Depending on proper caring and storing procedure, your kid’s Peter Pan costume may be used for a few more Halloween costume parties, or even for some school or community activities that require him to be dressed up as a the famous fairy tale and cartoon character. That is why, to prolong the life of the Peter Pan costume and save money, the following are some helpful tips in storing the Peter Pan costume.

Before storing up the Peter Pan costume, make sure you wash it first. While your kid may not have soiled the Peter Pan costume with food stains during treat or treating or at the Halloween party, it is important to remove any particle that has settled into the costume’s fabric.

For instance, sweat and cologne will become nasty stains eventually if not removed before storage. In addition, wash the Peter Pan costume according to instructions. Depending on where they are purchased, different Peter Pan costumes are fabricated from different materials that need dissimilar washing care. Make sure you read instructions on how to properly wash the costume prior to laundering, so as not to speed up deterioration of the materials used.

If you’re intending to store the green frock of the Peter Pan costume hanging, make sure you use only a wooden, plastic or padded hanger. A metal hanger without padding may only leave rust on the Peter Pan costume. While you’re at it, remove anything in the pockets, if there are any, to prevent weighing down the green frock while hanging. The tights may be stored folded or hung, again with wooden, plastic or padded hanger. If the Peter Pan costume comes complete with felt shoes or boots, pack them with crumpled paper before storing. This is important to retain their shapes, as well as preventing bugs or mice from accidentally getting inside them and leave them damaged.

When storing the Peter Pan costume folded, make sure nothing heavy is piled on top of them. In the long run, they will become misshapen. When stacking garments folded, remember to put heavier ones underneath and place lighter ones on top of the pile. And never put folded Peter Pan costume parts in plastic bags as such bags trap in moisture and eventually damage the fabric. Instead, use breathable fabric bags that will ensure the Peter Pan costume can breathe while being stored.

If possible, have a closet or cabinet designated for seasonal clothing such as your kid’s costumes, and place this closet or cabinet where it’s dry, cool and clean. Never stash your kid’s Peter Pan costume in the humid or musty attic or basement – the costume will absorb the smell, as well as attract a few insects to feed on the fabric.

When you know how to properly store the Peter Pan costume, you are guaranteed that your kid will enjoy showing up as the charming Peter Pan for many Halloween parties to come.

The following are some quick fixes on stains that are usually present at costume or Halloween parties:

• Ketchup or Tomato Sauce – Remove as much of the ketchup or tomato sauce as possible, then run cold water through the back side of the fabric to force excess stain out. Do not run cold water on the front of the stain as it will only push it further into the fabric. Rub liquid detergent starting from outside the stained area, working your way in with circular motion. Rinse with cold water. Repeat the application of liquid detergent as necessary.
• Chocolate – Harden a melted chocolate stain by placing an ice cube on top of it for a while, or placing the costume in the refrigerator. Once hardened, scrape off the chocolate with a blunt edge of a rubber spatula, careful not to do it too hard as to damage the Peter Pan costume’s fabric. Apply liquid detergent on the stained area by rubbing in circular fashion and let it stay there for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
• Mustard – As soon as you see mustard on the Peter Pan costume of your kid, remove as much of it as possible using a spoon or the dull edge of a knife. Let cold water run through the back side of the stained fabric. Rub liquid detergent for a few seconds, and then rinse with cold water. Repeat the rubbing of liquid detergent and rinsing with cold water until none of the mustard stain remains.
• Oil or Grease – Instead of wiping oil or grease off the fabric, sprinkle with baby powder, flour or cornstarch until the entire spot is covered. This will help absorb excess oil. Brush away the powder and place paper towel onto the front and back of the fabric to absorb remaining oil. Using a soft sponge, gently apply liquid detergent, rub with small circular motion, and rinse with warm water.
• Soft Drinks – Try to remove as much soft drinks stain on the fabric as you can with a clean, dry cloth. Rinse the stained Peter Pan costume part with cold water. Rub liquid detergent in circular fashion, then let the lather stay on the fabric for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
• Gravy – Gently remove excess gravy on the fabric with a damp cloth, then sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on the stain. Let it stay there for a few seconds, brush off, then apply liquid detergent. Let the detergent stay there for a few minutes, followed by a warm water rinse.
• Peanut Butter – Immediately but gently scrape off excess peanut butter using a rubber spatula, spoon or the blunt edge of a knife. Place paper towel on both front and back sides of the fabric where the peanut butter stain is located to absorb remaining oil. Wash with warm water to dissolve stubborn oil then rub in liquid detergent thoroughly with a soft sponge. Let the lather stay for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Chewing Gum – Chewing gum is easier scraped off the Peter Pan costume fabric when it is hard. Put an ice cube on the gum for a few minutes to harden it, or simply stash the costume in the freezer to make the process faster. Once the chewing gum is hard, gently scrape it off. Use a sponge with liquid detergent to remove any remaining chewing gum on the fabric.
• Fruit Juice – Pour warm water on the stained portion of the Peter Pan costume. If some of the fruit juice stain still remains, application of liquid detergent will help loosen it. Follow it with another pouring of warm water over the stain until it is completely gone.

For most other stains, just remember to immediately rinse the fabric with running water, apply detergent and leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse. If you act and try these quick fixes as soon as you see your kid’s Peter Pan costume is stained, your kid will enjoy dressing up as the lovable Peter Pan for many costume and Halloween parties to come.