How to Take Care of Latex Products

1. Before putting on the latex garment, it’s recommended to wash it with lukewarm water and soap. 

Doing so is important because new garments are likely to be covered in talcum powder and manufacturing residues used to prevent latex from sticking to itself. 

Depending on the size of your garment, wash it in a sink or a bathtub. Use water at 30–40°C with a small amount of dishwashing detergent. Place the latex garment in the water and gently swirl. Repeat it a few times, then rinse the garment with clean water. 

Be careful when washing light-colored latex in hard water, as its high mineral content may cause discoloration

2. Let your garment fully dry after washing. 

Hang a clean latex garment on a plastic hanger away from direct sunlight. Wipe it with a lint-free towel to remove excess water before applying talcum powder. 

3. Use dressing aids to make putting on and taking off your garment easier.

Latex clothing is made from natural rubber and requires dressing aids. These products reduce friction between the material and your skin, absorb moisture and prevent latex from sticking, tearing and bunching up. For dressing, you can use medical or cosmetic talcum powder or silicone-based lubricants. 

Turn your latex garment inside out and apply the dressing aids to the inner surface that will be in contact with your skin. Focus especially on the arm, leg and torso areas where the garment is the tightest. 

When applying talcum powder, use a spoon to distribute it or shake it directly from the container.  Once you have applied talcum powder, shake the garment to distribute it evenly over the material.  Be careful not to let powder get on the outside of your garment. 

When using a silicone-based lubricant, add it to the water and gently swirl your garment around. You may additionally apply a thin layer of the lubricant to your skin to make dressing easier.

4. Apply latex shiners to give your latex garment a polished look.

These products help maintain a shiny, eye-catching appearance, while also protecting the material. You can use shine sprays or liquid latex shiners. Apply them to the outside of your latex garment after applying a dressing aid to the inside. 

When using a spray, spray it on and buff it with a soft cloth or specially designed latex wipes that don’t scratch the surface during polishing. 

When using a liquid shiner, add the recommended amount to a basin of water and then rinse your garment in the solution, allowing the liquid to coat the surface.  

5. Put on a latex garment by stretching it with your whole hand  — not just with your fingers. 

Be careful not to tear it with your nails. If you have long nails, it’s better to use rubber gloves. You can also use a tube to blow air underneath the garment to reduce stress on the material while putting it on. 

6. Store it properly.

Always wash your latex garment after you’ve finished wearing it. Do not store dirty garments, as oils from your skin, cosmetics, deodorants, perfumes and hair products may weaken the material. Use talcum powder or lubricants on the inside of the garment to prevent it from sticking to itself during storage.  

Store your latex garments hanging on non-metal hangers in individual garment bags away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. 

7. Be careful with wearing latex together with metal accessories.

Metal accessories can cause discoloration and stains when they remain in prolonged contact with latex garments. Keep metal buckles, chains, and other jewelry from pressing against latex for extended periods. 

8. Protect colorful, light-colored and semi-transparent latex from direct light.

Colorful, light-colored and semi-transparent latex garments may change color. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause latex to fade or develop uneven coloring and stains. Store your latex garments away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light to preserve their original color.