Halloween in Boston is a full-blown celebration. From haunted tours on Beacon Hill to festive parties in Southie, Braintree, and the South Shore, October in Boston brings out some truly creative costumes.

But what happens when the party’s over and your costume looks a little spooked? Whether it’s fake blood, makeup smudges, or sticky candy stains, post-Halloween garment care is essential to keep your costumes looking their best year after year.

Here’s how to clean, protect, and store your costumes, plus when to call in the professionals at Columbus Cleaners, Boston’s favorite green and eco-friendly dry cleaner.

1. Identify Your Fabric Before You Clean

Before you toss your costume in the wash, check the fabric type. Halloween costumes often feature delicate materials like satin, velvet, lace, or sequins, which can be ruined by standard washing.

Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, spandex): These are common in store-bought costumes and can usually be hand-washed in cold water.
Natural fabrics (cotton, silk, wool): Handle these with care. They shrink and fade easily, so professional cleaning is best.
Costumes with embellishments (beads, sequins, glitter): Avoid the washer and dryer entirely. Spot clean or bring them to a professional cleaner to prevent damage.

If you’re unsure about the fabric, err on the side of caution; dry cleaning is safer than DIY washing.

2. Spot Clean Makeup, Candy & Drink Stains ASAP

Halloween stains can be particularly tricky because they often involve dyes, sugar, or oil-based makeup.

Here’s how to tackle the most common offenders:

Makeup or face paint: Use a gentle makeup remover or mild detergent with cold water. Gently blot the area instead of rubbing.
Fake blood: Act fast. Rinse with cold water, then dab with hydrogen peroxide if safe for the fabric.
Candy, chocolate, or drink spills: Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water and dab the area. Avoid using heat, as it can permanently set the stain.

If the stains won’t budge, bring your costume to Columbus Cleaners. Our eco-friendly solvents lift tough stains without damaging delicate materials.

3. Skip the Dryer

Costume fabrics are often not designed to handle the high heat of dryers. Heat can melt synthetic fibers, shrink natural fabrics, and ruin decorative finishes.

Lay flat or hang to dry: Use a drying rack or hanger in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays can fade colors and make fabrics brittle.
For wigs or accessories: Let them air dry naturally after spot cleaning with mild soap and water.

4. Steam, Don’t Iron

Wrinkles are a post-party problem for many costumes. However, ironing can melt or scorch fabrics, especially synthetics like polyester or nylon.

Use a garment steamer or hang your costume in the bathroom while you shower to gently loosen wrinkles.
For delicate materials, place a cloth between the fabric and the iron if you must press lightly.
Professional cleaners can safely steam or press costumes without risk of damage.

5. Store Your Costume Properly for Next Year

If you plan to reuse your costume or pass it along, you should store it the right way for next year.

Clean before storing: Even invisible stains (like sweat or perfume) can oxidize and cause yellowing over time.
Use breathable garment bags: Avoid plastic covers that trap moisture and cause mildew.
Store in a cool, dry place: Keep away from direct sunlight, attics, or basements.
Label costumes clearly: Makes it easier to find next Halloween without rummaging through boxes.

6. When to Choose Professional Dry Cleaning

Some costumes need professional care, especially those made with delicate fabrics, special trims, or intricate construction. In this case, dry cleaning is the safest way to ensure your costume stays intact, especially if it’s handmade, vintage, or valuable.

At Columbus Cleaners, we use green, non-water-based solvents that clean effectively without the heat or agitation that can cause shrinkage and damage. Our eco-friendly process removes stains, refreshes fabrics, and extends the life of your garments, all while being gentle on the planet.

Celebrate Halloween, Stress-Free

This Halloween, focus on the fun, not the laundry. From spooky parties in the South End to family trick-or-treating in South Boston, your costumes deserve the same care and attention as your favorite outfits.

After the festivities, let us handle the hard part. We offer pickup and delivery services across Boston, so you can skip the hassle, save time, and enjoy a truly stress-free Halloween season.

Schedule a Pick-Up Today!

Keep your costumes (and every garment) looking their best with Columbus Cleaners, Boston’s favorite green & eco-friendly dry cleaner.

Schedule a pickup or delivery in just a few clicks through our mobile app.