How to Clean Latex Clothing

Latex Clothing has carved itself a niche in the fashion world, combining eye-catching style, futuristic appeal, and a flattering body-hugging shape. As attractive as latex looks, it does require special care. Latex isn't like the other fabrics you may be used to it is fragile, it sticks together with itself, it is sensitive to heat and oil, and it needs to be treated with the proper detergents or soaps. If you want your latex to be shiny, supple, and durable you will need to learn how to clean your latex correctly.

First, you should understand exactly what latex is. Unlike cotton or polyester, latex is a natural rubber made from the sap of rubber trees. Latex is durable and stretchy, but it is also susceptible to deterioration from chemicals, sunlight, and poor care houses. This is why the need to clean latex regular and correctly is not just about hygiene it is a method to protect your latex investment.

So what is the right way to clean latex clothing? The method is simple, you just have to be patient and gentle. The moment you take your latexcharms store garment off, don't just toss it in the laundry pile or leave it crumpled. Latex should be washed right after using it so that you can remove any body oils, sweat, talc, or whatever else you may have used to put it on or keep it on.

Start the cleaning process by filling a clean sink or a large tub with warm water. Do not use hot water, it will damage the latex.Add a small dab of a mild soap—a mild, unscented soap designed for delicate fabrics is best. Dish soap will work in a pinch, but baby shampoo is better, and even better than that would be a wash designed specifically for latex-latex. Displace the garment in the water for a minute or two. You should never scrub or wring latex! Scrubbing or wringing latex will stretch and tear it permanently.

Once your garment is clean, you can drain the soapy water and rinse the garment in fresh lukewarm water. This will take a while to rinse all the soap out, because you must remove all residual soap after cleaning latex! If you don’t get it all out, the soap will dry into the fabric and the latex will be tacky afterward. After rinsing, shake it gently to remove excess water and then you will want to lay the latex flat on a fresh dry towel. Roll the towel and the latex together gently to remove moisture. Do NOT twist or squeeze, or the latex might crease or bend under pressure.

Now the drying method, which is super important! Either hang the latex on a wide plastic hanger, or lay it flat on another dry towel. If you are hanging it, keep it out of direct sunlight and heat sources, such as radiators or hair-dryers. Sunlight will fade latex and then eventually it will crack, while heat will melt or distort it. Whatever you dry, you always want should air-dry completely. Depending on the thickness of the garment and the humidity, this could mean a few hours to overnight.

Once your latex clothing is dry, it’s time to shine it and store it! Latex has a natural matte look to it when it’s clean but most people tend to prefer a glossy look! You can bring out the high-gloss are using silicone-based latex shiner or spray solution.Apply the lubricant with your hands or a soft cloth, and make sure to spread it evenly. Don’t use oils or lotions that aren’t labelled for latex, as many oils will weaken latex, with some oils even breaking down latex.

Regarding storage, your latex clothing should be kept away from metal, heat and light. Always store latex clothing in a cool, dark place. If possible, hang your latex using plastic hangers, but they can also be folded and if you're going to do that, place some tissue paper between layers, just to be extra careful. Latex should never be touching copper or brass, which will leave permanent marks. You might also want to use a bag to help protect them even more!

With colourful latex it's also even more important. White, pink and other light colours can stain if being stored or washed near darker colours. To prevent colour transfer, wash light colours separately from dark colours, and never store them touching. If you're unsure of whether a colour latex is colourfast, test a small section, or place another barrier in between when storing.

Another important point: don’t use perfume, deodorant, make up or hair products when wearing latex! Many of those products include alcohol or various oils that will either discolour or degrade the latex. If you're preparing for a night out or photoshoot, put on everything and make sure everything is completely dry before you put your latex on.If your latex outfit has any zippers, other metal hardware, or glued sections you will want to take extra caution when cleaning. In particular, don't soak hardware in water for too long! If you do, you may rust it or weaken the adhesive. Spot clean those areas with a slightly damp cloth instead. If the glue is coming undone, or one of your pieces hardware feels loose, you will want to either talk to a latex repair specialist or the manufacturer about it before trying to fix it yourself.

People will ask whether or not they can wash latex in the washing machine, and the answer to that is no. Even on hand wash or delicate cycles that may be too rough for latex. Washing machines are generally too aggressive for latex, between the agitation and spinning and detergent levels, they can ruin latex. Dryers are even worse! They can melt latex right off the machine process, so hand washing only!

Disinfecting latex is another question that gets brought up quite a bit. Especially where items have been shared, or have been worn for periods of time out and about. Latex is standing in its entirety doesn't have any porous surface (unlike cotton, linen, or wool), but does have bacteria on the surface. After you do your cleaning, you can disinfect your latex after wearing it by spending a minute to wipe down the latex garment with a solution of diluted vinegar (1 part white vinegar and 10 parts water) and rinsing. Just make sure you use moderate amounts so you don't ruin your latex, and don't leave it on the latex for long!

If your latex has a tear or hole, don't panic! You can repair so many small issues yourself with latex clothing glue or repair kits. Just clean the area thoroughly, and glue as instructed. Allow to dry completely before putting it on. You may want to seek professional help for larger repairs, especially in areas of the garment where there is more stress (ex. like seams or zippers).

In conclusion, keeping your latex garments in good shape is as much a mental practice as much as a technique of cleaning and storing. Careful and careful practice will reward you with many years of wear, and second glances. You are laid reporter on your latex clothing discussion—and whether it be for fashion, performance, cosplay or just for fun, if you're someone who wears latex clothing frequently, setting a good practice routine of cleaning and storage will make sure, not only are you extending the life of your garment, it'll be like wearing each time for the first time.

Latex doesn't require high maintenance—who doesn't love some extra attention? And, if you do the cleaning and storage you will eventually see that clean, shiny, skin-tight latex reflecting the light just right, and of course, by then, it's totally worth it! So, next time you peel out of that awesome shiny green latex catsuit, pencil skirt or halter top, give your latex the respect that it deserves. Your wardrobe—and your wallet—will appreciate it!