Cleaning a rubberized Mackintosh?

[blackmacjay]

I know that whenever we buy a mackintosh, cleaning the garment seems to rely on hand-applied water and some added soap or detergent.

Is this necessary or can anyone suggest an alternative please?

[capelia mackintosh]

Please do not use detergent,as it might have a detrimental effect on the rubber.

Capelia.

[sergiouk]

I often wear PVC underwear, from Henleys, AirOliver, FuuBuu and more recently, Haian, but found that after wearing and washing around 10-20 times they would stiffen and eventually tear despite using a gentle washing programme, water softener and a minimum of washing liquid. Recently it occurred to me that the gentle non-bio washing liquid still contains 'surfactants' which act as a detergent and probably account for the plastic breaking down. After scouring the shelves of my local Waitrose I hit upon DP branded 'Liquid Soap Flakes' and though I haven't been using it long the results are looking promising.

[blackmacjay]

Well, it seems I have to look at my local grocery store for "soap only" products. As I am in the USA and if I find something, I'll post it here.