Dry rot is the silent killer of rubber. You’ve seen it: the cracked sidewall of a spare tire, the brittle seal on a refrigerator door, or the crumbling handle on a pair of pliers. Technically, "dry rot" is a misnomer—it’s not a fungus. It’s . When rubber is exposed to oxygen, ozone, UV light, and heat over time, its polymer chains break down, causing it to harden, shrink, and crack.
After washing, ensure the rubber is fully dry before applying any protectants to prevent trapping moisture. 2. Apply Specialized Protectants how to keep rubber from dry rotting