Blog / For your home

How to Refresh Thrifted (or Stored) Halloween Costumes and Decorations

5 minute read

The spookiest night of the year is just around the corner, which means it’s time for the classic trip to the attic, the storage unit, or that favorite vintage thrift shop in search of the perfect secondhand gem. Opening the Halloween storage bin always holds a little mystery: tangled cords , crumpled witch capes, and that unmistakable musty storage scent. 

Reusing costumes and decorations is great for your budget, and it gives a second life to items that only see daylight once a year. Before slipping on that mask or hanging banners across the living room, give them a quick refresh to clear away dust, old candy stains, makeup residue, and lingering odors.

With effective formulas powered by plant-derived cleaning agents—designed with you and your skin in mind—getting your festive outfits ready can be quick, easy, and hassle-free. Follow these simple steps!

  1. Say Goodbye to Musty Odors: Time for Laundry

Whether pulling a costume out of an airtight container after twelve months or picking up a thrifted find, refreshing the fabric is always the first move.

  • A Gentle Wash: For machine-washable items (cotton tunics, graphic tees, simple dresses, or durable polyester capes), run a short cycle in cold water using ECOS® Laundry Detergent with Enzymes. Formulated with thoughtful ingredients, it cleans deeply without fading bold colors or graphics.
  • Neutralize Trapped Odors: If the fabric has held onto persistent storage or mildew scents that a regular wash cycle doesn’t eliminate, add a capful of ECOS® Laundry Booster directly into the drum. It breaks down the particles holding onto trapped odors rather than masking them, returning a crisp, clean freshness to the fabric.

  1. Stubborn Stains: Makeup, food, and Last Year’s Candy

Take a closer look at that pirate coat or zombie outfit, and you’re likely to find memories from past celebrations: greasy face paint residue, fake blood, or a sticky gummy candy smudge.

  • The Direct Attack: Treat the spot before washing. Spray ECOS® OXO Brite® Stain and Odor Remover Pre-Wash Spray directly onto the stain.
  • Let It Work: Its cleaning agents break down makeup oils and dried sugars in minutes. Gently rub the area with a damp cloth or soft-bristled brush, then rinse with water before machine or hand washing.

  1. Masks, Accessories, and Decor: Clearing Built-Up Dust

Not everything for Halloween belongs in the washing machine. Plastic swords, headbands, decorative pumpkins, and front-door skeletons spend months gathering fine dust in storage.

  • Hard Surface Cleaning: Mist figurines, skulls, candy bowls, and accessories with ECOS® All-Purpose Cleaner. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth to lift dust, fingerprints, and grime without leaving a tacky film or cloudy residue behind. If your decor is delicate, a mix of our dish soap and water as mentioned below can do the job as well- just make sure to spot test first.
  • Caring for Masks: If you plan on wearing a latex or plastic mask directly against your skin for hours, clean it thoroughly inside and out using a damp cloth with water and a mild dish soap like ECOS® Dish Soap. Allow it to air-dry completely before wearing to prevent skin irritation.

  1. Delicate Fabrics: Wigs, Velvet, and Sequins

Many costumes feature delicate materials that cannot withstand the agitation of a washing machine spin cycle:

  • Tulle, Feathers, and Embroidery: Hand-wash these pieces in a basin of cold water with a few drops of mild detergent, like our ECOS® Laundry Detergent. Rinse gently without wringing or twisting, and lay them flat on a clean, dry towel to air-dry.
  • Synthetic Wigs: Shake them out outdoors to release loose dust, then gently detangle using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. If they smell stale from storage, hang them in a well-ventilated area for a few hours before putting them on.

  1. The Pro Move: Quick Post-Party Cleanup

When the party ends and exhaustion sets in, balling up the costume and tossing it straight into the storage bin until next year is tempting. Resist the urge!

Packing away a costume with sweat or fresh stains almost guarantees it won’t be wearable next Halloween, and we want to help the planet and our wallets, right?!:

  • Do a Quick Wipe-Down: Wipe down accessories and props with a little ECOS® All-Purpose Cleaner before storing them away.
  • Wash or Air Out Garments: If you’re running a load of laundry, use laundry detergent with a scent booster; but if that’s not an option tonight, hang the clothes up so they dry completely before packing them away.
  • Seal It Up Right: Store everything in fabric garment bags or airtight bins alongside a moisture-absorbing silica packet to keep humidity at bay over the next twelve months.

Enjoying a creative, fun Halloween doesn’t mean buying brand-new items every single season. With a little care and the right cleaning products at your side, your favorite characters will be ready to take the stage year after year.

Which secondhand treasure or hand-me-down costume are you bringing out this season? Share your looks with us on social media! @ecoscleans where ever you are!

Want more content like this? Check out this Instagram post!