Best way to clean black rubber mask?

[lowpan]

Hello

I have a black rubber darth vader mask that I came across while going through storage. The mask has a white film/residue all over it. The residue is not thick and is spread over the mask in an uneven pattern. The distribution is uneven, but generally the entire mask is covered.

I have tried to clean it with water, soap and water, scrubbing with a coarse brush. But it does not seem to help at all. The only progress I have made is using my finger nail and intensely scratching one spot at a time...but this would take forever.

Is there anything anyone can suggest that I can use to clean this film off of them mask? I have heard that some oils can damage it and I would like to avoid that.

As far as the type of rubber...I can not say for certain. There do not seem to be any marks/symbols to signify anything. The rubber is about 1mm thick. It is very flexible. It was made by liquid rubber in a mold. It seems to be a very high quality rubber and product.

Thanks for any help.

 

[btrueblood]

Try using armor-all or similar rubber cleaners. Google the term "rubber bloom" for more info.

 

[tom1953]

Try warming the rubber mask. The ingredients in the rubber that bloomed may re-solubilize into the rubber at a warm temperature. I'd initially try maybe 50C-70C (120-160F).
It may not be a permanent solution, tho, as the ingredients may bloom again in the future, but it may take a while.
Good luck!
tom

 

[lowpan]

Thank you very much the both of you. you have been very helpful