Dolly's Guide to Latex Care
What is latex?
Latex is a natural material made from the sap of rubber trees. The sap is collected and through a process of vulcanisation it is made into a material with elastic properties.
How do I store my latex garments?
Latex should be stored out of direct sunlight, as the sun can bleach the colour and degrade the latex over time.
Ideally garment should be stored separately, especially keeping light and dark colours separate to reduce the risk of colour transfer. Your garments will arrive in reusable plastic bags which are ideal for storing your latex garments.
Garments should be treated to stop the latex from sticking to itself, either using Vivishine which is suitable for short term storage, or a light dusting of talc for longer term storage.
How do I make my latex shiny?
When your latex arrives we will have washed and pre-treated with Vivishine. This will mean your latex is ready to wear, at most it will need a quick shine top up with a Vivishine fresh-up wipe or a dedicated latex polish.
DO NOT use oils or any products containing oils, this will degrade the latex.
Buff the polish into using a soft lint free cloth. We find a microfibre cloths work well. We also like using a clean tanning mitt, this makes it a little easier to control. You may also find it easier to polish the latex whilst wearing it, or having a friend help. It also helps if the cloth is slightly damp.
If your armet has been stored in talc it can be shined directly with most latex polish products. However, if using Vivshine products we would recommend washing before applying the Vivishine treatment, or shining product.
Please see our video guide for a demonstration.
Please see our list of product suggestions here.
How do I clean my latex garments?
You should always clean your latex soon after wearing, ideally within no more than 2 days of wear. The sweat and oils that transfer onto the latex whilst wearing it will weaken the latex over time.
Hand wash in mild soapy water (fragrance free soap).
We recommend then rinsing in a bowl of water mixed with a small amount of Vivishine to pre-treat. Alternatively you can simply rinse in clean water.
Dry gently with a towel or hang inside out to dry. Always hang indoors or in the shade, never in direct sunlight.
Once thoroughly dry, if pre-treated you can wear or put away to store short term.
If no pre-treated, before storing lightly coat in talcum powder/baby powder before storing.
If you do not wear your item often, we recommend polishing with your latex polish before applying the powder. This helps to protect and keep your latex supple.
DO NOT IRON
Please watch our video guide for a demonstration.
How do I put on my latex garment?
When wearing latex, especially tight fitting garments, you will want to use a dress aid to provide some lubrication and make it easier to get the item on.
For some items talcum powder can work well and can also help absorb some excess sweat.
For tighter items you will likely want to use a dedicated dress aid product or a water based lube. DO NOT USE OILS or any oil based products as this will degrade the latex.
Please see our list of suggested products here.
What else do I need to know about caring for my latex?
Do not use oils on your garment, and be careful about the products you use on your skin before wearing latex. Oils are a no no, and avoid greasy moisturisers.
Be careful with your use of perfumes or fragrances, as the ingredients can degrade your latex.
Be careful with metals coming into contact with the latex. Some metals can cause staining or cause your latex to degrade. If you want to wear metal belts or chain harnesses with your latex stainless steel is the safest choice.
Suggested Products
Latex Polish
Vivishine - available from Amazon
Vivishine Spray - available on Amazon
Vivishine Fresh-up- available on Amazon
RadicalShine Blue - available from Radical Rubber
RadicalShine White - available from Radical Rubber
beGLOSS Perfect Shine - available on Amazon
We have not tried all the products listed here, but they are based on recommendations from trusted sources. Over time we plan to try more of these products, and any product we have tried and would recommend will be marked with a star
Our favourite hero products are marked with a gold star!