Latex Care Guide
How to keep your latex nice
Latex Care
How to Care for Your Latex — and Keep It Glowing
Latex is bold, beautiful, and a little high-maintenance — just like most great things.
But with the right care, your pieces will stay vibrant, strong, and stunning for a long time.
This guide covers everything you need to know:
how to dress in latex, clean it, store it, and keep it looking its best —
with a few sparkly tips along the way.
Overview and Short Summary
Basics & Dressing
Dressing and undressing: use talc or silicone oil to make it easy
Cleaning
You actually can be lazy and use a washing machine as well, but be extra careful and also be aware of possible risks. Handwashing is safest!
Store & Repair
You can store it talced, as well as oiled - as you prefer
Warning notes
Especially liquid latex needs to be handled with care.
The Basics
Love Your Latex, Handle with Care
- Sharp Objects = Danger Zone: Be mindful of long nails, rings, zippers, and jewelry — they can tear latex faster than you’d think. Latex can also tear easily if it gets caught on objects.
- Vampire Mode: Avoid the Sun while Sleeping: Store latex away from sunlight, heat, smoke, and metals like copper or brass (stainless steel is safe!). These things can stain or weaken the material.
- Oils Matter! Avoid oils based on plants or petroleum (like body oils and perfumes). Instead, use silicone-based lubricant or silicone oil — they protect the latex without damaging it.
Getting In & Out (Gracefully)
Latex loves a smooth entrance and soft handling. With some tricks, everything should be smooth and stress-free:
- Use talc or silicone oil. Lightly dust your skin or apply a small amount of silicone oil to help garments slide on. It’s up to you, which option you choose. The advantage of silicone oil is that no talcum residue collects on transparent areas and on the inside of the clothing.
- Shine time: To get that glossy glam look, use latex polish, silicone spray, or liquid silicone oil. Rub it in gently and enjoy the glow.
- But be aware — oil makes floors very slippery, especially very even floors. When in doubt, go barefooted or wipe the floor with soap, just be a little careful.
How to Clean Latex Clothing?
Hand Washing (the classic way)
Still the safest method — and a little ritual never hurt anyone.
- Wash gently by hand in lukewarm water with a little mild soap (or latex-friendly cleanser).
- Hang to dry in a shaded place and turn it occasionally.
- Water spots? Gently wipe with a towel or silicone oil.
- When dry, dust the inside with talc OR coat it with silicone oil to keep it soft and non-sticky.
Can You Wash Latex in a Washing Machine?
Actually: yes, of course — but proceed with caution.
- Use the gentlest cycle possible: no extremely hot water, minimal spin.
- Avoid harsh soaps or detergents. Stick to mild soap or latex-specific cleansers.
- Don’t overload the machine — wash your latex solo, like the diva it is.
- A mesh laundry bag can help protect delicate edges from friction or snags.
- Make sure no sharp pieces (like underwire bras) are in the drum — that’s just asking for trouble.
It’s definitely convenient — and if you’re careful, the risk is fairly low.
That said, for especially delicate or high-value pieces, we still recommend the classic: hand washing.
It’s gentler. It’s safer.
Pro Tip:
Oil While You Wash
Want to skip the post-wash oiling step? Add a splash of silicone oil directly into your rinse water:
- Just a few drops — no need to overdo it
- Coats the latex as it dries for a soft, supple finish
- Great for storage prep or when you want it ready-to-wear
- Bonus: it gives your latex that glow without extra polishing
Think of it as a little spa treatment in your sink
How to Store Latex Clothing?
Keep your latex looking (and feeling) its best.
- Store in a dark, dry place — away from sunlight or heat
- Use protective bags (dark fabric or plastic works)
- Avoid direct contact with metal, especially copper or brass
- Don’t fold tightly — roll or hang where possible to avoid creases
Latex Loves to Collect Smells…
- Latex tends to absorb odors, including sweat, smoke, and strong scents. It’s normal — regular washing helps.
- And just like all natural materials, latex ages — gracefully, with the right care. You’ll see a little character over time, but that’s part of the charm.
Repair Options
Small damage? It might be fixable — don’t panic!
- We’re happy to repair any Se’tyo pieces, even after the warranty period (as long as it’s doable). Just reach out before sending anything, so we can talk options and costs.
- Don’t apply oil or polish before sending items in for repair!
- DIY fixes are possible — but they void our warranty. Still, we’re happy to offer tips and advice if you’re going the solo route.
Unfortunately, we can’t repair third-party items made from our sheets or other material. But of course, if you have questions, we are happy to support you.
Warning Notes and Safety
Please, always use your latex responsibly. These are fashion pieces, not medical gear or toys. We need to point out that all goods are only to be used for their intended purpose.
- Never pull latex over the head unless it’s specifically designed for it. Latex is airtight — breathing matters. Be very careful, when using pieces like that!
- Latex allergies are real.
Latex contains natural proteins that can trigger allergic reactions — from redness and itchiness to serious issues. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor and get a latex allergy test before ordering. - If you have mild symptoms, chlorinated latex may be a safer option — but only under medical advice. We don’t offer such products, sorry about that.
For anyone with a known allergy: liquid latex is especially risky — the proteins are not reduced yet, and skin contact must be avoided. - We accept no responsibility for physical injury, damage to health or other damage of any kind caused by improper use of the goods. The provisions of the Product Liability Act remain unaffected.
Special Information on Latex Allergy
Latex is a natural material made from rubber tree sap — and while it’s harmless to most people, it can trigger allergic reactions in some.
A latex allergy occurs when the body reacts to specific proteins or chemical residues in natural rubber. Your immune system mistakes these proteins for harmful invaders and responds — sometimes mildly, sometimes seriously. There are over 15 proteins in latex that people can react to.
Symptoms can vary and may include:
- Itching or redness on the skin
- Hives or blister-like irritation
- Eye irritation, sneezing, or breathing discomfort
- In rare cases, anaphylactic shock — a life-threatening reaction requiring emergency medical treatment
Important: If you’ve never worn latex before or are unsure whether you’re allergic, we strongly recommend consulting a doctor first.
A quick allergy test can offer clarity and peace of mind — before you invest in custom or couture pieces.
If you have mild allergies, you can try chlorinated latex as an option. This is considered to be less allergenic and can help. It is best to seek medical advice immediately if this applies to you. Still, no guarantee on that, please visit a doctor for more information.
About Liquid Latex
Liquid latex is wonderful — but it needs a little extra care (and caution):
- Store in a cool, dark place (15–25°C is ideal)
- Shake before use — especially if it’s glittery!
- Keep it away from fabrics, carpets, and clothes. It sticks.
- Liquid latex looks very different when wet — the true color only appears once it dries!
- To dry faster, you can use a hairdryer — gently. If you overdo, it can affect color and behaving. Patience is always the better option 😉