How to Wash Dance Costumes: Tips and Tricks for Caring For Your Garment
We all know that dance costumes can be difficult to wash - they're often made with delicate embellishments like fringe, sequins or rhinestones that can be easily damaged in the wash.
But don't worry, because I'm here to share some tips and tricks on how to care for dancewear so that your costumes always look their best.
Hand Wash Your Costume
Hand washing your costume is the best way to keep your garment from being damaged during the wash cycle. It may be tempting to skip this and use the gentle cycle to machine wash it...or by dry cleaning it. But, it's not worth the risk of damaging a costume you have invested in.
Fill a sink or basin with cold water and add a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Gently swish your costume around in the soapy water, taking care not to agitate it too much.
I also highly recommend turning it inside out and placing it into a laundry bag before submerging into the water.
Once the costume has been soaked for a few minutes, drain the sink and refill it with cold water to rinse the detergent from the costume.
Drying Your Dance Costume
After your costume has been washed, lay it flat on a towel and blot it to remove excess water so that it is not dripping wet.
Once you have sufficiently removed as much water as possible, you can either lay it flat on another dry towel or drying rack in order to keep its shape.
If your dance costume is not too heavy with rhinestones or other embellishments, then you can also hang it up to dry.
Drying your costume in direct sunlight can cause the color to fade, so avoid hanging it in direct sunlight.
Here's a great video resource by Free Movement Dancewear that walks you through the steps of properly handwashing a dance costume.
Store Your Costume Safely
Once your costume is dry, you can now store it safely until you need to wear it again. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
A breathable garment bag is a great option for storing your costume.
More Tips To Prolong The Life Of Your Dance Costume
Properly caring for your dance costume will help it last longer. Here are a few more tips to prolong the life of your costume:
- Avoid using products with harsh chemicals: Ingredients such as bleach can damage the fabric of your costume. My favorite detergent, Ingredients Matter!, is great for delicates and regular laundry. Their natural laundry soap is made from coconut soap flakes and dissolves in cold water.
- Be careful with jewelry: Rhinestones, sequins, and other embellishments can fall off while washing. If you lose some rhinestones during the washing process, you can easily glue them back on. I use Gem-Tac which is non-toxic and dries clear.
- Be mindful of how you store your costume: Storing your costume in a cramped space can cause it to wrinkle or become damaged. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dry location free of direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to wash your dance costume? Check out our FAQ section below for more answers.
Q: How often should I wash my dance costume?
A: How often you need to wash your costume will depend on how often you wear it. If you only wear it for performances, then you can probably get away with washing it after each performance. However, if you wear it for rehearsals as well, then you will need to wash it more frequently.
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent on my costume?
A: No, you should not use regular laundry detergent as it is too harsh for delicate fabrics. You should only use a mild detergent specifically designed for handwashing.
Q: How can I get the body odor out of my costume?
A: Vinegar and soda water can help remove body odor from your costume. Simply soak the affected area in a mixture of vinegar and water for 30 minutes before washing it as usual. You can also try spraying the area with soda water before placing it in the washing machine.
Final Thoughts
Costumes are a great way to show and maintain your dance spirit in and out of performances.
This is why it is important to take care of your costumes so they can last longer and continue to look their best.
We hope these tips on how to wash your dance costume will help you keep your costumes in pristine condition for many performances to come! Thanks for reading!
Did you find this blog post helpful? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to share this post with your fellow dancers!
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