HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR LATEX GARMENTS.
Latex clothing is very different from ordinary clothing and, with the right care, can stay looking fantastic for many years.
The good news is that looking after latex is not difficult. Once you get into a simple routine of washing, drying, dressing, polishing and storing your garments correctly, it becomes second nature.
This guide explains everything you need to know about caring for latex clothing, including how to wash it, how to make it shine, how to put it on safely, how to store it and what to avoid.
The basic latex-care routine
For most latex garments, the easiest routine is:
1. Wash after wearing
2. Rinse thoroughly
3. Allow to dry completely
4. Use dressing aid when putting the garment on
5. Polish if you want a glossy finish
6. Store away from heat, sunlight and unsuitable materials
You do not necessarily need to polish your garment every time you wear it. Cleaning is the important part.
Washing latex clothing
Latex should normally be washed after wearing.
During use, sweat, body oils, skin products and general dirt can accumulate on both sides of the latex. Leaving these residues on the material for extended periods is not good for the latex and can also leave the garment looking dull.
For this reason, we recommend giving your latex a quick wash after each wear.
How to wash latex
The easiest method is to wash the garment by hand.
- Fill a clean bath, sink or suitable container with lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of a specialist latex cleaner such as Viviclean or beGLOSS Special Wash.
- Gently move the garment through the water so the solution reaches the entire surface.
- Pay particular attention to the inside of the garment, where sweat and body oils are most likely to collect.
- Rinse thoroughly using clean water.
- Allow the garment to dry naturally.
Always follow the dosage instructions supplied with the cleaner you are using.
For garments that have been heavily worn or have picked up noticeable odours, a longer soak may be appropriate. Again, follow the instructions for the particular cleaner.
Why use a specialist latex cleaner?
Latex is not the same as ordinary fabric.
Household detergents, washing-up liquids and general-purpose cleaning products can contain ingredients that are not intended for natural rubber.
A specialist latex cleaner is designed specifically for cleaning latex without unnecessarily compromising its appearance or feel.
Never use solvent-based cleaners on latex.
Can I wash latex in a washing machine?
For most latex clothing, we recommend hand washing.
Latex can stretch considerably, and a washing machine introduces unnecessary movement, friction and mechanical stress.
Hand washing also allows you to clean delicate areas gently and rinse the garment thoroughly.
If a manufacturer specifically states that a particular garment can be machine washed, follow that manufacturer's instructions.
Drying your latex
Once your garment has been washed, it is important to let it dry properly.
Gently remove excess water and hang the garment somewhere suitable to air dry.
Avoid:
- Radiators
- Heaters
- Tumble dryers
- Hair dryers
- Direct sunlight
- Other strong sources of heat
Latex does not need heat to dry.
A cool, well-ventilated area is preferable.
If you live in a hard-water area, you may notice small water marks after washing. These can usually be gently dabbed away with a soft cloth once the garment has finished draining.
Do not put latex away while it is still damp.
What is latex dressing aid?
Dressing aid is one of the most useful products you can have if you wear tight-fitting latex clothing.
Latex can grip the skin quite strongly, making some garments difficult to put on without lubrication.
A dressing aid allows the latex to slide more easily over the skin and makes dressing and undressing considerably easier.
We stock specialist dressing aids including Vividress and beGLOSS Easy Glide.
Dressing aid is particularly useful for:
- Catsuits
- Leggings
- Stockings
- Gloves
- Tight sleeves
- Tight-fitting tops
- Bodysuits
- Garments with narrow openings
The tighter the garment, the more useful a dressing aid can be.
How to use dressing aid
Follow the instructions supplied with your particular product.
Depending on the product, dressing aid can be applied to the inside of the garment, to the skin, or both.
Use enough to allow the latex to move comfortably without having to pull excessively.
Once the dressing aid has been applied, work the garment into position gradually.
Don't simply pull harder
This is particularly important with very tight latex.
If a garment is struggling to move over your skin, adding a little more dressing aid is generally preferable to pulling aggressively.
When putting on gloves, cuffs and other narrow openings, avoid digging your fingernails into the latex.
Use the flat parts of your fingers rather than your fingernails when adjusting the garment.
Taking your time when dressing is one of the simplest ways to reduce unnecessary stress on the latex.
How to make latex shiny
One of the things people love about latex is its distinctive glossy appearance.
Once your garment has been washed and dried, you can apply a suitable latex polish to produce a high-gloss finish.
There are several ways of doing this, depending on the product you prefer.
Popular options include:
- Vivishine
- Vivishine Spray
- beGLOSS Perfect Shine
- beGLOSS Perfect Shine Premium Spray
Always make sure the latex is clean before polishing.
Using Vivishine
Vivishine can be used as part of the final rinse after washing.
After cleaning the garment, prepare fresh clean water and add the recommended amount of Vivishine.
Move the garment gently through the solution so that the treatment reaches all areas of the latex.
Because the product is distributed through the water rather than requiring extensive rubbing over the surface, it provides a convenient way of treating the entire garment.
Remove the garment, allow excess liquid to drain away and leave it to dry naturally.
The exact amount to use will depend on the garment and the manufacturer's instructions, so always check the label.
Using a polish such as beGLOSS Perfect Shine
Another approach is to use a specialist latex polish designed to produce a glossy finish.
beGLOSS Perfect Shine, for example, is designed to condition and polish latex while leaving a high-gloss finish.
Depending on the product, polishing can be carried out using a polish bath or by applying the product to the surface and working it over the garment.
Always follow the instructions for the particular polish you are using.
Using spray polish
Spray polishes are particularly convenient when you want to refresh the appearance of a garment quickly.
Products such as Vivishine Spray and beGLOSS Perfect Shine Premium Spray can be applied directly to the latex and then worked over the surface with a suitable polishing cloth.
Spray a manageable amount rather than soaking the garment.
Work evenly over the latex and pay attention to areas that are particularly dull.
A small amount of product applied evenly will usually give a better result than using a large quantity in one area.
Do I need to polish latex after every wear?
No.
Washing is more important than polishing.
If you have worn a garment, clean it and allow it to dry properly.
If the latex still looks glossy afterwards, there is no need to keep adding more polish simply because you have washed it.
Polish when you want to restore or enhance the shine.
Applying more and more polish to an already heavily treated surface can sometimes result in an overly oily or uneven finish.
Why has my latex gone cloudy or milky?
This is particularly noticeable with transparent latex, but coloured latex can also temporarily appear dull, pale or cloudy.
It does not necessarily mean that the garment has been permanently damaged.
Moisture can temporarily affect the appearance of latex, particularly after washing or prolonged wear.
The best thing to do is allow the garment to dry completely before deciding that there is a problem.
Some cloudy areas disappear as the latex dries.
Transparent latex naturally makes these changes much easier to see, so don't be alarmed if a freshly washed transparent garment looks different while it is still wet.
What if my latex looks dull?
First, wash it.
Do not automatically add another layer of polish.
Dirt, sweat, body oils and old product can all affect the appearance of latex.
Give the garment a proper clean, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry.
Once it is completely dry, assess the finish again.
If you want additional shine, apply your preferred latex polish.
This simple approach often produces a better result than repeatedly adding more product.
Latex powder and talc
Powder can be useful for latex, but it serves a different purpose from silicone-based polish.
Powder can help stop latex surfaces sticking together and can be useful for certain storage situations.
It can also be used on the inside of garments according to personal preference.
However, powder and silicone polish should not simply be layered on top of one another.
If a garment has previously been powdered and you want to achieve a glossy silicone finish, wash it thoroughly first.
Likewise, if you want to return to a powder finish, clean the garment before applying powder.
Important
Do not use baby powder simply because it is readily available.
Use a powder specifically recommended for latex clothing and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Looking after transparent and light-coloured latex
Light colours and transparent latex require a little extra care because marks and discolouration are much easier to see.
Keep these garments away from:
- Dark or strongly coloured materials
- Unprotected metal
- Jewellery
- Oils
- Cosmetics
- Strong chemicals
- Direct sunlight for prolonged periods
When storing several garments together, avoid allowing different colours to remain pressed against one another for long periods.
This is particularly important with pale, white and transparent latex.
Latex and metal
Metal can cause discolouration of latex, particularly when moisture is involved.
Jewellery, piercings, metal fasteners, zips and other metal objects can therefore be a potential source of staining.
The problem is especially noticeable on white, pale or transparent latex.
If metal is going to remain in direct contact with your latex garment, take extra care.
Where possible, prevent unnecessary contact between latex and metal rather than trying to remove a stain afterwards.
Keep latex away from oils and unsuitable chemicals
Natural rubber does not react well with many oils and chemicals.
Avoid allowing latex to come into contact with products such as:
- Baby oil
- Body oils
- Oil-based creams
- Greasy moisturisers
- Solvents
- Household cleaning products
- Oil-based lubricants
- Strong chemicals
Perfume and cosmetics should also be kept away from the latex wherever possible.
If you use moisturiser or other body products before wearing latex, allow them to absorb properly first.
When choosing a product to use directly on your latex garment, look for one specifically intended for latex or natural rubber.
Putting on a brand-new latex garment
New latex garments are often supplied with powder or another finishing treatment.
Before applying a glossy silicone treatment, clean the garment thoroughly so that any manufacturing residue or powder is removed.
Once clean and dry, you can begin your normal care routine.
A new garment should also be treated gently when being put on.
Latex is highly elastic, but elasticity does not mean it is impossible to damage.
Sharp fingernails, jewellery and excessive pulling can cause tears.
Use dressing aid where appropriate and take your time.
How to store latex clothing
Proper storage can make a big difference to the lifespan of your latex.
Before putting a garment away for any length of time, make sure it is:
Clean.
Completely dry.
Protected from strong light.
Away from excessive heat.
Separated from unsuitable materials.
A cool, dark cupboard or drawer is generally preferable to a sunny room, conservatory or area close to a radiator.
Keep different colours separated
Different colours of latex should ideally not be stored pressed together for long periods.
This is particularly important with transparent, white and other light colours.
Be careful with storage bags
A garment bag can be useful, but make sure the material and any components that touch the latex are suitable.
Avoid materials that may contain substances capable of interacting with or discolouring natural rubber.
Do not store damp latex in a sealed bag.
Storing latex for longer periods
If you are putting a garment away for an extended period, clean it thoroughly first and make absolutely sure it is dry.
Depending on your preferred storage method, you may choose to use a suitable latex polish or powder to prevent surfaces from sticking together.
If the garment is going into a suitcase or another confined space, powder can be useful for preventing latex surfaces from sticking to one another.
For normal hanging storage, a suitable latex polish can also leave the material conditioned and ready for its next use.
Always follow the instructions for the particular product you are using.
Caring for latex when travelling
Latex is particularly vulnerable to heat when travelling.
Never leave a latex garment sitting in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
Before packing:
- Wash the garment.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Allow it to dry completely.
- Apply your preferred storage treatment if required.
- Pack it carefully so that it is not trapped against unsuitable materials.
- Keep different colours separated where possible.
If you are travelling for several days, take a small amount of your usual latex cleaner and dressing aid with you.
A small travel-sized care kit can make looking after your latex considerably easier when away from home.
Chlorinated latex
Chlorinated latex has undergone additional treatment to alter the surface characteristics of the material.
Because different garments can be treated in different ways, always follow the care instructions supplied with the garment.
Do not assume that a product is suitable for every type of treated latex simply because it is suitable for conventional latex.
If you are unsure whether a particular care product is suitable for your garment, check the manufacturer's instructions or contact us before using it.
A quick guide to choosing your latex-care products
For cleaning
Viviclean
Specialist cleaner for latex clothing.
beGLOSS Special Wash
Specialist wash designed for cleaning latex garments.
For easier dressing
Vividress
A dressing aid designed to help latex slide more easily over the skin.
beGLOSS Easy Glide
A specialist dressing aid for easier dressing and undressing.
For a deep glossy finish
Vivishine
A popular latex polish and care treatment which can be added to the final rinse.
beGLOSS Perfect Shine
A specialist latex polish designed to give a high-gloss finish.
For quick polishing
Vivishine Spray
A convenient spray format for polishing latex.
beGLOSS Perfect Shine Premium Spray
A spray polish designed for quick application and a glossy finish.
For storage and preventing sticking
A suitable latex powder or storage treatment can be used depending on how you prefer to store your garments.
The easiest routine to remember
If all of this sounds like a lot, don't worry.
For normal day-to-day use, remember these five steps:
CLEAN
Wash your latex after wearing it using lukewarm water and a specialist latex cleaner.
DRY
Allow it to dry completely away from direct heat and strong sunlight.
DRESS
Use a suitable dressing aid when putting on tight-fitting garments.
SHINE
Apply a suitable latex polish when you want a glossy finish.
STORE
Keep clean, dry latex somewhere cool, dark and protected.
That's really all there is to it.
With a little regular care, latex clothing can remain supple, glossy and looking fantastic for a very long time.
Need help choosing latex-care products?
If you are unsure whether you need a cleaner, dressing aid, polish or a complete care set, our Latex Garment Care range contains products for each stage of looking after your latex.
We stock Vivishine, Vividress, Viviclean and beGLOSS, together with polishing cloths, wipes, powder and latex-care sets.
If you are still unsure what you need, please contact us and we will be happy to help.