How to Wash and Remove Stains From Vinyl Clothes

Vinyl and rubber products were once relegated to just floors, rain protection gear in our closets or mats for the floor of our car. But designers have embraced vinyl, neoprene, and other synthetic fabrics for all types of fashion. 

Because of their unique properties, a usual toss in the washer won't work for vinyl and rubber, and traditional laundry techniques and products may ruin the finish. 

Cleaning Vinyl and Rubber Clothes

Vinyl and rubber clothing and accessories require special care. When putting on or wearing these clothes, try not to overstretch the fabric. Avoid abrasive surfaces when sitting that can damage the texture and mar the finish.

If the clothing isn't stained and hasn't been worn close to the body, just a wipe down with a sponge dipped in plain water may be all that is needed. Odors from smoking or cooking can be eliminated by spraying the inside (never the outside finish) with a fabric refresher like Febreze. Hanging will relax wrinkles. Always allow the garments to dry completely before storing. Vinyl and rubber garments should never be stored in a cramped closet together. Dark colors can actually stain lighter colored items. Leave plenty of air circulation or cover vinyl and rubber clothes with cotton garment bags (never plastic). 

If the garment is worn close to the body, vinyl and rubber clothes should be hand washed. The agitation of a washer may cause damage to the finish. (If you must use a washer, select the gentle cycle.)

Use lukewarm water and a tiny amount of gentle liquid laundry detergent. Powdered detergent should be avoided, because it may not dissolve completely and dull the finish. Gently squeeze the solution through the garment. Rinse with cold water and never twist or wring the item. Turn the garment inside out to hang or dry flat away from direct heat or sunlight. When the inside is dry, turn to the right side and allow that side to dry completely.

Vinyl and rubber fabrics are damaged by most petroleum or oil-based solvents and other chemicals. These chemicals remove the plasticizer in vinyl fabric, weaken rubber, and cause stiffening. Avoid acetone (nail polish remover), hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, boric acid (borax), liquid butane, gasoline, iodine, kerosene, lacquer, motor oil, and turpentine. Fats like cooking oil and butter, chlorine bleach, and urine will also damage and weaken vinyl and rubber.

How to Remove Stains from Vinyl and Rubber Clothes

To remove stains, dampen a white paper towel or white cloth with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Work from the outside edges of the stain toward the middle. Change the paper towel or cloth frequently to avoid spreading stain until the stain is removed. Finish by wiping the surface with a cloth dipped in plain water to remove traces of alcohol residue.

For tough stains, wet a melamine-foam sponge (such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) with water and squeeze out as much water as possible. Rub the stained area gently until the stain disappears. Always test the sponge on an inconspicuous area first to be sure that it doesn't damage the surface.

If the finish is dull, vinyl clothing can be polished and some shine can be restored by using liquid silicone spray, which is available in the automotive cleaning section of most stores. 

For yellowing or discoloration, spray the vinyl with plain water. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon powdered oxygen bleach (OxiClean, Clorox 2, and Country Save Bleach are brand names) over the stain. Dampen a white cloth and rub the stain, beginning at the outer rim and working toward the center. As the stain is transferred to the cloth, move to a clean section of the cloth to avoid redistributing the stain. Immediately wipe the area with a clean cloth dipped in plain water to rinse.

Removing Wrinkles from Vinyl and Rubber Clothes

Vinyl and rubber clothing should never be ironed due to the potential of melting. Once damage occurs, it can not be repaired. High temperatures should be avoided from any source, such as flames, clothes dryers or cigarettes because the fumes from burning vinyl and rubber are dangerous.

For excessive wrinkles, toss the vinyl or rubber clothes in a clothes dryer with several wet bath towels. Set the controls to "air only" and allow everything to tumble for five to ten minutes. Remove and hang to air dry. 

How to Identify Vinyl and Rubber Clothes

The first thing to do before attempting to clean vinyl and rubber clothes is to read the garment material identification and care tag. That tag will give you information on the components used in making the garment, products that can harm the finish, and correct washing and drying temperatures. High temperatures are particularly damaging and can cause melting that can never be reversed.

The shiny, plastic-coated fabrics we commonly call vinyl are typically made with a woven backing of polyester fibers that are then coated with polyvinyl chloride or a blend of PVC and polyurethane. So the label may indicate PVC or PU and polyester. The stiffer the fabric, the larger the percentage of PVC; silky, stretchy vinyl is largely polyurethane. The fabric may also be referred to as pleather, leather-look, or faux patent leather.

Coating fabric with natural rubber is a way to provide a waterproof finish on rain-gear like rain boots. As chemists found new ways to extrude rubber into thinner, finer threads, latex and neoprene entered the fashion scene. Latex can be knitted into leotards and stockings to provide stretch or molded into a more solid sheet to form gloves and garments with glued seams.

Neoprene is another rubber textile that can be formed into a solid textile that has no raveling or extruded into fine threads for knitting. Neoprene is found in everything from high fashion to wetsuits to tights.