Latex is an eye-catching and multifunctional fabric that can add a daring element to your style. However, it is a delicate fabric that calls for special care to keep it looking great.

Some of the most frequent questions we receive are: "How do I make my latex shiny like a mirror?", "Which soap is the most effective for cleaning latex?" and "What things should I avoid that could cause damage?"

We have created this guide to help you take care of your latex care kit items and keep them for a long time. When you are done with our tips, make sure to look at our fabulous range of latex garments.

WASHING: 

Latex rubber garments can be cleaned by washing in warm, clean water, together with a mild, unscented antibacterial soap. Introduction of harsh chemicals and detergents is definitely a no-go. You can fill a tub or a bucket with warm water, add 1-2 pumps of mild soap, and wash the latex well. After rinsing with clean water, add a few teaspoons of silicone polish to the tub and immerse the latex garment. When the latex feels slippery to the touch (both the inside and the outside), put it on a plastic or wooden hanger and let it air dry. The only way to dry your latex is by air-drying. If you notice some light patches, don't worry. It means that the garment is still not completely dry. A latex garment may be sticky to itself right after washing. This can be rectified by adding more silicone polish or Talcum powder.

*NO DRY CLEANING OR MACHINE DRYING*

POLISHING: 

Now that you have washed and dried the Latex, it is time to give it a shine. While putting your garment on, spray or lightly rub the silicone lubricant onto the Latex with a dust-free, ultra-soft cloth or fingers in small circular motions. If you try to polish the Latex with a hard and/or dry cloth, it can get scratched permanently. So, while polishing, make sure that your cloth does not get dry. Spread the product evenly and add more where necessary to get the best shine. Another option is dip-shining. For this, you will add your silicone polish to a tub of fresh water after washing, soak the garment, and then hang it to dry. This way is considered the best for polishing several garments at once- the inside will be lubricated, and the outside will have a great shine.

DO NOT DRY CLEAN OR MACHINE DRY

If you're investing in premium latex lingerie like the Tansy Latex Bra Black, following these care tips will help preserve its shine, softness, and overall quality for years.

STORING: 

When you are storing your Latex, it is best to keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid moisture, sunlight, and other heat sources, as they will not only damage the Latex but could bring mold growth. Store the items individually in a plastic garment bag with a light dusting of Talc powder to protect the surface. Use white tissue paper to separate the Latex from metal fastenings or buttons to avoid any color transfer. Remember to apply polish on your Latex regularly to keep it from drying out and turning hard or fragile.

WEARING:

When you want to put on your Latex garment, use silicone polish in a rubbing or spraying method on the inside of your garment, or directly onto your skin (a small amount will do). Some people prefer to apply the lubricant via spray so the product doesn't come into contact with their hands. If you choose this way, put down a towel to protect your floor and prevent slipping. Another possibility is using Talcum powder and applying the powder either on the inside of the garment or directly on the skin. Of course, it's best to avoid perfumed talcum powder. Actually, powder on the outside of latex will make it look matte or dull - that is OK. But in case you want to bring back your Latex's shine, just polish it with silicone lubricant. Besides that, a latex garment has to be put on carefully with enough help, otherwise it might get torn.

What is Talcum Powder?

Talc is a natural mineral from which talcum powder is derived. It's an effective moisture absorber and friction reducer, which is why it is commonly used to prevent skin rashes. In case you don't have access to Talc, you may also consider Baby powder or Cornstarch as alternatives.

EXTRA TIPS:

• Never use an oil-based lubricant on latex. It will destroy the material.
• The best option for drying your Latex garments is to air-dry them only after washing. Do not tumble dry, iron, or dry clean.
• Take great care of your Latex garments: keep them away from heat and flames as latex is a highly flammable material.
• Be careful when handling metals such as Copper, Brass, & Bronze with Latex, as they are prone to staining your Latex.
• When you have long nails, the best way to protect and maintain your Latex is by wearing light linen gloves when polishing the Latex to lessen both the markings and the fingernail damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you clean latex clothing?

Clean leather clothing in warm water and mild unscented antibacterial soap with your hands. Wash off the soap well. While the surface of the material is still wet, polish the surface with silicone oil or a similar agent. Then, it is recommended to hang the material up so it can dry naturally. Please do not expose the material to strong detergents or any other chemically aggressive substances.

2. Can you wash latex garments in a washing machine?

No. Latex items should be always hand washed only. The washing machine can stretch, tear or even irreversibly harm the fragile latex surface.

3. Can latex clothing be tumble dried?

No. You should never toss latex items into a dryer. Let it dry on its own naturally by hanging on plastic or wooden hangers, but stay away from direct sun and heat.

4. Can you dry clean latex clothing?

No. Dry cleaning solvents may chemically alter latex rubber. Avoid drying the garments in a machine or putting them in the dry cleaner.

5. What soap is safe for washing latex?

Tip: Go for an antibacterial soap that is very mild and fragrance free. Stay away from bleach, laundry detergent, fabric softener, and any other harsh detergents.

6. How do I make latex shiny?

Use the cloth or your hands to spread a bit of the silicone-based latex polish in tiny circles across the surface. In fact, you can try the dip-shine method by mixing silicone polish with clean rinse water.

7. What is the best polish for latex clothing?

A top grade latex polish made from silicon is the ideal option. It will make the surface more shiny, less sticky, and provide the latex with an extra layer of protection to prevent it from becoming dry and cracked.

8. Why does my latex look dull after washing?

After a wash, latex loses its sheen, a silicone polish But can give back a brilliant shiny surface that looks as good as new.

9. Why is my latex sticky after washing?

Latex can get sticky on the outside only after a wash if too little silicone polish and talcum powder were applied beforehand.

10. How should I store latex clothing?

Latex clothes should be kept in the place without sunlight where the environment is cool, humidity low and dark, wrapped up in single garment bags. It is best to give them a very slight dusting of talcum powder also as keeping them away from sunlight, moisture and heat as long as possible.

11. Can sunlight damage latex?

Yep. Direct sunlight and UV rays can fade and destroy latex products with time. Don't forget to keep your latex away from sunlight.

12. What temperature is best for storing latex?

It is recommended to keep latex in a cool, dry place with limited exposure to sources of heat, radiators, or humid areas.

13. Can metal damage latex?

Yep. It is not surprising that materials such as copper, brass, and bronze are capable of causing discolorations in latex. When storing use white tissue paper to isolate latex from metal accessories.

14. How do you put on latex clothing easily?

Put a small amount of silicone lubricant on the inside of the garment or directly on the skin. This will allow the latex to come on smoothly without stretching or tearing.

15. Can I use talcum powder to wear latex?

Yep. You can sprinkle unscented talcum powder on the inside of the garment or onto your skin to diminishing friction which also makes dressing easier.

16. What can I use instead of talcum powder?

In the situation you don't have talcum powder, baby powder or cornstarch can easily be the alternatives to get the job done.

17. Can I use oil-based lubricants with latex?

Oil-based lubricants will break down latex and destroy the material permanently. Make sure to go for only a silicone-based products for your latex maintenance care.

18. Why should I avoid harsh chemicals on latex?

The use of strong chemicals like bleach, solvents, and detergents will not only weaken latex but also lead to discoloration and result in a shorter lifespan

19. How often should I polish latex clothing?

Saving the shiny and supple feel of your latex, it's advisable to polish it once you've washed it and before you wear it again.

20. Why are there light patches on my latex after washing?

Areas with lighter colors probably are signs of the article not having dried completely. Let it completely air dry before either polishing it or keeping it away.

21. Is latex clothing fragile?

Right. Latex is an extremely sensitive material that can tear if it is stretched too much or if it is mishandled. Be sure to put it on the right way, never forget to be gentle, and avoid using any sharp object as well as long fingernails.

22. How can I prevent latex from tearing?

Use a water-based silicone lubricant or talcum powder to reduce friction when getting dressed, don't pull the material hard, and make sure you take precautions so your nails or any metal jewelery don't snag the fabric.

23. Is latex flammable?

Latex is very combustible, so it should be kept away from open flame cigarettes heaters, and any other heat sources.

24. Can I iron latex clothing?

Ironing a latex top or dress is an absolute "NO-NO". The material is susceptible to a very delicate type of scorching and melting at high temperatures.

25. How long does latex clothing last?

With regular cleaning, buffing, and careful putting away, you are actually keeping the good looks and properties of an excellent-latex garment intact for a long time without the risk of its deterioration.

26. Can silicone polish protect latex?

Applying silicone Polish will keep your Latex shiny and stretchy, make it less sticky, delay the drying effect, and protect your investment at the same time as giving it the smooth look it's known for.

27. Why should latex be stored individually?

Separating latex garments during storage may prevent color transfer sticking scratching, and damage that metal fastenings or other garments may cause.

28. What should I avoid when caring for latex clothing?

Do not use a washing machine, dry them in a dryer, iron them, dry-clean them, or apply oil-based lubricants, harsh chemicals, direct sunlight, excessive heat, or sharp objects.

29. Can I wear latex every day?

Of course, as long as the garment is cleaned, polished, and stored under the correct conditions. Proper maintenance and handling are essential to prolonging the service life of your items.

30. What is the best way to maintain latex clothing?

Delicate hand washing with mild soap, thorough air drying, silicone lubricant for polishing the article, storing it away from light (coolest corner), keeping it out of direct heat or sunlight and avoiding oil-based products at all costs are the care instructions that will keep your garment looking and performing its best.