The Line Up Blog

Video Tutorial: How to Remove Stains from Dance Costumes

Written by Meagan | Jul 28, 2017

Did you know that many stains can be removed from your dance costume, skating dress, or cheer uniform using a few simple tricks?

To keep you garments looking new for years, be sure to remove pesky stains immediately before washing your costume.  You know the ones – self tanner, makeup, food, and even glue marks are all common stains that can easily be removed.  We’ll show you how, step by step, below! 

 

How to Remove Any Stain from a Dance Costume

First Things First: Supplies You Need 

Here are few of the reliable products we have found work for the majority of stains, which you can easily use at home:
 
Common household cleaning ingredients:
  • Hydrogen Peroxide and Dawn dish washing detergent, one tablespoon of each
  • Rubbing Alcohol
For tough situations, we recommend: You’ll also need:
  • A Small container and measuring device for mixer removers
  • Applicators such as Q tips and cotton swabs
  • Rags or washcloths
Some common laundry items that we DO NOT recommend using include:
  • Household detergents
  • Shout stain remover
  • And Bleach – Never use bleach!

Don't forget...Test Before Use!

Before applying any spot cleaner, the most important thing to do is test your fabric! Apply the spot cleaner in a hidden area, like an inside seam or lining.  Make sure the product you use doesn’t alter the color of your fabric or dull the shine of specialty fabrics like hologram or sequin.

Let’s get started removing some pesky stains!

 

 

 

1. How to Remove Self Tanner Stains

  • 1 part Carbona Stain Devils
  • 1 part Dawn
  • 1 hydrogen peroxide 
  1. Spray with cold water
  2. Place a towel under the garment and apply the solution with a cotton swab
  3. Agitate until you can see the stain is gone
  4. Rinse in cold water

 

 

2. How to Remove Lipstick & Makeup Stains

  • 1 part Carbona Stain Devils – Grass, Dirt, and Makeup
  • 1 part Dawn
  • 1 hydrogen peroxide
  1. Spray with cold water
  2. Place a towel under the garment and apply the solution with a cotton swab
  3. Agitate until you can see the stain is gone
  4. Rinse in cold water 

 

 

 

3. How to Remove Color Bleed & Perspiration Stains 

  • 1 part Dawn
  • 1 part hydrogen peroxide
  1. Spray with cold water
  2. Place a towel under the garment and apply the solution with a cotton swab
  3. Agitate until you can see the stain is gone
  4. Rinse in cold water

 

 

4. How to Remove Permanent Marker Stains

  • 1 part alcohol
  • 1 part hydrogen peroxide
  • 1 part dawn
  1. Spray with cold water
  2. Place a towel under the garment and apply the solution with a cotton swab
  3. Agitate and let sit overnight. Be careful not to let the garment sit on top of another color, to prevent color bleeding
  4. Spray with water, Agitate again until you can see the stain has faded. Add more stain remover if needed
  5. Rinse with cold water

 

 

5. How to Remove Rhinestone Glue Residue

  • 1 part 70% Isopropyl alcohol 
  1. Place a towel under the garment and apply the alcohol with a q-tip
  2. Use the Q-tip to agitate until the glue starts to come up
  3. Note that the glue won’t dissolve, but will loosen enough from the fabric that you can pick it off.

 

 Still have anxiety about garment care, stains, or don't have the time to tackle the job yourself? No worries! We’re equipped with a talented team of cleaning experts that can have your dance costume, skate dress, or cheerleading uniform sparkling in no time! Contact us to inquire about our washing services!