Rubber items should normally be stored in cool, dark, dry, and oxygen-free settings once they have been delivered to reduce the effects of rubber deterioration. If you have any rubber components, particularly rubber seals, that are beginning to deteriorate, don't worry. It is normal for these items to need replacement at some point. If your product has plastic parts that may get brittle with age, such as snap-on caps or screws, it's a good idea to keep them locked up away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent breakage caused by an aging plastic shell absorbing heat from the sun! If you want to extend the life of your rubber products, there are several things you can do. The first thing you need to understand is that rubber itself is a material that experiences degradation over time due to oxidation and thermal stress. There are two types of deterioration that occur to rubber, physical and chemical. Physical deterioration includes surface cracks, splits, and holes. Chemical deterioration involves changes to the carbon-carbon bonds that make up the polymer structure of rubber. These changes can lead to molecules becoming more reactive or even toxic. Physical deterioration occurs when oxygen gets into your product. This can happen when you store rubber items in high temperatures or high humidity conditions for a long period of time. When this happens, they will look like they have "moth-eaten" or degraded hair bands or tires.