It is very important for the longevity of your latex garment that you take good care of it. Wash it after every use, cover it in special silicone oil for latex to protect the surface (some may prefer talcum) and store it in a bag in a dark dry place. That's the essence of latex care.
Important Precautions
- Latex garments that have been worn should be washed immediately afterwards, since make-up, sweat and body liquids affect latex.
- Do not use any skin care products, such as cream, lotions or perfume, if you plan to wear latex later.
- Never use a different kind of oil (baby oil, plant oil etc.) or a product containing fats as a dressing aid. It would destroy latex very quickly.
- Avoid contact with copper and all non-ferrous metals (money, belt buckles, jewelry) as they cause discoloration.
- Avoid exposing latex clothing items to direct sunlight for prolonged time periods. Sunlight contains UV-rays which harm the material.
- Latex should not come in close contact with other textile materials, metallic objects or latex of a different colour.
How to Wash
Wash your latex garments with a special latex washing liquid or some mild shampoo in warm water in the wash hand basin or the bathtub. You can even wash it in the washing machine (wool/silk program, no tumbling, no softener).
After washing, fill up a bucket with lukewarm water and add some drops of silicone oil. Pull your freshly washed latex garments through that bucket and hang it up to dry. This provides a glossy surface on the inside and outside.
How to Store
Your latex garments should be stored in a dark place in a bag. You can hang them in a cloth bag or fold them nice and neat, put them in a plastic bag and store them in a cabinet or box.
Properly washed and dried latex garments should be coated with a silicon oil specially for latex to protect the surface. This procedure prevents the latex garments from adhesion during storage.