The first thing you need to understand is that latex is a very sensitive material. As a result, it requires a high level of specialized care that does not accompany the common fabrics. There are a lot of things out there that could cause discoloration, weakening and even tearing to your latex clothes. This is a guide to the best practices when it comes to latex and the areas that you should avoid if you are looking to enjoy your latex clothes for a long period of time.

How to put on latex

The one virtue that you need when dealing with latex garments is patience. Both your body and the latex garment need to be prepared before it can be put on. The first thing you need to do is powder or lubricate the insides of the latex garment to be worn. A silicon-based lubricant or talc powder should be sufficient. A dressing aid is also a necessary requirement to allow the latex slide over the skin easily. When it comes to getting the cloth onto the body, you will have to abandon brute force in favor of tact. Slowly slide your hands between the skin and the latex garment. Pull the hand away as you shift the latex into place. Repeat the movement over and over again till everything is in place. If the difficulty seems to persist, then you need the increase the amount of dressing aid that you are using the current amount may not be sufficient. If you have long fingernails, then a good practice is to have on some cotton gloves so that you do not puncture your latex garment.

Things you should avoid:

• Oil
• Metal
• Sunlight
• Heat
• Humidity
• Flames
• Sharp objects

Any type of oils from creams to lubricants to solvents and even body oil degrade the latex upon contact. Stay away from them, and handle latex with clean dry hands. Latex also reacts to certain types of metals, from copper to bronze to brass. The result of this is usually staining. Never store items made with these metals in your latex, or handle them before coming in contact with your latex. What you will end up with is a latex garnet with brown stains that are simply and an eyesore.

Latex is a highly flammable material and should be kept away from open flames. Humidity, heat, and sunlight also have an adverse effect on latex with prolonged exposure. This causes discoloration. Never tumble dry your latex or hung it near radiators. Since the latex is a smooth material, it is easily punctured by sharp objects of any kind, this includes long finger and toenails.

Removing and Cleaning your latex

Sweating is something that occurs a lot to those that put on latex. This is not such a bad thing since the sliding of the cloth against the layer of sweat brings about a good feeling. It, however, exposes one to the possibility of dehydration. It is thus best to avoid consumption of alcohol when you have latex garments on. The other thing is that the sweating exposes the latex clothing to a high amount of body oils. It is thus best to clean your latex immediately after it has been taken off. When taking off the latex, do not tag at it but simply slide it off the body slowly. Tagging may cause the rubber-band effect, which only makes it stick tighter to the body. You can also run some water on your skin so that the layer between the skin and latex makes it easier for the clothes to be removed.
To wash latex, do not expose it to any cleaning detergents. Simply rinse it in warm water. There are however some garments that allow for the use of mild soap, make sure you confirm with the label first. Hang it on a plastic or wooden hanger to dry or simply spread it out to dry. Remember, keep away from contact with metal at all costs. You can also use a soft towel to reduce the time needed for the garment to dry. Separate the latex garments that stick together, and use some talc powder to pervert this from happening again. Store them in a black plastic bag. Ensure they are stored in a cool dry place.