How to Prepare Your Costumes and Thrifted Clothes to Celebrate

October 31st is approaching—a date to celebrate Halloween or throw a party for Day of the Creole Song (Día de la Canción Criolla). If you put together your outfit with second-hand clothes or rented a costume, the golden rule is hygiene: prepare it before putting it on. Learn how to care for these garments so you can look flawless and worry-free all night long.

The Origin of Garments and Why to Wash Them First

Whether you found a truly unique vintage piece at a local fair or rented an eye-catching themed costume, absolutely everything must be washed before wearing it for the first time. At the national level, there are clear regulations regarding the origin of these garments. In Peru, Law 28514 prohibits importing used clothing and footwear for strictly commercial purposes, making exceptions only for personal baggage or donations.

Therefore, a large portion of the second-hand clothing circulating locally has been worn before and requires a thorough cleaning process—either at home or at a professional laundry shop—to ensure it is fresh. Although contracting any condition through clothing is very uncommon and should not be a cause for alarm, MedlinePlus recommends washing at 60 °C or higher any garment that has been in direct contact with someone else's skin. By taking these precautions, your only concern will be enjoying the event.

Check the Label and Care Symbols

The first essential step with any costume or second-hand garment is to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. The inner labels will tell you precisely whether the item can withstand hot water, strictly requires dry cleaning, or absolutely cannot tolerate ironing.

This is of vital importance for delicate garments or those made with synthetic fabrics—typical of costumes—that you could end up completely ruining in a normal wash cycle at home. If the label has been cut off or is illegible due to time, the wisest approach is to treat the garment as if it were extremely delicate so as not to risk the seams or fabrics.

Sorting and garment care at Lavamatic laundromats

Separate Embellishments and Hand-Wash the Most Fragile Items

Halloween costumes often come with eye-catching details: heat-applied appliques, sewn-on patches, lace, and many layered accessories. Before even thinking about submerging the garment in water, remove everything that is detachable, such as brooches, belts, or decorative pins.

If the clothing has many fixed embellishments that cannot be easily removed, it is best to opt for hand washing with a mild detergent or, failing that, choose an extremely delicate cycle on the washing machine. In the latter case, using a protective mesh garment bag is essential to prevent snags that could tear the fabric or detach embellishments mid-cycle.

Heavy or Difficult Items? Leave Them to the Laundry Specialists

Some items simply won't fit in the washing machine, or their material is too heavy and complex. For those cases, leaving the job to the professionals is the safest option. At Lavamatic, we offer a practical wash-by-kilo service that is ideal for the base clothing of your costume. Plus, if your outfit requires heavy garments to keep you warm during the chilly Cusco night, we are experts in coat washing and jacket washing.

If your plans lean more toward elegance to celebrate Day of the Creole Song, trust our dress washing service without hesitation. Even if you found a second-hand item with the perfect cut but faded color, go ahead and try our jacket dyeing service to bring back the fabric's original life and intensity.

Always remember the value of planning ahead: try to have your outfit ready before the event to avoid stressful, last-minute setbacks. And pay close attention to this rule: if your costume has sequins, beadwork, wigs, or special accessories, inquire via WhatsApp before bringing it to our facilities so we can properly advise you on its cleaning.

Laundry staff participating in Halloween festivities

Get Your Party Outfit Ready with Lavamatic

The night is for having fun, not for worrying about stains or the freshness of your outfit. Leave the care of your garments and costumes in the hands of our specialists.

Schedule your service today: Message us on WhatsApp +51 984 708 529. We serve you from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.