When you buy a used costume...

[je_ateek]

I know what I meant to write...

[zaheea]

I always wash my costumes (gently) before I sell them and would hope that others would do the same if I were to buy a used one.
Especially if it very used.
Otherwise....ick!

[stardancer]

Zaheea, do you wash the whole costume or just the linings? Does that include Bella's? I have hand washed the skirts before but never tried it with a bra and belt. I'm scared the structural material might grow mold if it doesn't dry fast enough. Not to mention fear of sequin bleed.

[Adishakti]

Originally Posted by stardancer

Do you all clean the lining/wash it, or just leave it alone if there is no funkyness to it? I was just thinking today about all the used costumes I buy and about all the old sweat and bacteria from other people embedded in the lining (especially if it been "around the block") and I kinda grossed myself out! I never thought much about it before. I might start disinfecting them before wearing (well, the bra at least). I'm full of questions tonight I guess.

I almost religiously tear out the lining and reline my costumes... after each wear I spray with vodka and water. That way I am comfortable that they're as clean as can be... I've also come to trust other Bhuzzers who care for their costumes in a similar way, and tend to buy more from them as a result.

[zaheea]

Originally Posted by stardancer

Zaheea, do you wash the whole costume or just the linings? Does that include Bella's? I have hand washed the skirts before but never tried it with a bra and belt. I'm scared the structural material might grow mold if it doesn't dry fast enough. Not to mention fear of sequin bleed.

I use gentle soap and wash the lining with a sponge. Not too soapy though. Then repeat with plain water. I lay it out flat to dry and the beading doesn't even get wet. I wash the waist band (upper skirt) of my skirts too. It is just good costume maintenance to do this, not just because I'm selling a it.

[damiena]

I swear by vodka and water. I spray them down after every wearing...no matter how late...no matter how tired I am. None of my costumes smell, not even the ones I have worn over and over again.

I recently tried the "soaking in a few inches of water in the bathtub method" with a lycra skirt and it worked beautifully! I would never completely soak a bra or belt though.

[aazura]

If you use detergent of any kind (soap, shampoo, woolite...) it is VERY important to rinse the costume thoroughly to make sure all reside of the soap is removed. Residue can hard the costume over time. Remember, soap is a base which can be just as corrosive as acid.

I have washed costumes before in mild detergent (woolite or something similar). I have even let the costume soak for a while before taking it out, if the dirt or odor is particularly bad. Then I rinse, rinse, rinse and then rinse, rinse, rinse some more in clean water. Lay flat and air dry. Beading should be fine as long as you allow it to dry completely before it's put away.

Of course, if you have the option of doing a less invasive cleaning, go for it first.

[Nepenthe]

I had an extremely smelly costume (unfortunately bought on Bhuz) that I had hanging out in my room for months to air out. I tried multiple applications of Febreze - no such luck. I had given up all hope on it and since no one else seemed interested in buying it (in fact, any one who expressed interest ended up with a personal tragedy - losing a family member, losing a job - so I stopped trying to sell it thinking that perhaps it was bringing harm to people!) - I decided to take it inside today to see if it still smells.

What worked was - putting it in a cardboard box to be mailed in the back of my car all summer long, then taking it out and spraying it with gin & water. Didn't have any vodka. It smells faintly juniper-y but I can actually stand to put it on without barfing now. I don't know if you have to do the cardboard box part.

[jessedan]

Ewwwww. This thread is icky. But I can't stop reading it.

Regards
Priscilla