Keep Your Fits Fresh (Even After a Long Set)
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Festivals are a great time—but let’s be real: they can be messy. Walking through a sea of muddy puddles, dealing with spilled drinks, or sweating through hours of dancing under the hot sun, your clothes can take a beating.
Keep your festival looks fresh and clean. Try these out.
The Challenge: Mud, Sweat, and Spills
Between the dirt, grime, and inevitable beverage spills, it’s easy to see why many people choose to wear their festival fits just once.
- Mud: Rain and muddy grounds are practically a given at outdoor festivals.Mud stains can be notoriously difficult to remove from certain fabrics.
- Sweat: Hours of dancing can leave your favorite outfit drenched. Stains are a common issue, especially when your clothes are working overtime to keep you cool.
- Spills: Whether it's someone else's drink or a snack mishap, spills are an unavoidable part of festival life. They can quickly ruin a perfectly good outfit if not handled properly.
Knowing how to handle these challenges and keep your festival fits fresh is all about the right preparation, the right fabric choices, and a few cleaning hacks.
Step 1: Protect Your Clothes Before the Festival
Pre-festival preparation can go a long way in ensuring that your fit stays fresh and clean throughout the weekend. Here are some tips to protect your clothes before you head out:
1. Use Fabric Protector
Before wearing any clothes to a festival, treat them with a fabric protector spray. Fabric protectors create a waterproof layer on your clothes that helps repel water, mud, and stains.
2. Pack Extra Layers
It’s best to prepare for the worst. Bring an extra jacket, shirt, or pair of pants in case your original outfit gets too dirty. Packing an extra layer can also allow you to switch up your look during the festival.
3. Wear Festival-Specific Gear
If you’re expecting a particularly messy festival (think mud pits, rain, etc.), consider wearing older or less expensive festival gear. This way, you can embrace the mess without stressing about your favorite items getting ruined.
Step 2: Clean-Up Strategies for After the Set
You’ve survived the mud and the madness, but now comes the tricky part: keeping your clothes clean when you don’t have access to a laundry machine. Here are a few hacks:
1. Spot Clean Immediately
The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove. If you spill something on your clothes, try to spot clean it immediately.
- How to Spot Clean: Use a wet wipe or damp cloth to blot the stain gently. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. Once the area is blotched, apply a small amount of stain remover if available. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
2. Use Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are a festival-goer’s secret weapon. They can help clean mud, food, and drink stains without damaging delicate fabrics. Keep a small pack of wipes in your bag for quick and easy clean-ups.
- Why Baby Wipes Work: They are gentle yet effective at lifting dirt and stains from fabrics. Just make sure to check your clothes after using them to make sure the stain has been fully removed.
3. Dry Shampoo for Fabrics
If you can’t wash your clothes but need to refresh them, dry shampoo isn’t just for hair—it can be used to freshen up fabrics too. Spraying a light mist of dry shampoo on your outfit helps absorb sweat and odors.
- How to Use: Lightly spray dry shampoo over the areas where you feel your clothes are most sweaty or musty. Let it sit for a few minutes, then shake or brush off any excess.
Step 3: Wash Your Clothes the Right Way
When the festival is over it’s time to give your clothes a proper wash. Follow these tips:
1. Wash Immediately
The longer you leave stains on your clothes, the harder they are to remove. As soon as you get back from a show, wash your clothes as soon as possible.
2. Use the Right Detergent
For tough stains, use a detergent with enzymes, which break down protein stains like sweat and food. For mud and dirt, an oxygen-based bleach can help lift those stains.
- Tip: Pre-treat the stains with stain remover before tossing them into the laundry.
3. Wash with Cold Water
When washing festival clothes, always use cold water. Hot water can set stains and damage fabrics, while cold water helps preserve your clothes and prevents the colors from fading.
4. Air Dry
For clothes that may shrink or lose their shape in the dryer, it’s best to air dry them. Lay your clothes flat or hang them up to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Step 4: Keep Your Festival Gear Looking Fresh for Future Events
Once you’ve successfully cleaned your gear, it’s time to keep it looking fresh for your next event. Here are some tips to make sure your fabrics stay in tip-top shape for future adventures:
1. Store Clothes Properly
Once your festival clothes are clean and dry, store them in a cool, dry place. Keep them in garment bags or bins to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating.
2. Invest in Quality Festival Gear
Investing in high-quality, durable garments will not only help you stand out, but it will also ensure your clothes last longer and are easier to clean after a muddy set.
No one wants to look like a mess after a show, but with the right preparation, fabrics, and cleaning strategies, you can keep your fits fresh and clean. Choosing the right materials, treating stains immediately, and washing properly will ready for whatever the festival throws your way.
Shop Now and stay clean, styled, and festival-ready all season long!