If you’ve purchased a custom mascot costume for your school, team or company, you’ve made a significant investment – one that will continue to yield returns, as long as some important steps are taken to ensure your mascot has a long, happy life. Over time, a mascot costume will eventually need some repairs, but these top 3 tips will help minimize the need for repairs and keep the costume in great shape, ready for every event.

1. Keep It Dry: Perhaps the number one enemy of mascot costumes is moisture. It’s very important to make sure that the costume is allowed to fully air dry after each use, and before storing it away. Either hang up the mascot parts or lay them down on a table, preferably overnight, until it is completely dry. If a mascot costume is stored while it’s wet, bacteria and mold can develop. Not only will it start to smell badly, it could deteriorate the foam or fabric beyond repair and potentially pose a health risk, if you are sensitive to mold.
2. Keep It Clean: After each use, wipe down the outside of the entire mascot with a damp, lint-free cloth. The mascot may not look dirty, but dust from the air and residue from people’s hands will build up over time. Ideally, the mascot parts will be laundered after every use, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Gentle cold water washing and air drying are generally recommended for all custom mascot costumes. Dry cleaning is not advisable as the chemicals can damage the fabrics or finishes. Again, make sure all parts of the costume are completely dry before storing them away.
3. Store It Carefully: More than likely, your mascot has a carrying bag. A bag is great for getting the costume from one place to another, but not necessarily the best place to store it for long periods of time. If space allows, hang up the costume pieces and place the head on a stand or mannequin until you need it for the next event. Storing it in a carrying bag means that parts of the mascot might get crushed, damaged or badly misshapen, especially if other items are thrown on top of the bag or squished into a confined space, like a closet or trunk of a car. A hard shell case might be a good option too, if you’re not able to hang up the costume.

No matter how often you use your mascot, whether once a week or once a year, you should follow these tips as best practices to ensure the costume looks great for a very long time. And remember, the team at Hogtown Mascots is always there to answer questions and provide customized advice. From designing and building, to cleaning and repairs, you don’t need to look any further!