Tips for Cleaning and Storing Your Halloween Costume

Have a favorite costume? Want to wear it for a while to come? Use it as a hand me down for the next child? Take measures right after Halloween to insure the costume is kept in tip-top shape.

We all know how flimsy purchased costumes can be, especially if the fabric is thing. Go over the costume carefully, and make sure there are no tears or threats for holes. If it can be mended, do so. If the shirt has velcro tabs, make sure they are still firmly fixed to the material.

Check for any washing instructions. Some costumes are hand-wash only, some are dry-clean. Some have no information at all. Unless it specifically says to dry-clean, you should be safe with hand-washing. Never put a costume in a washing machine. Not only is it prone to shrink, but if the material is thin it may snag on the blades. Hand washing is best, and easiest. Just turn the costume inside out, and use hand soap. Fill your sink with warm water, lather your hands, and work the material carefully, paying attention to areas like underneath the arms, or over the rear end. Drain the soapy water, and make certain you rinse the costume thoroughly. Hang to dry. If the costume is wrinkled, use the lowest setting on your iron to smooth them out. You might want to use a damp cloth as a buffer between the iron and your costume.

Store the costume in a zippered storage bag, if possible. There are many varieties available in your local stores. Ideally the costume should be hung, and you can use black garbage bags for this. Just place the bag over the hanging garment, or carefully fold the excess bag around the costume and place it in a box. Make sure your costume's final resting place is a dry, dark location. Refrain from using mothballs. If you have worries, store the costume in the back of the closet where you can check on it once a month.

The best way to store a wig is on a styrofoam head, but if that isn't available, newspaper works. Very carefully use a wide-tooth comb to rid it of any tangles. Stuff it to the gills with the newspaper, and place it inside a dry box. Any other accessories should be treated the same, wrapped in newspaper and stored.

If your costume is made with regular clothes, you can follow the direction as shown on the label, but use a gentle cycle, followed by a dry on the delicate cycle. Stain stick will take out soils, but do not use these on pre-fabricated costumes unless you are certain of the materials. Again, store the costume in a safe, dry place.

When Halloween rolls around, you'll be ready. Let your costume start airing several days before the festivities begin, then go for it!