How to Clean Dance Costumes & Cheerleading Uniforms: Guide to Clean Performance Wear
Wondering how to clean your dance costume or cheerleading uniform without damaging the fabric or rhinestones? Whether you are prepping for game day or recovering from a sweaty performance, knowing the best way to clean performance wear is essential.
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These performance costumes and cheerleading uniforms are often delicate, expensive, and covered in rhinestones, sequins, or custom embellishments. That is why using the best stain removers, gentle detergents for dance costumes, and proper washing techniques is key to keeping your dance uniforms clean and looking brand new after every performance.
This ultimate costume care guide is packed with expert tips to keep your dance uniforms and cheerleading outfits looking flawless all season long. From the best gentle detergents for dance costumes, to pro-level stain removers. You will discover how to safely remove lipstick stains, foundation marks, and stubborn makeup and sweat residue that clings to our delicate fabrics, rhinestones, and sequins.
Don’t miss the must-have dance costume cleaning checklist and the exact products dancers swear by to prevent damage. These are the steps that professional dancers use to keep their costumes looking brand new for seasons to come.
Let’s keep it simple - these are the only must-have products we trust for cleaning professional dance and cheerleading uniforms:
Top Amazon Picks that Every Dancer Needs:
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How to Properly Clean Dance Costumes and Cheerleading Uniforms (Step-by-Step)
Quick tips and expert-approved steps to keep your performance wear clean, sparkling, and damage-free:
Start with a clean sink, bucket, or collapsible basic (shop one here) to prep your space for gentle hand-washing.
Pro Tip: Avoid tossing your dance outfits in the washing machine or dryer, unless it’s brand new and ultra-gentle (otherwise, you risk a silver hue or fabric damage!). Instead, shop our Amazon-approved list of top-rated stain removers, gentle detergents for dance costumes, and costume-safe cleaning tools. Thes are all dancer-tested!
Fill with cold water and add a medium sized amount of mild detergent for dance costumes. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
Hand wash gently, rubbing fabric together or spot-cleaning specific areas with care.
For stubborn stains (like makeup or deodorant), use a soft-bristled toothbrush (like this one) to gently scrub without damaging embellishments.
Refill with fresh water as needed and rinse thoroughly to avoid stain migration or residue buildup.
Gently squeeze out excess water - never twist or wring!
Pat dry with a white or black towel to avoid transferring lint or dye onto delicate fabrics.
Air dry completely in a clean, well-ventilated area, laying flat or handing depending on the garment’s shape.
Repeat the process if needed for persistent stains - especially on under arms, collars or foundation marks.
We hope this helps you in your journey of keeping all of your dance costumes, dance uniforms, cheerleading outfits, and everything in between - clean and spotless all season long!
For our full walk through and step by step on how to wash your dance costumes from start to finish:
→ Cleaning your Dance and Cheerleading Costumes
Xo,
The Sideline Secrets