A Mascot Getting cleaned.
Home / Blog / 6 Signs Your Mascot Costume Needs Cleaning

One of the many benefits of purchasing a custom mascot is being able to easily clean your mascot to keep it in tip top shape for years to come. Over the years though, your mascot will probably go through many adventures that can slowly start to wear it down. Perhaps your mascot stepped in one too many puddles or spent too long stored away in a damp closet. Regardless, there comes a time when your mascot has had one too many run-ins with dirt and spot cleaning just isn’t enough. Your mascot is a key representative of your brand, so maintaining a fresh appearance is important. Take a look at some maintenance tips and signs that is time to consider getting your mascot professionally cleaned.

T.J. Luv Southwest Airplane Mascot getting cleaned.

Upkeep and Maintenance

To keep your mascot costume looking its best, you should maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Here are some easy ways to clean the costume yourself between uses: 

  • Spray a bleach-free disinfectant on any fur or hair. Test a smaller strand in a relatively hidden place first to ensure there will be no damage. 
  • Softly brush the fur or hair to prevent matting and make it appear neater. Avoid over-brushing. 
  • Wipe down the inside of the costume, especially the head, between uses with a wipe or water-based solution. 
  • If you can, machine wash your mascot costume on a regular basis. Use the gentle cycle with cold water. NEVER put your costume in the dryer – air dry only. 

Be careful how you carry your costume when transporting it, especially when it comes to fragile parts such as ears or horns. Try your best to store your mascot costume in a non-humid environment, as that will ensure the integrity and longevity of it. For more tips on how to extend the life of your mascot, read this blog

When To Consider Professional Refurbishment

If spot cleaning your mascot costume is no longer maintaining the look and feel of a brand-new costume, consider sending your mascot in to a company like Olympus for a professional cleaning and refurbishment. If you’re wondering whether it is time to let the professionals handle it, here at 6 signs to send your costume in for cleaning or refurbishment: 

1. When it begins to smell

Body odor, bacteria, moisture, and tight storage conditions are all factors that can contribute to a mascot costume having a permanent stench attached to it. If your costume starts to have an odor and can be described as “smelly”, that doesn’t go away completely after a thorough wash, it may be time for a professional treatment. Your mascot performers will be unhappy and unsafe if the smell becomes an issue, and it could affect your fans, too. 

Ollie Olympus Mascot smelling his mascot hand that needs cleaning.
A stained eagle mascot head.

2. Visible stains

Dirt and grime are an inevitable part of owning a mascot, even if you only use your mascot indoors or on bright sunny days. If there are large, visible stains on your mascot costume that won’t come out with spot-cleaning, it’s time to send it in. Having stains on the outside of your costume can ruin the image consumers have of your brand. For advice on how to care for you mascot in different weather conditions, check out this blog!

3. Broken Zippers or Missing Snaps

There is more to keeping a mascot costume fresh than just cleaning – you must ensure the essential parts of a mascot costume are working too. Regularly check zippers or snaps on your mascot costume. These parts are critical because they help your performer put on the costume and ensure the costume stays on. If these items are left unattended then you might have problems or malfunctions with the costume during an event or performance. So, if you see that these parts are missing or broken then it is time for a professional to replace them!

Snaps part of a mascot costume
An old and torn up mascot hand.

4. Worn out Accessories

Some parts of your mascot costume will be used more and thus exposed to more potentially damaging conditions. Accessories such as the head, feet, and hands will wear out much quicker than the body. For both your performer’s comfort and the overall appearance of your mascot, it’s important to keep these accessories in good condition. To help prevent damages, make sure your mascot handler is helping your performer avoid water, dirt, mud, or other substances when walking. When the soles of the feet or the helmet in the head have been exposed to one too many puddles or rainstorms then it might be time for a professional to help replace them and help make your mascot look good as new!

5. Damaged Vision Screens

Vision is vital for mascot performers, and you should always make sure your performer can see clearly before an event. If the vision screen becomes damaged, torn, or dirty, it can create unsafe conditions for both the performer and the people around the mascot. Poor visibility increases the risk of trips, collisions, and other accidents, which can harm your performer or disrupt the event. To avoid injuries or malfunctions, send your mascot in for refurbishment as soon as vision is impaired. Regularly cleaning and inspecting the vision screen will help maintain safety, extend the life of the costume, and ensure a seamless performance experience.

Old mascot frog head with damaged vision screens.

6. If Mold Appears

With multiple performers using the same costume over and over again, some parts of the mascot may begin to mold over time without proper care. If mold begins to appear, conditions inside the mascot costume will become unsafe. Mold can also damage the fabric, padding, or other internal materials of the mascot if left untreated. To prevent mold, be sure to do regular cleaning and proper drying to keep the costume safe and comfortable in the long run. If mold is on your costume then its best to get it cleaned asap by a professional.

Ensuring your mascot costume looks clean is a very important part of having a mascot costume. While you can maintain the look of your costume pretty easily yourself, there are some times where it is best to let a professional handle it. If your mascot is displaying any of the signs mentioned, it is recommended to send your costume in so you can keep your mascot looking its best!

Need your mascot professionally cleaned? We can help you out!

Please click here or fill out the form below to speak with one of our mascot experts

Get your mascot looking clean again!

Read More Blogs

Olympus Mascot Ollie looking at the inside of a box.

Mascot Rush Orders

Does your mascot need a quick turnaround time? Here at Olympus Mascots, we’ve introduced rush orders to ensure that you can get a high quality mascot you love within your deadline!

Read More