How to Get Rid of the Rubber Smell from Latex Halloween Masks

Husband and I couldn’t wait for the Guardians of the Galaxy movie to come out last summer. Of all of the Guardians, it is no surprise that our favorite is the smart aleck little guy Rocket. (I am including affiliate links in this post for your convenience)

It was decided long before the movie came out that Husband and I would be Rocket Raccoon and Groot for Halloween. We only waited until this year because we hoped Marvel would release costume pieces because I didn’t know how to fabricate the character heads.

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Unfortunately the usually smart folks at Marvel completely dropped the ball when it comes to Guardians of the Galaxy merchandise after the first movie came out. I think they forgot there are FIVE Guardians and that group and that people might want to dress up as someone other than Star Lord and Gamorra. How cool would Guardians of the Galaxy be as a family Halloween costume?! 

After some in depth research*, I learned if I went with the Guardians matching comic book uniforms,  I wouldn’t have to to worry about fabricating Groot’s and Rocket’s bodies. Perfect! Now I only have to worry about our heads.

I planned on buying a paper mache raccoon mask from Etsy but Husband insisted on the licensed latex masks once we found out they existed and bought a rubber Groot Halloween mask and Rocket Raccoon mask from Amazon. I love Amazon it has everything!

When the masks came in the mail it was a happy day until I opened the boxes. Latex masks STINK! Which is one reason out of many that I haven’t worn a rubber Halloween mask as part of my costume until now.

I needed to find a way to clean these Halloween masks so I don’t pass out from the smell two seconds after I put it over my head. What can I say? I’m a big baby when it comes to stinky things.

* Translation: I read back issues of Guardians of the Galaxy comic books on line.  We have a Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited subscription.

How to Deodorize a Rubber or Latex Halloween Mask

You probably have everything you need to get rid of the rubber smell of a Halloween mask in your kitchen.

You will need:

Baking soda - Lots I ordered this 5 pound bag of baking soda from Amazon because I use baking soda for cleaning and deodorizing everything in my house.

Water

Dish soap (use whatever brand or kind you want. I used plant based Seventh Generation dish soap)

Time

Do it:

1. Cover the inside of the latex mask with a baking soda and water paste. Depending upon the style, size, and thickness of your mask you may be able to make the job easier by carefully turning the mask  inside out. If not, that’s OK. You can dump the stuff inside the mask too.




2. Add a sploosh or two of dish soap to the baking soda paste. Use your hands or a dishcloth to coat the inside of the mask with a thin paste of your super duper mask desmellifsying paste.

I put the mask in the kitchen sink to contain the mess.

3. Allow the mask to sit for awhile so the mixture can do its thing. I left the deodorizing paste on our masks while I did a few clean up chores around the kitchen. I think I left it on for about 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Completely rinse the baking soda paste off your mask with water and give the mask the sniff test. If it still smells like rubber, repeat Steps 1 – 3 for as many times as needed.

5. Allow the inside of the mask to dry. I put our masks on a couple of mason jars so they would dry completely inside and out.



6. Put on your

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