Thread: keeping white costumes clean

So i just got this yummy white bella from tanya and i was wondering....whats the best way to keep it clean, considering how dirty we all know floors can be. so what do you guys do to keep yer whites white ;) or at least get the dirt off the hem and skirt

Scotchguard the bottom... I know... weird... but it does help. Also I would hitch the costume up an extra inch so that its as far off the floor (while still looking decent).

I have a white costume... I'm always terrified to wear it. lol... BUT, the skirt is a little shorter than most of my other costumes, so actually hasn't gotten dirty yet. BUT as I said, I'm scared to wear it and have only worn it for 3 shows in venues. I'll likely only wear it another time or two at venues and wear it for a hafla or two (stage show)... then sell it. It just SCARES me. But white is SO striking!

yeah im like.....i want to do floor work..........but i dont want it to get dirty.....but i want to do floor work...........haha

sigh white and i never end well

Originally Posted by Callistaangel

yeah im like.....i want to do floor work..........but i dont want it to get dirty.....but i want to do floor work...........haha

sigh white and i never end well

lol... I never wear white when I do sword. But sword is usually the only time I do floor.

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

lol... I never wear white when I do sword. But sword is usually the only time I do floor.

haha ive been starting to do more floor work its like my new toy :). i guess ill see how dirty the floor is and cross my fingers.........and then run to the bathroom w a wet papertowel! lol

I have one in cream and I've resorted to using ballroom shoes at the moment. Luckily it is a burnout velvet with no beading on the bottom, so I think I could wash it.

I save the white costume for the non food serving establishments. No restaurant or shisha club gets to see me in white.

I love white costumes! Ivory too!

The ones that I have owned or do still own have all had separate skirts, so it easier to wash just a skirt if the hem gets dirty. So that might be something to keep in mind if you are shopping for white.

I find that the linings get really dirty. I usually sew a new lining and padding on top of the original lining so there are 2 layers, then when the part that is touching my skin is dirty, just take it out and toss it, replace fresh 100% cotton lining, and even toss the padding and replace it.

Originally Posted by auraevans

I love white costumes! Ivory too!

The ones that I have owned or do still own have all had separate skirts, so it easier to wash just a skirt if the hem gets dirty. So that might be something to keep in mind if you are shopping for white.

I find that the linings get really dirty. I usually sew a new lining and padding on top of the original lining so there are 2 layers, then when the part that is touching my skin is dirty, just take it out and toss it, replace fresh 100% cotton lining, and even toss the padding and replace it.

the skirt is attached to the belted fringe part but i may try the second part lol. i sense lots of hand washing in my future in buckets hahaha to keep the top half out

Originally Posted by Callistaangel

haha ive been starting to do more floor work its like my new toy :). i guess ill see how dirty the floor is and cross my fingers.........and then run to the bathroom w a wet papertowel! lol

Maybe carry a small, lightweight oriental area rug with you for gigs and before your set have someone else position it where you plan to do floor. I can never concentrate on the dancer's dance when I'm aware she's on a (usually) cold dirty floor.

-Devora

Originally Posted by Devora

Maybe carry a small, lightweight oriental area rug with you for gigs and before your set have someone else position it where you plan to do floor. I can never concentrate on the dancer's dance when I'm aware she's on a (usually) cold dirty floor.

-Devora

This is what I used to do for floorwork... I've got to get a new rug before I can do it again!

Ok, call me crazy, but I have put a bit of bleach in the water for a first wash of a dirty white that I reconditioned, and then a bit in the wash after subsequent wearings, but only on the bottom of the skirt (soak for a few minutes till the grey is gone) as I took it out of the sink. Rinse really well and air dry until the bleach smell is gone.

Don't wear white. Ever.

Originally Posted by anala

Ok, call me crazy, but I have put a bit of bleach in the water for a first wash of a dirty white that I reconditioned, and then a bit in the wash after subsequent wearings, but only on the bottom of the skirt (soak for a few minutes till the grey is gone) as I took it out of the sink. Rinse really well and air dry until the bleach smell is gone.

maybe ill try this in the future. cuz i ment the thread as more of what to do once its dirty haha. (its not dirty now....i justh ave bad luck w white in general)

Maybe a stupid idea, but can you add a layer of protection to your hem line? If you could do up sort of a tape like those satin tapes sold in fabric stores out of a material similar to the material of your skirt and sandwich the hem of your skirt in that... Or maybe add a ruffle or something? It's easier to remove and re-do a ruffle or a tape. JAS