It’s that time of year again—National Pumpkin Day—a perfect reason to revel in the rich colors, spicy scents, and cozy festivities that make autumn unforgettable. As pumpkins find their way into homes as jack-o’-lanterns and on menus as lattes, this celebration also marks the countdown to Halloween, a holiday full of creativity, costumes, and of course, a few spills and stains.

Halloween costumes are more than just fabric and thread; they’re part of the thrill and personality of Halloween night. But here’s the catch: costumes attract stains like magnets, from pumpkin pulp smears to sticky candy and smeared face paint. And let’s be honest, the aftermath of Halloween can often leave you with stained costumes that need careful treatment to look their best again.

That’s where Hamlet Laundry steps in to make things easy. In honor of National Pumpkin Day, we’re running a special 15% discount on all laundry services for just two days, on October 26th and 27th. It’s the perfect time to let us handle those stains and freshen up your costumes so they’re Halloween-ready—no stress, no hassle.

Common Halloween Stains and How to Tackle Them

Halloween brings out the artist in us all—whether we’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, applying elaborate face paint, or diving into a bag of treats. But those magical moments often come with a price: stains. Halloween stains have a way of embedding themselves into costumes and fabrics, threatening to spoil the memories you’ve created. Here’s how to face down those pesky stains without damaging your costume and how Hamlet Laundry can help when the going gets tough.

1. Pumpkin Stains: The Orange Menace

You’ve scooped, carved, and lit your masterpiece, but that pesky orange residue seems to be everywhere. For fresh stains, gently scrape off any excess pumpkin pulp without rubbing it in further. Dampen a clean cloth with a bit of cold water and blot, blot, blot! Don’t scrub—you don’t want the stain to dig in deeper. If the stain’s dried, mix a solution of mild detergent with water and gently dab the spot, letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Pro Tip: When dealing with delicate costume fabrics, err on the side of caution. That’s where Hamlet Laundry steps in, handling tough stains without putting delicate materials at risk.

2. Face Paint and Makeup Stains: The Bold and the Bright

Makeup completes the look but lingers long after the night’s over. For grease-based paints, sprinkle a bit of cornstarch or baby powder on the stain to absorb the oil, then brush off the powder before applying a gentle cleaning solution. For water-based paints, cold water is your friend—dab the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water mixed with a few drops of gentle dish soap.

Reminder: Bold colors and heavy makeup can be unforgiving on specialty fabrics, which is why Hamlet Laundry’s stain removal experts take a tailored approach to preserve your costume’s colors and fabrics.

3. Candy and Food Stains: Sweet but Sticky

Chocolate, caramel, and candy corn make Halloween sweet—but sticky too. For chocolate stains, carefully scrape off any excess, then use a cloth soaked in cool water with a bit of mild detergent. With caramel, start with a gentle lift-off of excess, followed by a dab of vinegar-water solution, rinsing carefully afterward. Remember, never use hot water on candy stains—it can set the stain permanently.

Leave It to the Pros: For fabrics that need a little more TLC, Hamlet Laundry’s professional cleaning service can step in to handle stains on fragile or irreplaceable pieces, so you can enjoy Halloween without worrying about the cleanup.

Essential Tips for Washing and Storing Costumes Post-Halloween

Halloween costumes are special. They capture memories, embody characters, and often come with unique fabrics, sequins, and embellishments that need careful handling. As the season winds down, giving those costumes the care they deserve ensures they’re fresh, vibrant, and ready to shine again next year. Here’s how to wash, dry, and store your costumes like they’re as important as the memories attached to them—and how Hamlet Laundry can take the guesswork out of it for you.

1. Washing Tips: Gentle Is the Name of the Game

Costumes aren’t everyday clothes. They’re delicate, often made with sensitive materials that react poorly to harsh detergents and rough cycles. If the label says hand-wash only, trust it. Use cool water and a gentle detergent, giving the costume a quick dip and swish before carefully rinsing. For machine-washable costumes, stick to the gentlest cycle, using a laundry bag to keep fabrics from snagging.

Need some peace of mind? Hamlet Laundry’s experts know exactly how to handle each fabric type—leaving costumes perfectly clean without a hint of wear or tear.

2. Drying Tips: Air Is Your Best Friend

Heat can ruin a costume faster than you can say “trick or treat.” Skip the dryer. Instead, lay costumes flat on a towel and gently press out any excess water. For pieces with intricate details or accessories, hang them up in a cool, dry place and let gravity do the work. Avoid wringing or twisting, as it can damage seams and elastic.

For complex costumes or those precious pieces that need a little extra attention, Hamlet Laundry’s drying processes are designed to prevent shrinking, fading, or damage, preserving every detail.

3. Storage Tips: Keep the Magic Intact

Now that your costume’s clean and dry, it’s time to store it with care. Use a breathable garment bag to keep dust at bay while allowing air circulation, and choose a cool, dark place for storage to avoid color fading. For costumes with props, consider storing accessories separately to avoid unwanted stretching or snagging.

When you’re ready to skip the worry and ensure your costume’s kept fresh and vibrant, Hamlet Laundry has you covered with gentle, expert cleaning and preservation. So, when next Halloween comes around, your costume will be just as magical as you remember.

Why Professional Costume Cleaning Is Worth It

Halloween costumes aren’t just clothes; they’re memories woven with creativity, character, and often some very delicate fabrics. They’re stitched with sequins, layered with vibrant colors, and, in many cases, meant to endure just one wild night. But what if they could do more? What if, instead of being packed away stained and stretched, they could come out next year as fresh as the day they were bought?

That’s where professional cleaning steps in, and Hamlet Laundry brings more to the table than just a wash and dry. Here’s why:

Specialized Care for Unique Fabrics and Embellishments

Costumes often come with materials that demand special attention—think velvet capes, satin gloves, delicate lace, or hand-sewn details. One round in a standard washing machine, and they can lose their sheen, their shape, or even fall apart. Professional cleaning isn’t just a luxury; it’s protection. Hamlet Laundry treats each piece with expertise, ensuring no fabric is damaged, no color fades, and no stitch is out of place.

Preserving Accessories and Details

Many costumes are adorned with intricate accessories—jewels, buttons, sequins, you name it. Each embellishment is what gives a costume its magic, and each deserves careful handling. Hamlet Laundry’s process is designed to care for every detail, protecting these delicate touches while delivering a deep clean.

Perfect Timing and a Special Offer

With Halloween around the corner, Hamlet Laundry is making it even easier to protect your costumes with a special 15% discount on all services on October 26th and 27th. It’s a limited window, perfect for getting costumes spotless and ready to impress. Bring in your costumes and let the experts work their magic—so they’re ready for the big night and for many more Halloweens to come.

Don’t Miss Out on Hamlet Laundry’s Limited-Time Offer

As we embrace the festive spirit of National Pumpkin Day and gear up for Halloween, there’s no better time to ensure your costumes are clean, fresh, and ready for the spotlight. Hamlet Laundry is here to help you shine, offering an exclusive 15% discount on all services for just two days—October 26th and 27th.

This is your chance to give your costumes the expert care they deserve. Don’t wait until the last minute—book your appointment now! Let Hamlet Laundry take the worry out of costume care, so you can focus on the fun, the treats, and the memories. Prepare for Halloween with stain-free, vibrant costumes that capture the magic of the season.

Act fast, because this offer is as fleeting as the autumn leaves! Get your costumes professionally cleaned and be ready to enjoy! spooktacular Halloween!