Your vinyl clothes are bold, unique pieces that deserve special attention. Whether you’re Rubber and PVC fetishism or simply enjoy the special aesthetic of vinyl, this article is for you.
We’ll take you step-by-step through the care of your vinyl garments. They’ll keep their shine and suppleness for years to come.
Why is caring for vinyl clothes important?
Despite their smooth, hard-wearing appearance,vinyl clothes need regular care to maintain their beauty and durability. Vinyl is sensitive to rubbing, dust, perspiration and grease. Poor care can lead to cracking, stubborn creases, loss of shine and even discolouration of your clothes.
What’s more, accumulated perspiration, dust and dirt can encourage the growth of bacteria and unpleasant odours. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your vinyl clothes, you can preserve their appearance. You’ll also avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that you can wear them for many years to come.
We strongly recommend that you clean your vinyl clothes before wearing them for the first time.
The essential tools and products for cleaning your vinyl clothes
To clean your vinyl clothes effectively and gently, it’s important to use the right tools and products. You’ll need a soft cloth, ideally microfibre, that won’t scratch the surface of the vinyl. You’ll also need lukewarm water, or distilled water if you live in a region with very hard water.
It is essential to avoid abrasive sponges and aggressive cleaning products that could damage the vinyl. You’ll also need the special vinyl cleaning product ViviWash, an essential ally in the care of your favourite pieces.
The special vinyl cleaning product: ViviWash
ViviWash is a product specially designed to clean and care for vinyl garments. Its gentle, effective formula thoroughly removes dirt, dust and perspiration marks. It also removes light stains without damaging the vinyl. It contains no aggressive ingredients that could cause cracking or loss of shine.
ViviWash Cleaner Synthetic leaves a light residue on your clothes, giving them a clean, well-groomed look. Regular use will preserve the beauty of your vinyl clothes and keep them looking like new for a long time.
Do you have latex clothes? Read our article on latex care with Vivishine.
Step-by-step guide: How to clean your vinyl clothes?
Cleaning vinyl clothing is a simple process, as long as you follow a few essential steps. Whether you’re looking for daily care or a deep clean, here’s how.
Daily cleaning: How do you care for your clothes after each use?
After each use, we recommend that you quickly clean your vinyl garments. This will quickly remove traces of perspiration, dust and dirt. To do this, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with warm water and a mild soap. Gently rub the surface of the garment in a circular motion.
Concentrate on the areas most exposed to perspiration or dirt. For example, underarms, neck and the bottom of clothes. Once you’ve finished cleaning, dry your garment using a clean, dry cloth. Or leave to air dry out of direct sunlight.
Deep cleaning: How do you wash your vinyl clothes to remove stains?
For a deep clean and to remove more stubborn stains, you can use ViviWash cleaning product for synthetics. ViviWash can be used both in the washing machine and by hand. As long as you follow the correct procedure.
For hand washing, start by diluting a small amount of ViviWash (20ml) in lukewarm water (20° 30°). Wash for at least one minute without rubbing too hard. Rinse with clean water and hang to air dry.
If the garment is suitable for the washing machine, add VIVIWASH (40ml) for the gentle wash cycle or a comparable programme. Wash at 20 – 40°C according to the instructions on the garment.) If necessary, use a wash bag to protect the surface.
Please note that Patrice Catanzaro brand garments are not suitable for the washing machine.
Tips and tricks for extending the life of your vinyl garments
As well as regular cleaning, there are other tips to help you extend the life of your vinyl garments.
How should you store your vinyl items to avoid creases and cracks?
To avoid creases and cracks, never store your vinyl clothes folded. Instead, hang them on hangers in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Also avoid storing them in places that are too hot or too cold, as temperature variations can damage the vinyl. If you absolutely must store them folded, take care to roll them gently to avoid marked creases.
Mistakes to avoid when caring for vinyl
Synthetic fibres are quick-drying and crease-resistant. However, chemically-produced textiles do not tolerate high heat. Tumble dryers and irons are therefore not recommended for the care of these synthetic fibres. They are unnecessary anyway.
When washing, do not mix dark and light-coloured synthetic garments together. The materials are prone to bleeding.
Certain practices should be avoided to prevent damage to your vinyl garments. Avoid using bleach, alcohol or solvents, which can damage vinyl. Also avoid leaving your vinyl garment to dry in direct sunlight or near a heat source. We strongly recommend that you keep them in a plastic cover to prevent colour transfer.
Answers to frequently asked questions about caring for vinyl garments
Here are the most frequently asked questions about caring for vinyl garments:
- Can bleach be used? No, bleach is too aggressive for vinyl and can discolour or damage it.
- How do I remove stubborn stains? For stubborn stains, use ViviWash and leave for a few minutes before rubbing gently. If the stain persists, consult a professional.
- Can I use fabric softener? No, fabric softeners can leave marks on vinyl.
- How can I make my vinyl garment shine? You can apply a thin layer of Vivishine after cleaning to give a shiny finish and extra protection.
Look after your vinyl clothes
Caring for your vinyl clothes is not a chore. It’s an act of care that will help you enjoy them for many years to come. By following the advice in this guide and using the right products like ViviWash, you’ll keep your favourite pieces looking beautiful and shiny.
So go ahead and give your vinyl garments the attention they deserve. Discover our full range of cleaning products in our online shop and look after your fetish style with passion.
