaning & storage (applies to DIY and real toys)

1. Wash with warm water + mild, unscented soap after each session; motorized toys shouldn’t be submerged unless rated for it.
2. Let everything air‑dry fully before storing in a clean pouch or drawer.
3. If you used a condom on a toy, still wash the toy afterward (and never reuse condoms).

Quick decision guide: DIY now or buy a toy?

Frequently Asked Questions 

What can I use as a vibrator right now if I don’t have one?

Try external‑only options: a gentle shower stream, a low‑power massager through a towel, or lubed fingertips with a warm washcloth. Clean surfaces, add lube, and keep sessions brief. When you can, step up to a real toy for safety and results. 

Is an electric toothbrush safe?

Not ideal. If you try it, keep it external, use the handle (never bristles), avoid pressure, and sanitize afterwards. Better yet, a small purpose‑built vibrator is safer. 

Can I use household things as dildos (insertables)?

Strongly discouraged. Objects can break, cut, or get stuck, especially anally without a flared base. Choose only purpose‑made insertables. 

How do I make a vibrator or how to make a sex toy at home?

DIY electronics and insertables carry risks. If you must DIY, keep stimulation external, favor nonporous, smooth surfaces you can sanitize, and still use condoms if sharing. Real toys are the safer route. 

Are showerheads safe for masturbation?

Generally fine with basic precautions (clean the showerhead; moderate pressure/temperature). Avoid internal douching to prevent infections. 

What lube should I use?

Water‑ or silicone‑based lube. Don’t use oil with latex condoms (oil weakens latex). 

Where can I buy discreetly instead of DIY?

Online shops list specs (material, warranty) and ship discreetly. If you prefer in‑person, search “adult sex store near me”; staff can help you compare options. For a curated start, see Remote‑Controlled Vibrators or a tiny remote bullet.

The gentle bottom line

If you’re wondering what to use as a vibrator, the safest plan is: external‑only improvising today, a real toy tomorrow. Keep play clean, smooth, and well‑lubed; skip insertion with household items; and use condoms on shared toys. When you’re ready to upgrade, a small remote‑controlled bullet gives you targeted power, easy cleaning, and peace of mind—no hacks required. Start with Remote‑Controlled Vibrators or a tiny remote bullet like Invisible Pink if you want discreet, reliable pleasure.