Latex Care
How to shine, clean, care and store your latex
Your latex pieces are made to last — with the right care, they'll keep their high shine for years. Here's everything you need to know.
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Dust the inside lightly with pure talc — or use a silicone-based dressing aid or latex-friendly lubricant for tight or zipperless pieces like a full catsuit — to slide into your piece easily and reduce friction so the material doesn't tear.
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Be careful with sharp jewelry and long nails — latex punctures and tears easily.
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Keep latex away from copper, brass, and other metals, plus oils, solvents, and perfumes — they can stain or damage the material. If the garment has metal components, cover both sides of the metal with tape to prevent contact.
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Keep your pieces out of prolonged direct sunlight and away from radiators, heaters, or fire — heat and sunlight accelerate the aging and fading of latex, and latex is highly flammable.
How to Shine Your Latex
Latex looks its best with a deep, wet-look shine. To shine latex clothing, you must only use silicone-based shiners: put a small amount on a soft, lint-free cloth — a non-woven cloth works best — and buff the garment gently in sections. A little goes a long way. Never, ever use oil-based products, such as oils, lubricants, or body oils: they give a quick shine but will dissolve the latex and cause massive damage to the garment. If your piece comes into contact with oil, wipe it off as quickly as possible and wash the garment again immediately. Do not polish the latex when it is completely dry, as this may scratch the glossy surface of the material.
How to Clean Your Latex
Always hand wash. Use warm water to clean latex clothing — soaps and detergents can be skipped. Just use a soft towel dipped in warm water to wipe the garment clean. If absolutely necessary, a mild, fragrance-free body wash or solid soap can be used — never harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softener. Never use a washer or dryer. After washing, gently wipe away excess water with a soft towel, then lay the garment out to dry on a clean, flat surface with no sharp metal contact, or simply hang it up at home, away from direct sunlight and heat. Once dry, you can sprinkle a tiny bit of cornstarch or talcum powder inside and out to absorb any remaining moisture and ensure it is completely dry. Never tumble dry, never iron, and never dry clean.
How to Store Your Latex
Once the latex clothing is completely dry, fold it neatly and place it into a sealable plastic bag of an appropriate size — it is best to use unprinted plastic bags, as the ink can transfer onto the latex. After that, keep the latex in a dark room: store it in a cool, dry place away from light. Hanging latex clothing generally will not cause any damage, but if the garment is too heavy, the latex panels on the shoulders or straps may tear over time — if you hang your piece, use a soft, wide hanger, and never use metal hangers, as they will cause staining. Keep each piece separate — latex touching latex can bond over time. Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Treat your latex well and it will reward you with years of shine. Questions about caring for your Feline Form Design piece? Email us at support@felineformdesign.com.