Latexpflege

Proper Care for Your Latex Garments

Latex is a natural material that requires specific care to maintain its best condition. Please read the following information carefully. With proper maintenance, your latex items can last for many years.

1. Washing Your Latex

It's crucial to wash your latex correctly!

If you remove a bodysuit or similar garment while showering, it will be rinsed clean, but it is best to wash the latex separately in a sink or bathtub afterwards. For proper care, briefly wash the garment in lukewarm water using a special latex cleaner or a plain (mild and fragrance-free) dishwashing soap (do not use other household cleaners!).

Thoroughly rinse and hang the item inside-out on a plastic hanger to dry (or pat dry with a towel), then flip and hang again until fully dry.

A good method for cleaning latex is to fill a sink or bathtub with warm water without soap, turn the garment inside out, then shake it. Hang it with the outside facing out on a plastic hanger, then flip it until the inside is dry. Store with unscented baby powder inside and polish the outside with a high-quality latex preservative.

Be aware that our garments may sometimes come into contact with liquids other than water. Note that some soaps can be abrasive to latex and may weaken or damage it over time. Avoid using any products containing chlorine or bleach; even a quick rinse can weaken the material. This includes water from swimming pools or hot tubs.

Washing Machine and Dryer

While it is possible, we do not recommend machine washing and drying your latex garments.

Caring for Chlorinated Latex Garments

Chlorinated latex garments are easier to handle in terms of care. The washing process is the same as with untreated latex, and the garments won't stick together after washing.

Applying Silicone Oil — Directly on the Skin or Garment

We recommend applying silicone oil (or unscented talcum powder) on your body before dressing, as it makes sliding into the garments easier. Apply the silicone oil directly on your skin like lotion. Then put on your latex bodysuit or leggings. Additionally, you can apply it inside the latex garment as a dressing aid – especially in tight spots like arms, legs, sleeve holes, and the crotch area – to ensure a smooth slide in.

Avoid Using Nails and Sharp Objects

Avoid sharp objects, especially long nails, as they can cause considerable damage during dressing. It's advisable to wear cotton gloves, but make sure not to use your nails (hold flat and straight with your fingers), and ensure your nails don't puncture the material. Always use light pressure and flat hands.

Note: Do not apply silicone oil on the inside of latex socks or tights; they will slide excessively at the feet. Additionally, the hazard might force your toes to puncture the latex and cause injury—because your foot will increasingly slide forward in the foot area.

Powdering Latex Garments

You can use powder or unscented talcum powder as a dressing alternative to silicone oil. Garments that previously required oil and powder can now easily be put on with talcum powder. First, apply the powder or talcum on your skin. Your skin must be completely dry! If you sweat too much while dressing, it will be difficult to dress, and almost nothing works without silicone. Sprinkle powder or talcum inside the garment, shake gently, and allow it to distribute evenly inside.

Putting on Chlorinated Latex Garments

The chlorination process makes the surface of latex garments smooth as silk. Latex slides like silk on the skin and can be worn without any auxiliary materials (like silicone oil or talcum powder).

Note: If the skin is too moist (sweating) or previously creamed, the sliding effect will disappear. In this case, you can still use a small amount of silicone oil to alleviate this.

2. Taking Off Latex Garments

Taking off latex garments can also cause damage. To avoid excessive stretching, especially when removing tight dresses, it is easier to remove them in the shower or bathtub. While showering, apply liquid body soap inside at the neck and shoulders, and the tight dress will slide off easily. Do not pull hard when removing clothing. Always use your thumb tucked inside the garment to push-pull the material.

Note: Clothes with knitted socks or latex stockings become very slippery when wet, so be extra careful to avoid accidents in the shower.

3. Properly Storing Latex Garments

Latex garments should be stored in a cool place

Latex garments and other latex products must be stored in dark places like a wardrobe or drawer. Do not expose latex garments to sunlight for more than necessary. UV rays from the sun can damage the material. It is recommended to use garment bags, even for especially large items like latex bodysuits or latex dresses. Small items should be stored in zipper bags or other sealed plastic bags in a drawer (lightly add some talcum powder).

Also, be careful with some plastic hangers, as long-term hanging can cause shoulder stretching, cracking, and damage.

To Prevent Latex Garments from Fading

Latex garments fade quickly. Please ensure your latex garments (especially light-colored latex like white, pink, and beige) do not come into contact with other dark latex, other textiles, metal items, accessories, costume jewelry, jeans buttons, coins, belt buckles, and shoes, as this can cause unsightly fading and stains that cannot be removed.

You should also be careful with body care products and perfumes, not to come directly into contact with latex garments. Theatrical makeup is also harmful as it contains many extremely greasy substances that will damage latex and cause it to fade.

Important Tip—Avoid using petroleum-based products like Vaseline, as these ingredients will degrade latex.

4. Other Important Information

How do I make my latex garments shine?

Specially formulated sprays and polishes (such as silicone oil and Vivishine) can be used to give latex a high gloss. These sprays and polishes are specially adjusted in viscosity to achieve glossiness and can penetrate deep into the latex. It is recommended to apply polish with a wet kitchen sponge to achieve an even coating.

Note: If you want to lightly polish latex, do not use traditional ultrafine fiber cloths. These will make the latex rough. AMOR ALL is also a glossy and caring product, with a pump spray, used to polish latex garments for over 20 years. (You can also use AMOR ALL in the fabric softener cycle for machine washing.)

Can I wear latex under regular clothes?

If possible, please avoid wearing latex under regular clothes, as this material becomes matte in areas of contact with textiles (knee area or elbow) and can no longer maintain a permanent gloss. The best care using silicone or Vivishine won't help either. Due to this wear, the material is more likely to stretch after frequent wear in the worn area.

What is the relationship between plastic, plasticizers, and latex?

Some plastics contain plasticizers that will destroy latex. Toys made of silicone or other soft materials (such as dildos) should not be in contact with these materials for too long. This material will begin to undulate, and after a while, it will become brittle.

How long can my garments last with proper latex care?

As long as latex is properly stored and well-maintained, your latex garments can be worn for many years. Just follow a few simple rules, such as not exposing to too much sunlight, properly storing away from light, not getting greasy or oily, and must be washed after wearing, your latex garments can be worn for many years. The lifespan of latex garments depends on your care for latex garments. In addition to proper latex care, the lifespan of latex garments also depends on the frequency and pressure of wearing the garments.

What lubricant and powder should I use?

We recommend Vivishine Dress, which is the best solution for putting on the tightest latex garments. You just need to apply a little on your body, then slide right in. Some people like to use unscented baby talcum powder. If you do this, you should apply a generous amount of talcum powder inside the garment, then shake off the excess talcum powder before putting it on. Be careful not to pull hard at the seams, if you have difficulty putting on the garment, then you are not using enough talcum powder or lubricant.

Are there any precautions?

• Avoid or at least be careful with sharp objects, such as jewelry and long nails, cigarettes in clubs, and those who walk up to you and stretch latex just to hear it snap.
• Copper will contaminate latex, and once contaminated, it will not go away.
• Do not use oil and latex together, as latex will gradually decompose. Therefore, if you intend to use something slippery, make sure it is water-based.
• Do not store latex near sunlight, otherwise, latex will become powdery or white. If this happens, try using silicone to cover the white.

How to prevent tearing and how to repair?

Should you notice any cracks at the seams of your garment, I recommend sending it back to us for repair. Typically, we only charge for the shipping costs. Depending on the extent of the damage, a repair fee ranging from 5% to 20% of the original price may also apply.. If you want to try it yourself, the simplest way is to treat it like an inner tube repair and buy a repair kit. Although it may not look good, you still have your garment. Tearing is not the result of a manufacturer's defect and is not covered by our warranty. However, if the seams of any MinimalLatex garment crack, you can send it back to us for warranty repair.

Most importantly, keep latex garments away from metal and moisture!