Introduction:
Washing dance costumes requires special care to ensure the colors don’t fade and the delicate fabrics are not damaged. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of hand washing your dance costumes to prolong their lifespan and maintain their sparkle.
What You’ll Need:
- Laundry detergent (liquid or powder, bleach-free)
- Color grabber or color collector
- Laundry bag
- White towel
- Two basins of cold water
Step 1: Prepare the Costume
- Flip the dance costume inside out to protect the embellishments and sequins.
- Place the costume inside the laundry bag.
- Zip up the laundry bag to secure the costume.
Step 2: Prepare the Washing Solution
- Fill one basin with cold water and add the color grabber to prevent color bleeding.
- In the other basin, add a small amount of laundry detergent (about 1/3 of the cap). Mix the detergent with the water.
Step 3: Wash the Costume
- Immerse the laundry bag containing the costume into the basin with the color grabber.
- Gently agitate the bag to ensure the detergent mixes with the water.
- Allow the costume to soak for a short time, being careful not to leave it for too long, especially if it’s a brightly colored costume prone to color bleeding.
- Remove the costume from the basin, being gentle and avoiding ringing or twisting it.
Step 4: Rinse the Costume
- Transfer the costume to the other basin filled with clean cold water.
- Squeeze the costume gently to remove any excess detergent.
- Repeat the rinsing process if needed to ensure all detergent is removed.
Step 5: Drying the Costume
- Lay out the white towel on a flat surface.
- Flip the costume right side out and place it on the towel.
- Gently wrap the towel around the costume, pressing lightly to absorb moisture.
- Roll up the towel with the costume inside, applying slight pressure to squeeze out excess water.
- Unroll the towel and repeat the process if the costume is still dripping.
- You can use additional towels for drying if necessary.
Step 6: Hanging the Costume
- Decide whether to hang the costume by the straps or half hang it, depending on its weight and embellishments.
- For heavy costumes or those with a lot of rhinestones, it is recommended to half hang them to prevent strain on the straps.
- Avoid using clips to secure the costume, as they can leave marks.
Step 7: Final Steps
- Separate all your costumes to ensure they don’t touch each other while drying.
- Allow the costumes to air dry completely before storing or wearing them again.
Conclusion:
By following these steps, you can hand wash your dance costumes at home, ensuring their longevity and preserving their vibrant colors and delicate fabrics. Remember to handle them with care throughout the process and always read the garment care labels for specific instructions.
CREDIT: This post was inspired by the Youtube video “How To Wash Your Dance Costumes | Free Movement Dancewear“
