View source for Rubber care

[[Rubber]] garments are expensive, and need to be treated with proper care if they are to give a reasonable amount of use.

== Storage ==
Rubber is degraded by excessive heat and UV light, so it should be kept stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Rubber clothing is best stored hung up on plastic hangers ('''not''' metal, some metals also degrade rubber) or failing that dusted with [[talcum powder]] and rolled up (but not too tightly).

Rubber garments are frequently damp with sweat after wearing, and should be allowed to dry before storage.

== Cleaning ==
If you need to clean your rubber gear, it should be cleaned by washing it in tepid (not hot) water and a mild non-greasy soap. Don't use strong detergents or ones with added moisturisers, as the grease in them can harm the rubber.  After washing the rubber, it should be thoroughly rinsed to remove all traces of soap and then hung up to dry completely before storage.  Adding a small quantity of talcum powder to the rinse water may help in preventing the rubber sticking to itself as it dries.

== Wearing ==
How you put on your rubber clothing will of course depend on what it is.  Thick industrial rubber like [[dry suit]]s will take a lot of abuse and only the most basic common sense precautions are needed. Avoid sharp jewellery, and be careful not to allow your fingernails to dig into it when putting it on.  Thinner rubber will need more care to get on; you may need [[Sexual lubricant|lubrication]] to avoid tearing it when pulling it on, especially if it is tight.  Water based lubricants or talcum powder are suitable; oil based lubricants (including most hand creams or oils) are NOT and will rapidly damage rubber.  You may find that it's easiest to roll up the clothing before you put it on and then unroll it onto your body.

To get a good shine on your rubber clothing, wipe away any excess talcum powder or lubricant with a slightly damp cloth, and then [[silicone]] spray can be used with a fresh dry cloth to put a high shine on the rubber.

While wearing rubber, especially tight rubber, be careful to avoid sudden and violent movements that may tear the seams.  Also, avoid snagging on sharp items.  Physical exertion, especially in warm places, may produce excessive sweat, which is uncomfortable.

== External links ==
* [http://rubberist.net The International Association of Rubberists is a significant resource on this.] (no fees)

== See also ==
* [[Latex clothing]]

[[category:Rubber]]
[[Category:Advice]]