Fill a tub or wash basin with COLD/COOL 1/3 of the way, or enough to submerge the bodysuit. Add some fabric safe detergent to the water and wash. We like to use Tide Sport.
Turn the body suit inside out and submerge in water. Wash by hand, paying attention to sweaty areas such as the under arms, groin, and small of the back.
Costumes (body, hands, feet, tail) can be machine washed on delicate/cold with high spin at the owner’s discretion.
Empty basin and rinse the suit thoroughly with cool water. Make sure to rinse all detergent out as if not done, the fur fibers may feel tacky after the suit is dry.
Lay the suit out flat over a drying rack or something that can support the weight of a wet suit, fur side out, to dry. Keep away from direct sunlight. Brush the fibers lightly during the drying process to keep the fur in top condition.
Placing fans over the suit while drying will speed the process. Drying a hand washed suit may take up to 3 days.
We recommend machine washing for ease of cleaning if you have access to a washer.. A machine washed suit that’s been through a spin cycle will be much lighter and dry within hours instead of potentially days when hand washing. Gentle/Delicate cycle-COLD water-air dry with fan.
HEAD, FEET, HANDS AND TAIL
The tail may be cleaned the same way as the body if absolutely needed. Spot clean with mild soap and wash cloth.
Hands can be spot wiped with baby wipes or washed like the body. The hands can be washed fur side out with no problem. Lightly scrub hand paws with your hands, drying the same way as the body.
Feet and head can be spot wiped with baby wipes or a handheld carpet cleaning machine, or gently washed in water and detergent.
If your using a handheld carpet cleaner, use ONLY water, not carpet cleaning chemicals. Add small amount of detergent to a wet cloth, surface clean first, and use the machine to rinse/suck excess detergent from the head or neck. We recommend this only if there is visible dirt. All cleaning techniques are up to the owners discretion.
When spraying the inside of the head, place a plastic bag or cloth over the eye sockets on the inside of the head as alcohol may damage the eye material.
Placing a small portable fan on the inside of the head helps excellently with drying and keeps the head fresh and sweat free at conventions.
Repairs
After some heavy wear, you notice a popped seam on your bodysuit. Popping a seam can happen! Like clothing, you may pop a seam at some time during the life of your costume. Don’t panic! Seams can easily be repaired with a whip stitch or ladder stich.
These costumes are wearable pieces of artwork. They cost a good amount, and with proper maintenance and care, can last a long time.
Remember; brush your costume before/after you wear it with a soft bristle brushed to keep your costume looking clean and neat.
Put on the body suit (if applicable) first. Pull up to your waist.
If your tail attaches via a belt loop, loop the tail into the belt, then the belt through the body.
Put on feet paws and tuck underneath the ankles of the body suit.
Pull up body suit now, and zipper.
Pull the costume head gently over your own. To position, gently pull the muzzle or push on the top of the head until you find a comfortable fit.
Hand paw wristlets can be tucked under the body suit for a seamless appearance.
Have a handler gently brush out your suit.
Now you're ready to go!
