rubber care
Rubber clothing can be a stylish and unique addition to your wardrobe, but it requires special care to maintain its appearance and longevity. Whether you’re new to rubber clothing or a seasoned wearer, following the right cleaning, storage, and maintenance techniques is essential. Here’s how to keep your rubber garments looking their best.
How to clean your Rubber Clothing
Proper cleaning is very important for maintaining your rubber garments. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Rinse or Soak
Begin by rinsing or soaking your garments in lukewarm water. This helps to remove sweat, oils, and any other residues. Avoid hot water as it can deform the rubber or weaken the seams.
2. Use mild soap
After rinsing, apply a mild soap or a specialized latex cleaner. Gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth or your hands to clean the rubber thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the rubber.
3. Rinse
Rinse the garment again thoroughly to ensure all soap residue is removed. Avoid wringing the garment which can cause damage.
4. Dry properly
The next step in cleaning your rubber clothing is to hang your rubber clothing to airdry in a cool, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight as this can cause fading and deterioration.
5. Shine
If you like to maintain a glossy finish on your rubber garments, consider using a good latex polish before applying a layer of silicone lube on the outside. If you are using talcum-powder to get into your rubber garment and you like a high-shine finish, avoid getting any on the outside of your garment as this can reduce the shine.
Storing your rubber clothing
Storing your rubber clothing correctly is just as important as cleaning them. Here are some tips on how to do it.
1.Apply talcum-powder
Before storing your rubber clothing, make sure your rubber is clean and dry before applying some perfume-free talcum-powder. This will prevent the rubber from sticking to itself (or other rubber garments) which will happen naturally over time to clean rubber.
2. Avoid direct sunlight
After, hang or lay your rubber clothing in a dark cupboard with no exposure to sunlight.
3. Hang, don’t fold
Storing on hangers isn’t a necessity, however, try to avoid folding your rubber garments as this can introduce creases into the material which cannot be ironed out. If you have no other option but to fold, use tissue paper or fabric (towels are fine) to help cushion the folds.
4. Avoid storing items of different colors together
You can store multiple pieces next to each other but avoid storing items of different colors together as higher intensity colors (burgundy for example) can stain lighter colors.
General care tips
To prolong the life of your rubber garments, keep these additional tips in mind.
Avoid reactive metals
Metals such as brass or copper can interact with rubber to cause stains, particularly in lighter colors.
2. Stay away from oil-based products
Oil-based products can damage and weaken the rubber, leading to an increased likelihood of tears. If contact occurs, clean immediately to minimize damage.
3. Do not store with silicon lube for a longer period of time
Silicone lubricant is our best friend when it comes to wearing our gear, but not for storage! Over time, silicone lube can interact with latex glue to weaken it which can lead to seams coming undone. Avoid storing your gear for a period of more than a week or so in silicone lube to prevent this from happening.
4. Handle with care
When putting on or taking off your rubber clothing, be gentle. Avoid using fingernails which can puncture the material. Instead use your whole hand to stretch the rubber over your body.
5. Regular maintenance
Clean your rubber after each wear to prevent buildup of sweat and oils that can lead to deterioration over time.
6. Creases can happen
If your rubber gets creased from folding, don’t worry too much. Hang the rubber up and over time the weight of the garment will help to reduce this. For tight-fitting rubber, the stretch of the material will mean that you generally won’t see any creases when wearing your rubber. For heavier gauge and/or looser-fitting rubber, we recommend being more careful to avoid creasing. When these still occur, give plenty of time to hang to de-crease.
By following these guidelines, you'll be able to enjoy your rubber garments for years to come, keeping them shiny, clean, and in excellent condition. Remember, proper care not only extends the life of your rubber clothing but also ensures you look your best every time you wear them.
