How to Clean a Santa Costume

Most Santa suits are designed to be dry clean only, but dry cleaning will take some of the fluff from the plush suit, so it’s best to spot clean on a yearly basis and save the professional cleaning for the big messes. With that in mind, here’s how to freshen up a Santa suit so it will be ready to wear next Christmas!

• Gentle laundry detergent
• Soft cloths
• Brush
• Baby shampoo
• Cold water

1. Make a solution of cold water and laundry detergent. Go easy on the detergent to avoid leaving a soap residue behind on the fabric.
2. Spot test the detergent solution in a hidden area before you proceed.
3. Dab one cloth in the detergent solution and work a soiled spot on the suit. Start in the red colored areas and make sure not to allow the moisture to seep through or run into the white areas.
4. Allow the red to dry completely before proceeding.
5. Repeat the process with a clean cloth on the white portions of the suit. (Do not use the same cloth you used to clean the red portions of the suit).
6. Allow to dry.
7. Gently brush to restore the fluff.
8. To clean the beard and wig, first brush gently to remove loose hair and debris.
9. Next, hand wash with baby shampoo and cold water.
10. Allow it to hang freely as it air dries; this will give it the most natural look.
11. Dry completely then finger comb to style before storing for the year.

• Remove stale odors by spraying with a fabric refresher such as Febreeze. Always spot test first and allow the costume to dry completely before storing.
• Avoid body odors from setting when your suit receives a lot of use by blotting or gently wiping the inside with a cloth treated with mild soap or detergent. Avoid soaking it so the red fabric won’t run and stain the white areas.
• If your suit receives a lot of wear, annual dry cleaning might be a good idea. However, don’t send it to the pros more than once a year or the chemicals will leave it looking considerably less than jolly and bright.
• Store your Santa suit on a padded hanger that matches the natural shape of the garment. Cover it with a garment bag and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging it in a cramped closet; air circulation will prevent stale odors and allowing some room will prevent wrinkles.