What is Latex Rot?
Latex rot is a type of deterioration caused by exposure to the elements, such as sun and water, which can cause the latex to break down and become brittle. We will help you keep your latex clothing looking its best so that you can enjoy it for years to come.
What is latex?
Commercial latex sheeting is derived from the rubber tree, hevea brasiliensis, which is native to Brazil and which is grown in plantations in South America, west Africa and south-east Asia. Natural rubber latex, which is also used to produce natural rubber, is extracted via a process called tapping. Latex sheeting is a natural product that will deteriorate, disintegrate and break down over time.
Why does latex get Rot?
Latex is a natural product and is mostly water, and water evaporates over time. As the water evaporates, it's no longer there to bond the rest of the Latex elements together and the result is the item starts to fall apart. Latex becomes sticky and wet like tar, glue or gum. It sticks to itself and gets stringy and very stretchy till it tears. This can happen if the latex is stored inappropriately or after a number of years.
How do you know if you have latex rot?
Depending on the conditions, if the latex was stored in a damp location or in direct sunlight, the shelf life of this natural product will deteriorate faster. The garment will have a very strong pungent latex smell and the fabric will seem very stretchy and like gum to the touch. This is why it's important to store your latex correctly to extend the life of your latex garment or accessory.
What can be done if latex rot sets in?
If latex had latex rot, you have a choice to either throw it away or have the panel replaced with new. However, this is only a temporary fix as the whole garment will eventually get latex rot. Another option is to have your beloved latex garment recreated in new latex using your old damaged latex as a pattern. These are things that Debauchee can offer as a service e.g a favourite catsuit with latex rot can be used as the pattern for a brand new latex catsuit.