How to care for Rubber goods

     Caring for rubber products is essential to prevent premature failure. There are various materials called rubber some are more resistant to chemicals and handling than others; Vulcanized rubber, Latex (natural rubber) Silicone rubber, Nitrile rubber, EPDM rubber are just a few. See the breakdown below;

• VULCANIZED RUBBER, no this has nothing to do with Mr. Spock's preferred form of birth control (Ha!). This rubber can be black white or gray usually, it's more resistant to damage both physical or chemical than natural rubber (latex), but will decay over time with exposure to alcohols, solvents, or natural oils. Best to clean with STERAMINE or CHLORHEXADINE to disinfect, and regular dish shop to remove dirt etcetera. Protect with a good silicone or teflon spray that's rubber safe, or automotive vinyl/rubber polishes.
• LATEX RUBBER (natural rubber), standard condom and rubber glove material, has proteins in it that some people have varying degrees of allergy to. Easily damaged by solvents and naturals oils (petroleum, vegetable, etc.). Best to clean with STERAMINE or CHLORHEXADINE to disinfect, and regular dish shop to remove dirt etcetera. Protect with a good silicone or teflon spray that's rubber safe, or automotive vinyl/rubber polishes.
• SILICONE RUBBER (synthetic), strong resilient and resistant to many solvents and oils. DO NOT USE SILICONE spray or lubricants with this, it will weaken or melt silicone rubber, use Teflon spray only, do not use rubber vinyl polishes as many have silicones that will damage silicone rubber. Avoid alcohols as they can dissolve silicone.
• NITRILE RUBBER (blue or black rubber gloves) Very solvent and oil resistant, expensive compared to latex
• EPDM RUBBER this is a composite rubber usually sold in sheets and is somewhat stretchy, very resistant to oils, cleaners, solvents. Best used as rubber sheets on beds that are very durable, usually black or dark grey, can be polished with Silicone, Teflon, or automotive vinyl/rubber polishes. More expensive than latex rubber sheet, and doesn't shine as easily, but will outlast latex, good investment.

Best Polishes for rubber I have found;

• Turtle wax shine for rubber, plastic, vinyl
• Armor all, high gloss
• WD-40 Silicone spray
• WD-40 TEFLON spray