Complete Guide to Rubber Clothing Care and Maintenance

Rubber clothing isn’t just fashion — it’s a fetish, a statement, a second skin. Whether you're slipping into a glossy catsuit for the club, dressing to impress in full latex fantasy, or building your collection of rubberwear for play, one thing is certain: your latex deserves care.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about rubber clothing care and maintenance — including cleaning, storage, dressing tips, and what to avoid.

Why Rubber Clothing Needs Special Care

Rubber and latex are natural materials that are porous, delicate, and prone to damage if not handled correctly. Unlike synthetic fabrics, rubber can degrade when exposed to oils, sunlight, metal, and even improper storage conditions. But with the right care, rubber clothing can last for years and look just as stunning as the day you bought it.

How to Clean Rubber Clothing

1. Rinse After Every Wear - Always rinse your rubber clothing with lukewarm water after wearing, especially if worn against bare skin. Sweat and body oils can degrade latex over time.

2. Use Mild Soap or Latex Cleaner - Add a small amount of unscented, oil-free soap or a specialist latex wash such as Viviclean to water and gently swish the garment around. Never scrub or wring it.

3. Rinse Thoroughly - Make sure no soap residue remains. A final rinse in cool, clean water helps prep it for drying.

4. Dry Flat and Naturally - Lay flat or hang with care in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid metal hangers or direct sunlight — both can cause staining and brittleness. Pay particular attention to hand dry any hardware such as buckles, loops and inside press studs to prevent rusting.

How to Store Rubber Clothing Properly

✅ Keep it Cool, Dark, and Dry
Latex should be stored in a dry drawer or closet away from heat and UV light. Humidity and sunlight will break down the rubber over time.

✅ Use Plastic or Cloth Bags
Store items individually in cotton or plastic bags to prevent sticking, colour transfer, or damage.

✅ Avoid Metal Contact
Do not store rubber near metal zippers, hangers, or buttons — these can cause permanent staining and oxidisation.

✅ Powder Before Storage
Lightly dust your latex with unscented talcum powder or if you’ll be wearing your item soon, apply a thin layer of shine to prevent sticking.

Polishing and Dressing Tips

⚠️ Use Latex-Safe Shine Products
To get that high-gloss effect, use water-based latex polish such as Vivishine  or silicone dressing aids like Vividress. Never use oil-based lubricants or petroleum products.

⚠️ Use Dressing Aid for Tight Fits
When putting on rubber clothing, apply a dressing aid such as Vividress or powder to the inside of the garment. This reduces friction and prevents tearing.

⚠️ Be Gentle
Take your time. Sharp fingernails, rings, and rough handling are common causes of rips in tight-fitting latex garments.

What to Avoid When Caring for Rubber Clothing

❌ Don’t machine wash or dry — always hand wash and air dry only.
❌ Don’t fold light and dark items together — colour transfer can occur.
❌ Avoid metal contact — especially copper, brass, and nickel, which can permanently stain latex.
❌ No direct sunlight or heat — it can warp and weaken the material.
❌ Do not use oils or lotions — baby oil, body lotion, or perfume can stain and degrade rubber.
❌ Do not immerse metal parts such as buckles and press studs in water when cleaning as these parts can rust over time.

Common Issues and How to Prevent Them