Halloween is a lot of fun, but costumes don't always make it through the night looking their best. Between face paint, fake blood, and a bag full of candy, stains happen. The good news is that most of them come out if you treat them the right way. Here's how to handle the most common Halloween stains.
Start With the Care Label
Before you treat anything, check the costume's care label. Many costumes are made from thin, delicate fabrics that can't handle hot water or the dryer. If there's no label, play it safe and treat it as delicate.
Act Quickly and Blot
The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove. Gently scrape off anything sitting on top, then blot with a clean cloth or paper towel. Try not to rub, because rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
Face Paint and Makeup
Most face paint and costume makeup is oil-based. Work a small amount of dish soap into the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water. Repeat if needed before washing.
Fake Blood
Rinse fake blood from the back of the fabric with cold water as soon as you can. Hot water can set it. Then apply a stain remover, let it sit, and wash in cold water.
Chocolate and Candy
Scrape off as much as you can, then rinse with cold water. Rub a little liquid laundry detergent into the spot and let it sit before washing. For sticky candy, soaking in warm water first can help loosen it.
Wash Gently and Skip the Dryer
Wash costumes on a gentle cycle in cold water, or by hand if the label says so. Let them air dry instead of using the dryer, because heat can set any stain that's left and damage delicate fabric. Check the stain before drying. If it's still there, treat it again.
Need a Hand With Your Halloween Laundry?
Costumes are just one part of the Halloween mess. If the rest of the laundry is piling up, drop it off at Laundry Mountain and we'll wash, dry, and fold it for you. Learn more about our wash and fold service, or stop by 120 S 193rd E Ave in Tulsa. We're open 7 days a week.
