I noticed in sale items that you were offering, a mackintosh that had been forgotten and is now almost unuseable. I also noted in Lorraine's Club reference to mackintoshes not lasting more than a few years. I would like to point out that I have two SBR macs that are forty years old and one rubber lined satin mac that is twenty years old, and that in Australia, with a climate quite unfavourable for mackintoshes.

 

After many years I have discovered how to store and revive rubber. With ageing, rubber oxidises in the presence of UV light even if it is only reflected. It also dries out going stiff, so don't hang a coat in an open place. Of course oils destroy rubber and sweat contains oil. As well, chlorine compounds are detrimental so avoid contact with PVC and plastics such as some coat hangers.

 

Washing mackintoshes in water with detergent or soap gets rid of oxidation on the surface and that smell of perished rubber. After washing hang out to dry in a dark place (night is best). Next spray on a silicon based rubber reviver such as ArmorAll and wipe it off again (like polishing shoes). If the rubber is hard this may have to done several times when it will be found to become supple again. This reviver protects the rubber from drying and deteriorating in UV light. It also make it very slippery. Wipe any condensation off rubber linings after use.

Store macs loosely folded or rolled up in a dark draw and only hang them in a dark cupboard when in use, because the weight of the rubberized fabric stresses the material at places like shoulders. Never fold a rubber sheet but roll it up.

Ed.