Latex mask care: getting rid of the smell and storing it for next year

Fresh latex has a rubbery smell straight out of the bag. It is normal and it goes away. Open the mask, stuff it loosely with paper, and leave it in a ventilated room for one to three days. The heaviest pieces, like our dreadlocked hunter, take the longest.

Washing

• Use lukewarm water and a little mild soap on a soft cloth.
• Never put a latex mask in the washing machine or dryer.
• Do not scrub painted areas; dab them.
• Rinse the inside, where sweat collects, more than the outside.

Drying

Dry it on a head form, a tall bottle or a balloon, away from radiators and sun. Heat and ultraviolet light are what crack latex and fade paint.

Storing until next October

Stuff it with acid-free paper or a plastic bag to hold the shape, and keep it in a cardboard box in a cool, dry cupboard. Avoid airtight containers: latex needs to breathe. Keep masks from touching each other so the paint does not stick.

Resin and PVC pieces

Our rigid masks and headpieces are simpler: wipe with a damp cloth and store away from heat so they do not warp.