Preventing dry rot in rubber work gear, such as boots and vehicle seals, requires a combination of regular cleaning, conditioning, and proper storage. Dry rot occurs when the essential oils and moisture within the rubber evaporate, causing the material to become brittle, crack, and eventually crumble. Core Maintenance Strategies

Car Weatherstripping and Door Seals

• Clean with soap and water every oil change.
• Apply Honda Shin-Etsu Silicone Grease (the industry benchmark) with a foam brush.
• Run a microfiber cloth through the seal groove to remove grit.

Cool + Dark + Clean + UV protectant = rubber that stays soft for years.

• Pack in opaque vapor-barrier bags with desiccant, keep at 15°C in a cabinet away from motors and sunlight, and avoid stacking to prevent compression set.

• Temperature: Aim for 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C). Never store rubber near furnaces, water heaters, or attic spaces.
• Humidity: 40% to 60% relative humidity. Too dry, and the rubber loses plasticizers. Too wet, and mold grows (which excretes acidic waste that eats rubber). Use a dehumidifier if your basement is damp.

How to Keep Rubber Tires from Dry Rotting

Tires are the hardest to preserve because they are filled with air (oxygen) and flex constantly.