DIY garment care instructions how to wash your dance costume
Do Not dry clean
Dry cleaning will damage specialty fabrics and adhesive applied finishes such as hologram, foil, vinyl, rhinestones, spangles, or sequins. Protect the brilliance of your costume by hand washing, the safest and most recommended washing technique.
Spot Clean
Use our recommended spot cleaner, Stain Remedy from Forever New, or mis a solution of 50% Dawn dish soap and 50% hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using Shout or similar products. Before spot cleaning, first test your fabric in a hidden area, like inside the collar, or request a fabric swatch from us for these purposes! Apply directly to the stain with fingertips, let soak for 2 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
Hand Wash
Hand wash using cold water with a small amount of mild soap. Forever New is the only detergent we recommend to safely wash your costumes and uniforms. Wash garments individually, inside out to avoid abrasion. Rinse thoroughly in cold water. Do not wring, rub or agitate. Do not soak or leave unattended during the washing process, and remove garments promptly.
Hang to dry
Thoroughly blot excess water from garment using towels (this may require using several towels). Make sure there is no additional water left in the garment; water should not be dripping from the garment. Hang to Dry. Do not place in dryer.
Do Not Iron
Spandex fabrics will melt if an iron is applied to them, leaving burn marks. Use a garment steamer to release wrinkles if needed, and hang garment to avoid further wrinkling. Store in a breathable container, like a pillowcase. Avoid plastic or nylon garment bags, as these trap odors.
DIY Costume Washing Video Tutorials
GARMENT CARE PRODUCTS DETERGENT & STAIN REMOVER
The only detergent we recommend to safely wash your delicate uniforms.
care instructions for Specialty Items
Myst & Hologram
Myst & hologram fabric can dull over time. To retain shine, wear it only during performances. Perspiration and exposure to chemicals like hairspray can deteriorate the finish; use dress shields or undergarments to protect the fabric and wash the garment to remove sweat. Do not iron, dry clean or place in dryer.
Glitter & Sequin Fabric
Hand wash glitter & sequin garments inside out without agitation. Sequins and glitter finish can dull and shed over time. To preserve sequin finish, remove perspiration and avoid chemicals like hairspray. Use dress shields or undergarments to protect the fabric. Do not iron, dry clean, place in dryer, or leave in a hot car for an extended period of time.
Color Bleeding
Dark or bright fabrics may bleed onto light or white fabrics with sweat or when washed. We colorset fabrics in advance, but color bleeding may still occur. For best results, use Carbona Color Grabber when washing, and blot excess water with a towel before hanging to dry. Use The Line Up's garment care services if you have concerns or follow washing instructions carefully if laundering yourself.
Rhinestones
Hand wash rhinestone garments inside out without agitation. Rhinestones may shed over time. Avoid heat, perspiration, chemicals or stretching which can damage the glue bond, resulting in a loss of rhinestones. Do not iron, dry clean, place in dryer, or leave in a hot car for an extended period of time.
Spangles
Hand wash garments with spangles inside out and do not agitate. Spangles may shed and dull over time. Avoid heat, perspiration, chemicals or stretching which can damage the glue bond, resulting in a loss of spangles and dulling of the spangle finish. Do not iron, dry clean, place in dryer or leave in a hot car for an extended period of time.
Fringe & Lace
To prevent fringe & lace from unraveling, treat the garment like a delicate, and wear it only during the performances. Never put it in the dryer or washing machine. Do not comb fringe with your fingers when wet. Do not iron the fringe or lace. Steaming may be used to remove wrinkles.
Sublimation
Sublimation dyes can transfer to other surfaces when exposed to high heat. To preserve your design, do not iron, dry clean, place in dryer, or leave in a hot car for an extended period of time.
Embroidery
Hand wash embroidered garments inside out to prevent wear, and do not agitate. The backing on embroidery stabilizes the stitching to prevent unraveling and damage. This backing should remain intact to maintain the integrity of the embroidery.
Vinyl & Liquid
Hand wash vinyl & liquid accented garments inside out to prevent wear and avoid agitation. Heat, dry cleaning and perspiration, chemicals, and stretching can damage the glue bond, causing the vinyl to bubble or loosen. Do not iron, dry clean, place in dryer, or leave in a hot car for an extended period of time.
5 Essential Washing Tips
01 Don't be afraid to launder your garments
This will enhance longevity – perspiration can actually promote wear and break down specialty fabrics.
02 Choose one person to launder your entire team’s garments
This will ensure all garments are laundered properly and consistently, as well as prevent accidents that can damage garments.
03 Store garments when clean and dry
Hang for storage after laundering in an old pillowcase. Avoid plastic or nylon garment bags, as these trap odors.
04 Protect your garment from hairspray and perspiration
Hairspray, chemicals and perspiration can advance wear and dull specialty fabrics. To protect the brilliance of your performance apparel, use dressing gowns or dress shields.
05 Wear garments only during performances
To enhance longevity and minimize wear or accidental stains.
Leave it to the experts Laundry Services
The Line Up offers cleaning and laundering services for group orders of 5 or more! Contact us to get started!
