Rubber is everywhere. From the tires on your car and the seals on your refrigerator to the gaskets in your engine and the soles of your boots, this versatile material makes modern life possible. However, anyone who has pulled a vintage garden hose out of the shed or tried to revive an old pair of sneakers knows the great enemy of rubber: dry rot.
Technically known as ozone cracking or thermo-oxidative degradation, dry rot isn't actually rot (which requires moisture and fungus). It is the chemical breakdown of rubber polymers. When rubber loses its plasticizers and oils, it becomes brittle, shrinks, and cracks. how to keep rubber from dry rotting work
) and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid harsh solvents or petroleum-based cleaners that can actually accelerate drying. Natural Air Dry : Always let rubber air dry at room temperature. The Ultimate Guide: How to Keep Rubber from