Scare Away the Stains: Cleaning Tips for Halloween Costumes

Halloween is all fun and games, until it's time to clean the costumes. Whether it's chocolate from sticky little hands, mermaid sequins, fake blood, or face paint, washing Halloween costumes can feel scarier than the holiday itself. Many costumes are made from delicate or synthetic fabrics like sequins, spandex, faux fur, and polyester blends that don't hold up well to regular washing.

But you're in for a real treat with Nellies! With the right products and a little care, you can keep your Halloween costumes fresh, clean, and ready to be passed down (or reused next year). Here's your guide to washing the most common and trickiest Halloween fabrics.

General Tips for Washing Halloween Costumes

• Always check the label: Some costumes may be "dry clean only," but many can still be hand washed at home with care.
• Spot clean first: If there are just a few stains, it might be ok to skip the full wash and spot treat with Nellie's WOW Stick
• Cold water only: Hot water can melt, shrink, or distort synthetic fabrics. It's best to stick with cold!
• Air Dry: Costumes should always be air-dried flat or hung up. Avoid the dryer, which can ruin delicate fabrics.

How to Wash Sequinned Costumes

Sequins are fun for sparkle but tough on laundry day. 

• Method: Hand wash in a basin with cool water and a small scoop of Nellie's Laundry Soda. Gently swirl, don't scrub. 
• Drying: Lay flat on a towel to avoid stretching or breaking the thread holding the sequins.

How to Wash Spandex or Lycra Costumes (Superheroes, Dancers, etc.)

These stretchy fabrics are common in superhero suits and anything skin-tight

• Method: Hand wash in cool water with a splash of Nellie's One Soap. Avoid fabric softeners, which can break down elasticity.
• Drying: Roll in a towel to squeeze out extra water, then air dry. Never wring or twist. 

How to Wash Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester, Nylon, etc.)

The majority of Halloween costumes are made from polyester or nylon. 

• Method: Turn inside out and wash on the delicate cycle with Nellie's Laundry Soda. Place in a mesh bag for extra protection. 
• Drying: Hang to dry. Steam gently if wrinkled (never iron directly on the fabric) or spray with Nellie's Wrinkle-B-Gone.

How to Wash Faux Fur or Furry Costumes (Animals, Monsters, etc.) 

That fuzzy bear suit or monster onesie can be a real challenge. 

• Method: Spot clean first. If a full wash is needed, hand wash in cold water with a small squirt of Nellie's One Soap.
• Drying: Air drying, then gently brush with a wide-tooth comb once completely dry to fluff up the fur.

How to Wash Halloween Wigs (Synthetic)

Wigs are often made of synthetic fibres that tangle easily, so they need extra care.

• Method: Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a squirt of Nellie's One Soap. Swish gently, then let the wig soak for about 5 minutes. Rinse in cool water until clean.
• Drying: Gently blot with a towel, never wring or twist. Place the wig on a clean towel or over a rounded object (like an upside-down bowl) to air dry. Once dry, comb through with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush.

How to Wash Capes, Tutus, and Accessories

• Capes: Usually polyester, hand wash or delicate cycle.
• Tutus: Hand wash gently; tulle tears easily.
• Hats, gloves, masks: Spot clean with a deep cloth and Nellie's One Soap. 

Stain-Busting Trick: Fake Blood & Chocolate

• Fake blood: Rinse in cold water ASAP. Treat with Nellie's WOW Stick before washing.
• Chocolate: Scrape off excess, blot with cold water, and wash with Nellie's Laundry Soda.

Final Boo-tiful Tip

Store costumes in a cool, dry place after they're fully clean and dry. A garment bag helps protect them until next year's festivities. 

With these tricks (no treats needed), your Halloween costumes will stay spook-macular and ready for another round of scares, sweets, and fun!