Thread: Trying to be brave- costume cleaning

I cannot believe how stupid I was. When I danced last time, I put pads in my bra (first time I've ever padded, but I've gone down a cup size and needed it). Since I didn't want the pads to move around and possibly be seen, I safety pinned them in place. Worked great.

Fast forward to tonight... I got out my brand-new, never-been-worn Bella. Tried it on. Bra is gigantic, because I lost a cup size, and it was big to begin with. So I stuck in the pads (same as before- they're my only pair). Was moving them all around adjusting- trying to make them work. When I was finished, I took the bra off.

Couldn't understand why my torso had this oil-coated feeling. Then I noticed the bra lining of one cup. That's right- they were gel-filled pads, and when I safetly pinned them into place, I punctured one. That gel-substance is now coating the inside (and outside in a couple of places) of my brand-new, never-been-worn Bella.

So after a whole lot of obcenities, I took a baby tooth brush and some water. Didn't really help. So I sent my husband out to the store (at midnight) to get some Woolite, since I happened to be out. Spot-cleaning with Woolite and the baby toothbrush seems to be helping a little, but I'm worried it will look blotchy.

So, I have the headband (the piece of the costume I could sacrifice) in a Woolite bath right now- to see if the beads or sequins will lost their color.

If the headband comes out ok (checking in a few minutes), is it safe to put the whole bra into a Woolite bath? I've seen a bunch of threads on costumes, but I am asking specifically about Bellas and/or asking specifically about bra-pad-gel.

Has anyone ever faced this before, or am I the dumbest person on the planet? Right now, I feel like I don't even deserve the Bella, but I need to fix this. Looking for any and all advice.

I know I should be tackling this right away, but it's 2 am, and my kids will be up in less than 5 hours. Am I ruining it by getting a few hours sleep? Is it ruined anyway?

Thanks.

Update- after about 10 minutes of soaking in Woolite, the headband looks perfect. So it should be ok to soak and swish the bra, right? The only difference is the AB crystals- none on the headband, and LOTS on the bra. Will those be ok?

yes, they will be FINE!!!!!! Don't despair!

Oh that sucks amarasdance. Don't worry, it will be ok. Go ahead and wash that bra gently in your woolite. If the stain on the liner still doesn't come out, cut it out and put in a new one. It's super easy if you use the old liner as a pattern for cutting the new one.

If Woolite doesn't work, try Carbona. They make a whole line of specialized stain removers that do a very good job of taking out the stain without damaging the fabric. I'd probably start with the Oil & Grease formula, since you say the residue feels oily, but if that doesn't work, then I'd try Ink & Crayon. I use I&C for any stain that is too persistent for Shout, can't be bleached, and isn't rust. Always test first in an inconspicuous spot first, just in case....

personally i would replace the lining rather than soak it. as some of the costume's i've soaked, well, sometimes the material used to reinforce the bra (the hard cups) doesnt do well with water...

Well, Bella got a bath this morning. It's wrapped up in a towel right now, and then I'll let it air-dry completely. It's too soon to tell, since it's still wet, but it looks like the gel-stuff was removed completely. And I mean absolutely no disrespect to Bella, because I love her dearly, but it smells much nicer, as well! So far, so good.

I had to risk it and wash the whole bra (not just remove the lining), because the gel-stuff soaked through to the front of the bra.

Off to start another thread! (regarding what kind of bra pads to buy, since I obviously know nothing).

Good job!

{{{HUGS}}}

omg I would have had a heart attack!

I washed all my costumes once, and a bella at that, in woolite in the tub. it came out fine.

best of luck!

Oh Amara! So glad it came out with washing.