How to Clean and Maintain Dance Competition Costumes: A Guide for the Dance Community

Dance competition costumes are often beautiful, intricate, and—let’s be honest—expensive! Whether you’re a dancer, parent, or studio owner, you know how vital it is to maintain these garments. They are typically made from lycra, spandex, polyester and nylon combined with delicate fabrics for added special detail.  The sequins, ruffles and puffs means that they require special care and sometimes they can only be cleaned by hand.  

In this post, I’ll guide you through how to clean and maintain your costumes using eco-friendly, safe products, as well as walk you through the steps to get this maintenance done. 

Before diving into cleaning, let’s talk about the materials that dance costumes are usually made of. These materials are lightweight, stretchy, and form-fitting but can be sensitive to washing and cleaning agents.

1. Lycra and Spandex: Most dance costumes contain lycra or spandex. These fabrics are durable but can lose their stretch and vibrancy with improper care. Just like regular clothes–any stretchy fabric like elastane should NEVER go in the dryer!
2. Sequins, Rhinestones, and Beading: Costumes often have embellishments sewn or glued on. Water and harsh cleaning solutions can dissolve glue or tarnish these embellishments. Even if you use a net bag, check the label first! There’s a very high chance that your costume even has “do not wash” on the label!
3. Polyester: Many costumes are made from a polyester blend which makes them incredibly durable and long lasting. This fabric does a fantastic job fitting snug for easy movement, but with that it also does a great job of soaking up sweat and holding on to unwanted odor, Over many washes, polyester can sometimes start to ball so paying special attention to the fabrics you wash it with will be extremely beneficial. For most costumes, check the label because even if they feel like polyester, there’s a likelihood it will still mention to “hand wash only”.
4. Mesh and Lace (Accessories and tights!): These materials are delicate and prone to tearing, so they require extra caution during washing.

Every costume is different, but the majority of them will not leave you guessing on how to properly maintain them or how to provide them with special care. Whether you wish to wear your costume again in the future or are storing it for a significant amount of time–THE BEST CHOICE is to make sure it is clean. 

Clean Using Safe Eco-Friendly Products

Using eco-friendly or household products is not only a great way to protect your costumes but also to support a more sustainable dance lifestyle by reducing your environmental impact. A “clean” cleaning product refers to one that is made from natural, non-toxic ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. These products are designed to be safer for both the environment and your health because they break down easily without polluting water systems or leaving behind harmful residues.

By choosing eco-friendly options, you’re also helping protect children from potential exposure to hazardous chemicals that are often found in conventional cleaning products. For example, harsh chemical cleaners may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Over time, exposure to these chemicals could have adverse effects (just ask siri about endocrine disrupters) on young, growing children. While I won’t go into a health lecture here, just know that the decision to choose a “clean” product is beneficial for everyone’s overall health.

In this article, I won’t be going into detail or rate all the available fabric “clean” products, but will attach this link to be used as a quick reference guide instead– check out the EWG clean products guide to learn more.

Choose what you need based on what you’re cleaning…

Below are some suggestions on worry-free products you can use on your garments and some instructions on the method best to use alongside them.

1. Machine or hand wash using a plant-based detergent

I recommend Attitude Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent, available on Amazon or well.ca. It’s free from harsh chemicals, which means it won’t damage delicate fabrics like sequins, spandex, or lace. It also can be used directly in the washing machine, or comes unscented should you decide to wash it by hand.

• Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water.
  2. Add a small amount of detergent (about a teaspoon for one costume).
  3. Gently agitate the water with your hands, then submerge the costume.
  4. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Gently rub any stained areas between your fingers, but avoid scrubbing harshly.
  6. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and lay flat to dry.

Pro Tip: Never wring out the fabric, as this can stretch or tear it. Lay it flat on a towel and gently press out the excess water.

2. For odor removal use an essential oil based Fabric Spray

For those tough odors that linger after a long competition season, utilize an essential oil based anti-bacterial spray like The Laundress Sport Spray to sanitize and refresh dance items. It’s a non-toxic, plant-based product specifically designed to deodorize fabrics without leaving behind harmful chemicals. This spray is formulated to tackle odors from sweat and body oils, making it perfect for dance costumes.

• Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Lightly spray the inside of the costume, focusing on high-odor areas like the underarms, and neckline.
  2. Allow the spray to sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb and neutralize odors.
  3. If needed, dab the area with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
  4. Lay the costume flat to dry completely.

This method is gentle on delicate fabrics and doesn’t require rinsing, which makes it a quick and easy solution. The Laundress Sport Spray is highly rated for its ability to freshen garments naturally while being safe for sensitive skin and free from harsh chemicals.

3. For quick spot cleaning use any clear unflavoured vodka

Vodka may sound unconventional, but it’s a fantastic option for spot cleaning and deodorizing costumes between washes. Vodka is odorless when it dries and works as a disinfectant for fabrics.

• Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Pour a small amount of vodka (diluted 1:1 with water) into a spray bottle.
  2. Lightly spray the costume in areas where sweat or odors accumulate.
  3. Let the costume air dry completely before putting it away.

This method is great for quick cleanups when you don’t have time to fully wash the costume. Vodka is especially useful for dance competitions when your costume needs a freshening up before the next performance.

4. For stain removal of delicates or details use castille soap

For costumes with heavy embellishments like rhinestones or sequins, avoid soaking the entire garment. Instead, opt for spot-cleaning using Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, which is gentle yet effective.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Dilute a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s soap in a small bowl of cold water.
2. Dampen a soft cloth or cotton ball with the mixture and gently dab the embellished areas, focusing only on the spots that need cleaning.
3. Use a separate cloth dampened with plain water to wipe away the soap residue.
4. Let the garment air dry completely, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources that could affect the glue or delicate details.

This method helps preserve the integrity of the embellishments while cleaning effectively, keeping the adhesive intact without damaging the design.

While it’s best to use gentle cleaning methods, there are times when you need something stronger, especially for costumes that have been through many performances or are heavily soiled.

5. For on-the-go and deep cleaning use the lysol disinfectant spray

If your costume has been sitting in a bag after a sweaty competition or has an intense odor that natural cleaners can’t eliminate, Lysol Disinfectant Spray can do the trick. It’s a stronger option, but it’s safe if used sparingly.

• Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Lightly spray the inside of the costume with Lysol, focusing on areas that need disinfecting (like the underarms or feet area).
  2. Let the costume air out completely in a well-ventilated area.
  3. Avoid spraying directly on embellishments or using too much, as this can lead to discoloration or damage over time.

Lysol is ideal for when you need to ensure the costume is germ-free, but be cautious not to use it as your go-to cleaner.

Clean them before you keep them!

Whether you’re keeping your costume for years to come or donating it to a dancer who could use it, maintaining the cleanliness and condition of these special garments is essential. By using natural, eco-friendly products or stronger solutions when needed, you can ensure your dance competition costumes stay fresh, sanitized, and ready for their next chapter.

Remember, the right cleaning method will keep your costumes looking stunning and performing well, no matter where they go next!