Washing a Costume

Sometimes, your "workhorse" needs some love.

After a recent performance, I realized that my beloved gold bedlah had gotten a little "funky."  I had been using it about 3-6 times per year, and over the last 3 years.  I had always been careful what I ate in the days before dancing (onions and garlic just pour out of my skin); but, it was time.

Then, as I changed after the performance, I realized one strap was literally hanging on by a thread.

So, off to the bath and rehab unit!

Steps for washing a costume:

1. Carefully remove all hooks, eyes, velcro, snaps, safety pins, or other things used to fasten the costume.
2. Remove any padding in the bra or belt.
3. Inspect the lining and decide whether to keep or remove it.  (In my case, it was coming apart and needed replacement.  If the lining is particularly think, you may want to remove it anyway, to speed drying.  And, if the wash alone does not freshen your costume, a new lining can really help.)
4. Place the costume in a bucket with tepid water and a squirt of a gentle soap like Ivory liquid.  (This is what I use for my street bras, by the way.)  If you are concerned about the effects on the sequins and beadwork, test an armband or hidden edge of the belt first.
5. Stir the water gently, agitating the costume.
6. Let the costume soak for about 15-30 minutes -- no longer.
7. Pour the water out of the bucket and through a strainer to catch any beads that come loose.

The water will probably be the color of weak tea.  My friend, mentor, instructor, and favorite purveyor of costumes, Scheherezade, calls this "Cairo Dust."

8. Gently add clean tepid water, swish it gently and let it soak to rinse for about 5-10 minutes.

9. Drain the water through a strainer.

10.  Repeat if needed. NOTE: usually at either the first or second rinse, the water will start to look like it has glitter in it.  This is most likely the lining from the beads.  Shorter soaks, faster rinses and fewer washes will minimize this,

11.  CAREFULLY drape the costume across a drying rack, preferably a wooden one, arranging the costume so that it is well supported and reshaped.  If you don't have a drying rack, you can lay it on a counter on a towel, changing the towel often so that it does not stay wet.

12.  Once the costume is thoroughly dry, you can reattach the fasteners, restore any loose beadwork, and reline as needed.

13.  For interim cleanings, the best thing is to lay out your costume to air immediately after each performance.  A drying rack is, again, the best way to ensure air circulation. Some dancers spray a mist of 1/2 cheap vodka and 1/2 water onto the lining. Avoid laying the costume in the sun, however, as this can fade the fabric and trim.