Rubber Care Guide

Why does my rubber arrive looking dull?
It’s normal for your rubber wear to arrive with a matt finish, as it is not polished prior to shipping and will be lightly dusted in talc. While some customers prefer this natural look, most desire a high-gloss shine. By following the care instructions provided, you can easily achieve that glossy finish while also extending the life of your garment.

How do I get into my rubber?
Firstly, ensure you are using a dressing aid such as talcum powder or Vividress which is available on the website. When putting on tight latex garments such as leggings, catsuits, or sleeves, avoid simply pulling them on, as this can stretch or distort the material. Instead, take your time to position the garment properly by ensuring that the seams are aligned and straight. Then, gently roll and smooth the latex over your body, using your hands to guide it along your legs and arms without applying excessive force. Extra care should be taken with perforated latex or Lairtex.

How should I clean my rubber items?
To clean rubber garments we recommend using Viviclean. This is a special cleanser for latex clothing and washes hygienically clean with the best skin compatibility. Gently wash the rubber by hand, avoiding harsh scrubbing or twisting. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue. Please note we would not advise the immersion of reinforced items such as harnesses, belts, or collars into water to prevent rusting. The best way to clean a reinforced items is to wipe it with a damp cloth.

How should I dry my rubber after cleaning it?
Always let the rubber air-dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Ensure your rubber is thoroughly dried inside and out before storage, turning your garment inside out during the drying process. Latex is a porous material and can absorb moisture easily, this can lead to temporary water marks, particularly in lighter or semi-transparent colours where it's more visible. Any the water mark should disappear on its own with further drying. Trapped moisture can lead to mildew over time, so thorough drying is key, pay particular attention to pockets.

Can I use any lubricants with my rubber items?
Never use oil-based products, such as Crisco, or baby oil as they will destroy the latex. Take particular care with the use of oil based lubricants. It is advisable to stick to water or silicone based lubes.

How do I store my rubber to keep it in good condition?
Rubber should be stored away from direct sunlight, heat, and extreme cold, as these can cause the material to degrade. Store rubber items flat or hung on a wide hanger to prevent creases, and avoid contact with metals, oils, and solvents such as poppers, which can cause damage. Dusting the rubber lightly with talcum powder before storage is advised to help prevent sticking. We provide zip lock bags for individual items in your shipment which can be re- used to help store your garments safely.

How do I get my rubber to shine?
To make your rubber shine, we recommend using Vivishine which is available on our website. Follow the instructions on the product label. You can apply Vivishine directly into the water after washing your garment for a deep shine, use the Vivishine Spray for a quick and easy repolish or the Vivishine Fresh Up wipes on the go and at events.

How can I prevent my rubber from getting damaged?
Rubber is strong and pliable and if properly used will last for years, but it does have weaknesses which can irreparably damage it. Snags on walls or seating in clubs for example, catching it on a metal clamp, harness buckles, dog tags, or restraints can easily make holes in it. Luckily those sorts of holes are quickly and easily repaired by us in our workshop. Additionally, ensuring you are wearing the correct size garment will help, please ask us for advice if required. Using our Made to Measure service will reduce the likelihood of accidental damage due to an improperly fitting item.