Gone are the days of tin foil and cardboard box costumes. As these homemade works of art had a tendency to fall apart by the end of the neighborhood trick or treat trail, there was no need to worry about safely washing or storing. Fast forward to today's Halloween creations. Really good costumes are professionally made, cost more and deserve to be preserved for future use. Handing down costumes to the next generation is a great way to recycle and create memories. What a great time to be a kid or just "young at heart."
At the end of the scary season, costumes receive an array of vastly different treatments. Some busy moms and dads store these priceless costumes in color coordinated, properly labeled, storage bins to recycle and reuse again. Other treatment options range from Dry Cleaning, Wash Dry Fold Services, to discarding. If you are on the clean, store and reuse end of the spectrum, read on..
As my dear old Granny would say.. "Read the instructions!"
If your Princess Frock is professionally made, it will have a wash label somewhere. To prolong the life of the outfit, follow the instructions. Most costumes will be machine washable and dryable. If the label recommends hand wash, check out the material composition - most polyester, nylon, acrylic, or cotton fabrics should stand up to wash on the "Gentle" cycle and hang dry.
If the costume label recommends dry cleaning, it is best to follow those instructions. That said, again, check out the material composition. You may wish to hand wash and hang dry.
Drown it! (i.e. Hand Wash/Soak)
At the end of the season, most costumes, whether professionally or hand made, only need minor spot cleaning and air drying. If it needs a little more care, follow these suggestions. To hand wash, fill a sink with cold water, add a couple of ounces of detergent, Vinegar and the costume. Vinegar is a natural fabric softener and deodorizer. Let the costume rest/soak for an hour. Using a wooden spoon or similar object, gently move the material from time to time to allow the detergent and vinegar to lift any stains, remove odors, etc. At the end of the soak, gently knead/wash with your hands for a few minutes and rinse, Thorough rinsing will remove any excess detergent. While gently squeezing out excess water, be sure not to wring or stretch delicate fabric or embellishments. Hang (over a towel) or lay flat (on a towel) to air dry. If time is short and your costume can be washed and dried, take advantage of The Suds Bucket's Wash, Dry and Fold Service. If it is dropped off by noon, you can pick it up (clean and fresh) same day.
Clean and Dry? Stow in a clean, dry storage bin.
To be prepared for your next dress up occasion, shop "After Halloween" sales on orange storage bins. The bright orange color will scream "Here it is!" when Alice wants to have an impromptu Tea Party. Another great idea is to channel your inner Martha Stewart and vacuum pack costumes. Vacuum packing will maximize space and keep out moisture and critters. A cedar block or lavender sachet will keep them fresh until they are called to duty in the future.
Have a Safe, Happy Halloween!
No Time? Daunted by the Buckets of Laundry in Shawnee? We'll Take The Load Off. Trust the Experts, Save Time and Energy, and Let Us Help. For Drop Offs, in by noon, same day service. $2 per pound, 10 lbs. minimum. If you are searching for a Laundry Near Me in Shawnee, OK, there’s simply no better option than The Suds Bucket on Harrison Street.
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