How to Wash Foam Costumes

Wash a foam costume in your washing machine.

Washing a foam costume can be done at home rather than taking the clothing to a cleaner. The important thing is to avoid washing the foam with anything abrasive. Foam costumes are resilient and can be washed in a large washing machine. You can purchase specially designed bags to prevent the costume from getting stuck or tearing during the washing process. Since foam costumes can be expensive, use caution when washing your costume.

Things You'll Need

• Mesh washing bag
• Laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Purchase a mesh washing bag. These bags fit around the clothing and help to protect them from damage. Place the costume inside the mesh bag

2. Place 1/2 cup of laundry detergent into a washing machine. Turn the machine to cold, set the water level to high and put it on a gentle setting. Allow the water to fill halfway before putting the costume in the washer.

3. Stop the washing machine and make sure the detergent has mixed in completely. You may need to swish the water with your hand to mix the detergent. Using a liquid detergent instead of powder will make this process easier.

4. Place the foam costume in an over-sized washing machine. If the costume takes up more than half of the washer space, you will need a bigger washer. You may need to go to a laundromat to wash the costume.

5. Hang the costume to dry. Do not put the costume in the dryer; a dryer will destroy the foam. If you have a shower rod connected to a bathtub you can center the shower rod in the center of the tub and drape the costume over the rod. This way the costume will drip into the bathtub, preventing a water mess.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are in doubt about the materials of the costume, take the costume to your local dry cleaner.

References

• Pierre's Costumes: Performance & Maintenance Tips