Perspiration- It contains oil, and oil rots rubber.
                    Petroleum- Any kind of oil, Vaseline, or solvent, dissolves
                    latex.
                    Sunlight- UV rays and ultraviolet. They also make rubber
                    brittle.
                    Heat- Heat will bake out the natural moisture rubber needs.
                    Crushing- If folded, and under pressure, masks will crease.
                    Age- Any mask, no matter how you baby it, will eventually
                    rot.
                    
                  If you wear your masks, please be careful to clean them well
                  on the inside as well as the outside. A washcloth with a mild
                  soap solution, followed by a water wipe and dry will remove
                  any perspiration, saliva, and make-up. When dry, you should
                  follow this with a light dusting of baby powder inside to help
                  keep it dry.
                  If the mask has long hair that needs attention, don’t wash it!
                  Brush the hair using a very gentle wide toothed brush, or an
                  Afro pick comb. Starting at the ENDS and working gently toward
                  the roots, Brushing out one small area at a time. If the hair
                  is extremely dirty, gently dab it with a water-dampened paper
                  towel. Allow to air dry. Avoid using a hairdryer. The heat
                  will restyle the hair if it is supposed to be curly or kinky.
                  Then brush the hair, as above.
                  
                  Between wearings don’t just toss your mask in a closet. Store
                  it properly, and it will be ready for the next time.
                  

                  It is a good idea to support your mask between wearings. If
                  you don’t have a Styrofoam wig stand to put it on, stuff it
                  with plastic garbage bags, to help it retain its’ shape. Many
                  people use newspaper, but I’ve found that to be too acidic,
                  and it eventually gets brittle and then affords no support.
                  (You know this if you have brittle back-issues of Famous
                  Monsters of Filmland!) Then store your mask inside another
                  plastic garbage bag. You can label it with a masking tape
                  label. Be sure to carefully dry out the mask's interior first,
                  of any perspiration or saliva, using one or more paper towels.
                  Allow it to dry thoroughly, then dust lightly with a little
                  talc or baby powder.
                  Remember to do this each time the mask is worn.

                  If your masks are displayed as showpieces, there are other
                  considerations as well. Obviously, we all can’t pay to have
                  museum cases built to protect them, so here are some more
                  affordable ideas.
                  The previous tips apply here too. However the first and best
                  protection is a proper method of displaying the mask. It
                  should be supported by a Styrofoam wig stand at LEAST. If the
                  mask is too tall, or the neck is too long, masking tape the
                  wig stands’ base to an empty plastic peanut butter jar. And
                  fill it with rocks or sand for better balance.
                  The best support however, is to have the mask foam-filled.
                  It’s light, completely inert, and fully supports every part of
                  the mask. Of course, I offer this service on my Mask Doctor
                  web-site.
                  Once your mask is properly supported, consider where you are
                  going to display it. Choose a spot that is out of direct
                  sunlight, and is cool and dry.
                  If possible display your masks on a shelf that has another
                  shelf above it. This will help keep them out of sunlight and
                  dust-free. Use a display surface that is at least three feet
                  above the floor. Especially if you have pets. This will also
                  help keep them away from a dusty environment, the carpet.
                  As much as possible keep dust off your masks. Household dust
                  will trap moisture and oil, which degrades rubber. Remove dust
                  by whisking with a disposable paintbrush or any soft clean
                  brush. Clean with mild soap and water, and a soft cloth, only
                  in extreme cases of dirt or oil contamination.
                  Sometimes, depending on the type of paint used, or storage
                  problems, a displayed mask will yellow, or appear to “rust”.
                  This mask “rust” can be removed, but refer this to a
                  professional. (me.)

                  With the best of intentions, we can sometimes do more harm
                  when we think we’re helping. For instance, NEVER use any
                  silicone based rubber protectant products such as Armor All on
                  a mask. It can do some strange things to rubber over time. And
                  never EVER use shoe polish, Vaseline, or saddle soap. The oil
                  content will kill the liveliness of latex, and break it down.

                  If you want to re-paint a mask, do not use spray paint, or
                  model paints. Not only is it brittle, and will crack, but it
                  too contains petroleum solvents. Using makeup to color a mask
                  is also a mistake, since it is oil based. It Takes an
                  experienced eye to tell what kind of paint was used on your
                  mask. A re-paint should be compatible. For a quality paint
                  job, e-mail me.
                  
                  Using these simple tips your masks should last for years, and
                  look their frightening best for seasons to come.