HOW TO WASH YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME
When it comes to Halloween, one of the highlights is dressing up. At the same time, most people who purchase store-bought Halloween costumes do not expect them to last a long time. On the other hand, if you who would like to wear your costume next year or pass it down to their children or grandchildren should make sure you clean your Halloween costume appropriately.
Cleaning Costumes with Beads and Sequins
For those who are wearing costumes with added props such as beads or sequins, this is something that has to be hand-washed. In order to watch this costume properly, fill a sink or plastic tub with cold water. Then, add a little bit of gentle detergent and fabric softener. Turn the costume inside out to protect the props. Then, knead the costume by hand for a minute and rinse it with cold water to ensure all of the detergent and fabric softener has been removed. Let the costume air-dry.
Cleaning Polyester and Nylon Costumes
For those who have polyester or nylon costumes, these are safe to wash in a machine. Just make sure to use a cold water setting. For costumes that contain white, it might be a good idea to add a little bit of bleach to the wash. Always hang these costumes and let them air-dry.
TIPS:
Here are some tips for cleaning Halloween costumes:
- Soak in detergent: Soak the costume in a bucket of water with a little detergent for 1–2 hours. You can add white vinegar to the water to help with stains.
- Pre-treat stains: For stains, you can try placing the costume in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, then scraping off the stain with a butter knife or credit card. You can also soak the stain in dish soap or laundry detergent for 10 minutes.
- Hand wash: For delicate fabrics, like tulle, spandex, or sequins, wash by hand with a gentle detergent. Be careful not to stretch the fabric, and don’t wring it out. Instead, gently squeeze it and let it air dry.
- Machine wash: If the costume is machine washable, check the label or manufacturer’s website. Use a low-spin or delicates cycle with cool water and a gentle detergent.
- Remove excess water: Use a towel to soak up excess water.
- Air dry: Let the costume dry naturally. You can hang it up in a warm place or lay it flat on a towel.
- Use a dry cleaner: Some dry cleaners offer costume cleaning services.
Store the Costumes Appropriately
Always store these costumes in a cool, dry place. It is a good idea to place them in a sealed container with some mothballs to keep them fresh and to prevent mold from growing.
Conclusion
Minimize the spreading of dirt/dust with an expert fall cleaning – Contact Chet’s Cleaning today to see how we can help keep you and your family happy and healthy this spring.