Halloween Costume Care, Storage Advice, and Tips
How to Clean and Store Costumes, Masks, Wigs, and Accessories
Oct 1, 2009
Halloween costumes allow ghouls, wizards, and witches to effortlessly roam the streets in search of candy bars and caramel apples. The day after Halloween many are left wondering what to do with leftover Halloween candy while others contemplate how to clean dirty, smelly Halloween costumes.
Costume storing and cleaning is an easy process and will ensure the Halloween costume survives until the following year. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning directions when possible and to proceed with caution in cases where the cleaning directions do not exist.
Washing & Cleaning Halloween Costumes
Halloween costume cleaning should first begin by assessing the costume for rips, tears, and areas of soiling. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when available. In cases where the directions do not exist, one should test a small portion of the fabric with detergent to determine if the color bleeds, fades, or if the fabric is damaged in some way.
- Spot-treat any stains. The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute provides a helpful list of stain removal remedies based on the type of stain and fabric.
- Repair any rips or tears with a needle and thread.
- Wash or dry clean according to manufacturer’s instructions. In lieu of instructions, carefully hand wash in mild detergent, wring out water, and lay flat to dry.
- If the fabric can be ironed, press out any wrinkles before storing.
Caring for Specialty Pieces and Halloween Accessories
Halloween costume accessories should be carefully assessed for body odor, soiling, areas of moisture, and matting. When possible, allow Halloween accessories to air out.
- Wigs should be thoroughly brushed to remove knots.
- Fur-based costumes should be brushed to remove any matting or fur clumping.
- Full-body or mascot costumes should be allowed to air out and allow any interior moisture to dry. Spot-treated as needed to remove body odor or any dirt. Use a sponge with soap and water to wash any exposed plastic pieces, including the soles of the feet.
- Plastic or silicone face masks should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any germs. Using anti-bacterial wipes is an easy solution.
- Wipe down Halloween accessories with a soapy sponge.
Storing Halloween Costumes & Accessories
Halloween costume storage should serve the purpose of maintaining and protecting a costume. The goal is to retain a costumes shape, as well as keep it free from dirt, dust, and pests.
- Hang costumes to retain shape and to avoid wrinkles. Placing in a sealed garment bag will remove the risk of pest damage.
- If hanging is not possible, then fold the costume and store in a labeled box or bin.
- Wigs should be stored on a Styrofoam head to maintain shape and covered in a protective bag to ward off pests.
- Hats should be stuffed with paper to maintain shape before storing in a box or bag.
- Halloween accessories like swords or wands should be wrapped in bubble wrap or tissue paper and stored in a box or bin.
Halloween Costume Storage & Cleaning to Protect Costumes for Future Use
After the Halloween parties are over, a Halloween costume and its accessories should be assessed for rips, tears, and soiling. Repairing rips, treating stains, airing out, and washing Halloween costumes prepares the garments for storage and use in the future.
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