Specialist Care for Natural Rubber Latex
Appropriate preparation, cleaning and polishing help preserve the appearance, flexibility and characteristic finish of natural rubber latex clothing. Westward Bound’s garment-care range provides specialist products for two different stages of the process: preparing the latex surface and creating the final polished finish.
These products are intended for natural rubber latex garments and should always be used in accordance with their individual instructions.
Latex Polishing & Preparation Liquid
Latex Polishing & Preparation Liquid is a first-stage silicone-based treatment formulated with mild detergent, disinfectant and emulsifying agents. It helps remove washing smears, remaining talcum powder and surface residues before the garment is polished.
Preparing the surface first helps produce a cleaner, more even finish and supports the continued care of the latex. This product is intended for preparation, not as the final high-gloss treatment.
Rub-Her Silicone Latex Dressing Aid & Shiner
Rub-Her Silicone Latex Dressing Aid & Shiner performs two complementary functions. Used as a dressing aid, it helps close-fitting latex garments glide more easily over the skin, reducing the need to pull excessively on the material.
Once the garment is being worn, Rub-Her can also be applied to the outer surface to produce the smooth, high-gloss finish associated with polished latex.
Use Rub-Her as the final polishing step after you have cleaned and prepared the garment surface. Apply it sparingly and follow the instructions supplied with the product.
Dressing Latex Garments
A silicone-based dressing aid can make close-fitting garments easier to put on. Apply a small amount to the inside of the garment or directly to the skin, according to the product instructions.
Pure unscented talcum powder provides an alternative dressing method for some garments. Do not combine talcum powder and silicone dressing aid during the same dressing process, as they are intended to be used separately.
Avoid oil-based lubricants, petroleum products and oil-based moisturisers, which can damage natural rubber latex.
Cleaning After Wear
Hand-wash latex garments in water at approximately 20–30°C (68–86°F), using a small amount of mild unperfumed soap or a cleaner formulated for latex. Gently move the garment through the water to remove perspiration, silicone and surface residue, then rinse thoroughly.
Do not machine-wash, scrub, wring or twist latex. Allow excess water to drain away before drying the garment naturally in the shade. Avoid tumble dryers, hairdryers, radiators and other direct heat sources.
Storing Latex Clothing
Garments must be completely dry before storage. Keep them in a dark, dry environment at approximately 15–25°C (59–77°F), protected from sunlight, ultraviolet light, excessive heat, damp and frost.
For powdered storage, lightly dust the garment with pure unscented talcum powder to prevent latex surfaces from adhering to one another. Keep latex separated from metal fastenings and accessories with acid-free tissue or another suitable barrier to reduce the risk of staining.
Perfumes, oils, solvents and chemical residues should also be kept away from the material.
Complete Latex-Care Guidance
For detailed instructions covering safe removal, hand-washing, drying, storage and polishing, read How to Care for Latex Clothing: Cleaning, Storage & Polishing.
Following the correct sequence—cleaning, drying, preparing and polishing—helps maintain the appearance and performance of natural rubber latex while allowing each care product to fulfil its intended purpose.
