Latex and Rubber Clothing – Care and Storage
With normal use, latex and rubber clothing will last for years. However, it’s a special material – like wool or silk – that requires proper care to stay beautiful.
What is normal use?
Putting on, wearing, and taking off.
What is not normal use?
Pulling excessively, forcing yourself into a garment that’s too small, pushing fingers or other objects into the latex, stretching it over mannequins or objects, leaving it for nights in water or soapy water, putting it in the microwave, washing machine, or dryer... etc.
● Store latex flat in a dry and dark place.
● Keep out of light (sun, UV, daylight, tanning beds, etc.) to prevent discoloration and drying out.
● Do not freeze latex; ideally store above 6°C.
● Avoid contact with metals; over time, chemical reactions cause rust stains that cannot be removed.
● Avoid smoke/nicotine, perfume, deodorant, oil, sweat, and blood.
● Keep away from burning cigarettes; even brief contact can cause a small hole that may tear further.
● After use, wash in warm to hot water with mild hand soap or dish soap (e.g. Dreft, Dubro, or supermarket brand), rinse, and dry with a soft cloth. Dust the inside with talcum powder and apply latex polish or shine spray on the outside.
● Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or iron latex. (Yes, it can be done, but it will damage the material over time.)
● Do not stack different latex colors; colors may transfer (bleed).
● Do not leave latex in water for hours or overnight – it will discolor.
● Water stains may appear but will disappear on their own.
● After washing, latex may look slightly lighter in color; this will return to normal as it dries.
● Latex must be 100% dry before storing. It’s better to let it dry for a few extra days than to store it damp. Moist latex will stick, fuse, or mold.
● Latex and leather do not go well together!
This list is not exhaustive – use common sense and treat latex clothing with care, and you’ll enjoy it for years.
Tip!
Always use latex polish, shine spray, or similar products outdoors or with a towel underneath! If spilled, or if a bottle tips over, or spray lands on the floor, everything becomes extremely slippery and hard to clean (see below).
Spilled something? Used it indoors? Everything slippery?
If you’ve spilled maintenance products or used spray in a bathroom, on tiles, parquet, etc., everything becomes slippery! Always use these products outside or cover the area with a towel.
How to clean it:
● Start by wiping off most of the spill with a dry towel or cloth.
● Then clean with a damp cloth (not soaked).
● Mop again with hot water and an all-purpose cleaner (check that your surface can handle it).
● “Dusty” cleaner (from Wibra) is also great for degreasing (again, check compatibility).
● You may need to repeat several times (unfortunately…).
