How to Wash Halloween Costumes Without Ruining Them.
Halloween costumes have one rough night each year. They pick up makeup, chocolate, sidewalk dirt, fake blood, and the occasional mystery stain. Then they land in a heap on the floor. So how do you wash your Halloween costume without creating a laundry horror story?
Did you know? The Federal Trade Commission requires manufacturers to provide regular care instructions for covered clothing. It also requires warnings when a standard cleaning method could damage the item.
No label? Treat the costume as delicate. Remove batteries, sound boxes, wings, belts, masks, and other accessories. Test any stain-removal product on a hidden area first.
If the Halloween costume includes glued decorations, rigid foam, feathers, or painted details, spot cleaning is usually safer than placing the entire costume in water.
TREAT STAINS FIRST
Do not wait until November. Fresh stains are usually easier to remove, and dryer heat can make some marks more difficult to treat.
For chocolate, gently scrape away the excess without pushing it deeper into the fabric. Soak the washable area in cool water, pretreat the stain, and then wash the garment according to its care label.
For pumpkin, remove the excess and flush the stain with cold water. Apply a prewash stain remover or liquid detergent before washing.
The American Cleaning Institute recommends using the hottest water that is safe for the fabric after pretreating chocolate and pumpkin stains. If makeup gets on the costume, pretreat the washable fabric with liquid detergent, a prewash stain remover, or bar soap.
Blot stains instead of scrubbing them aggressively. Scrubbing can spread the stain or damage thin costume fabric.
CHOOSE THE SAFEST CLEANING METHOD FOR YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME
Machine-wash the costume only when the label allows it. Turn it inside out, close the fasteners, and place it in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a small amount of mild detergent.
Wash dark or brightly colored costumes separately the first time. Some costume dyes may bleed.
Hand-washing gives you more control. Fill a clean basin with cool water and mild detergent. Gently move the Halloween costume through the water without twisting or wringing it. Rinse it thoroughly, then press out extra moisture with a clean towel.
Spot-clean costumes that contain electronics, heavy embellishments, cardboard, feathers, or glued pieces. If the label says “dry clean only,” take the costume to a qualified cleaner instead of experimenting at home.
BE CAREFUL WITH THE DRYER
High heat is the villain in many Halloween costume-care stories. It can melt plastic, loosen glue, shrink fabric, and damage elastic.
Air-dry the costume when possible. Lay knits flat so they do not stretch. Hang lightweight woven costumes on a padded hanger.
Use a dryer only when the care label allows it. Select the recommended temperature and remove the costume promptly.
Never iron synthetic decorations, sequins, printed graphics, or plastic pieces unless the care instructions specifically permit it.
STORE THE HALLOWEEN COSTUME FOR NEXT TIME
Make sure every part of the costume is completely dry before storage. Damp fabric can develop odors or mildew.
Place accessories in a labeled bag so they do not get lost. Store the costume in a clean, breathable container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
If the Halloween costume is suitable for a normal water wash and tumble drying, you can also bring it to one of our participating SuperSuds wash and fold location.
Delicate, embellished, and dry-clean-only costumes should not be included in a standard wash-and-fold order. Always check the care label first.
