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Colorful children's costumes hanging on pink hangers in a closet with Lapels Laundromat branding.

Your Halloween Costume Cleaning Guide

Fabric Care Tips

October 12, 2025

Halloween is all about creativity — from DIY costumes and vintage finds to store-bought favorites. But before you pull that costume out of storage or put on your thrifted treasure, make sure it's clean, fresh, and ready for a night of fun.

At Lapels Laundromat, we make it easy to care for all your Halloween looks — whether you're washing at our high-capacity machines, dropping off for wash & fold, or letting our dry cleaning experts handle delicate fabrics.

Before You Wash, Check the Care Label

Before you toss your costume or accessories in the washer, always check the care label. Costumes are often made with mixed fabrics, decorative trims, sequins, or special coatings that need extra attention.

Here's a quick guide to help you decide the best cleaning method:

  • Machine Washable Fabrics (Cotton, Polyester, Nylon): These can usually be safely washed in our high-capacity washers. Great for capes, T-shirts, and simple costume layers.

  • Delicate or Specialty Fabrics (Silk, Velvet, Lace, Faux Leather, Sequins): These should be professionally cleaned. Our dry cleaning service protects the shape, color, and texture of your costume.

  • No Label or Unsure? Play it safe — bring it in for wash & fold or dry cleaning, and we'll determine the best care method for you.

Even pre-made or retail costumes often recommend "Dry Clean Only", so double-check before washing to avoid shrinkage or color bleeding.

Found the Perfect Piece? We Can Help Fix It!

Sometimes the best Halloween looks come from a little creativity — and a little repair work. If you found the perfect outfit that's almost right, our alteration and tailoring services can help you:

  • Adjust sizing for a better fit (especially for vintage or borrowed pieces).

  • Repair small tears or loose seams.

  • Replace missing buttons, snaps, or zippers.

A quick fix can turn a "maybe" find into the perfect costume — and help you feel confident all night long.

Freshen Up Before and After the Festivities

Whether your costume was tucked away all year or just came home from a party, giving it a proper clean helps it last longer (and keeps the closet smelling fresh).

  • Before Halloween: Refresh your outfit to remove dust, odors, or wrinkles from storage.

  • After Halloween: Wash or dry clean it before storing to prevent odors, makeup stains, or candy residue from setting in.

If you're short on time, our wash & fold and pickup & delivery options make costume care effortless — we'll clean it, fold it, and have it ready for next year's fun.

Big Loads? We've Got You Covered

Some Halloween gear — like bulky capes, layered outfits, or themed bedding for kids — can take up more space than your home washer can handle. Our large-capacity machines make quick work of big loads, saving you time while giving everything a deep, even clean.

Fresh, Fun, and Stress-Free

This Halloween, let Lapels Laundromat take laundry off your to-do list. Whether you're washing at our state-of-the-art laundromat or using our wash & fold and dry cleaning pickup services, we'll make sure your costume looks great and is ready when you need it.

Because Halloween should be full of fun — not fabric care worries.