Lesson 1Vintage and fragile textile handling: age-related weaknesses, pH, and avoidance of mechanical stressManage old and delicate fabrics without added harm. Identify ageing flaws, control pH levels, prevent physical strain, and create supports for wearing, moving, and short-term keeping.
Identifying fiber embrittlement and weak areasSafe lifting, folding, and padded hangingManaging pH in storage and cleaning productsMinimizing friction, strain, and distortionSupports for dressing actors in fragile piecesLesson 2Fibre identification and properties: cotton, linen, wool, silk, rayon, acetate, polyester, nylonMaster common costume fibres and their stage behaviour. Understand absorbency, heat resistance, stretch, and dye reactions for natural, semi-synthetic, and man-made fibres to inform cleaning and pressing.
Visual and burn tests for fiber identificationMoisture, heat, and abrasion behavior by fiberBlends and how dominant fibers affect careFiber choices for sweat-heavy performance useLabeling garments with fiber and care notesLesson 3Research-backed care protocols for antique/vintage garments to apply in a regional theater settingApply research-based care for old garments in local theatres. Adapt museum standards to real budgets, stressing gentle cleaning, stabilising, and safe use in limited performances.
Assessing condition and previous alterationsDry surface cleaning and gentle wet methodsStabilizing seams, linings, and fragile closuresAdapting museum standards to stage demandsDocumentation and labeling for loaned piecesLesson 4Washing machine, dryer, and hand-wash methods tailored to theater workloadsOptimise washing for theatre pace. Compare machines, dryers, hand methods, load planning, soaps, bags, and labels to avoid production mix-ups.
Sorting by fiber, color, and constructionChoosing detergents, boosters, and softenersMachine cycles, spin speeds, and load sizingHand-wash setups for delicate costume piecesDryer settings, air-drying racks, and taggingLesson 5Immediate emergency treatments: onsite spot-cleaning, absorbents, stain sticks, and rapid drying methodsHandle mid-show accidents swiftly and safely. Practice sorting stains, using absorbents, portable kits, and quick drying to halt damage without spreading or ruining fabrics.
Triage: when to treat, defer, or replace itemsBlotting, absorbent powders, and moisture controlUsing stain sticks and pens safely on costumesPortable spot-cleaning kits for backstage useRapid drying with fans, cool air, and barriersLesson 6Footwear, hat, and accessory care: construction, cleaning, reshaping, and sole repairsMaintain shoes, hats, and extras for character authenticity. Cover basics of build, cleaning, reshaping, odour control, and minor sole/trim fixes for stage reliability.
Identifying construction and weak stress pointsCleaning leather, fabric, and synthetic uppersReshaping hats, brims, and structured crownsOdor control and interior lining hygieneBasic sole, heel, and trim repair methodsLesson 7Stain chemistry and removal techniques: sweat, makeup, grease, dye transfer, and enzymatic treatmentsUnderstand stain bonding to fibres and safe removal under deadlines. Compare solvents, soaps, enzymes, and protocols that safeguard dyes, finishes, and fine details.
Classifying stains by composition and behaviorTesting colorfastness before any treatmentSolvent, surfactant, and detergent stain actionsUsing enzymatic products on protein-based stainsLocalized stain removal vs full-garment cleaningLesson 8Wig and hairpiece maintenance: synthetic vs human-hair care, de-tangling, washing, disinfecting, styling, and storageBuild routines for synthetic and real-hair wigs in repertory theatre. Cover untangling, washing, sanitising, styling, and storage to maintain lace fronts, knotted vents, and fixed shapes over extended runs.
Identifying fiber type and cap constructionDetangling tools and sectioning strategiesShampooing, conditioning, and disinfecting wigsRoller sets, hot tools, and style preservationLabeling, blocking, and ventilated lace storageLesson 9Behaviour of embellished garments: sequins, beads, embroidery, applique, and glued trimsSee how decorations alter garment performance in wear and cleaning. Study thread tension, bead mass, glues, and linings to select safe cleaning, pressing, and mending for elaborate attire.
Assessing bead, sequin, and embroidery attachmentDetecting weak threads, backing, and nettingCleaning strategies for glued and fused trimsPressing embellished areas without crushingReinforcing stress points before heavy useLesson 10Conservation-minded decisions: when to refrain from cleaning and when to consult professionalsRecognise when cleaning poses greater risks than benefits. Evaluate fibre strength, dyes, and build quality to decide on pausing treatments and engaging conservation experts appropriately.
Risk assessment before any cleaning attemptRed flags that signal stop and reassessCommunicating limits to designers and directorsWhen and how to contact textile conservatorsDocumenting decisions and treatment historiesLesson 11Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsLearn how heat, moisture, and pressure reshape fibres safely. Master fabric-specific temperatures, tools for pressing, and workflows for trims, foam, plastics, and quick costume turnarounds between performances.
Fiber-specific temperature and steam guidelinesUsing press cloths, shoes, and protective coversPressing sequins, foils, and heat-sensitive trimsShaping garments with steam without shine marksQuick between-show touch-ups under time pressureLesson 12Wet-cleaning vs dry-cleaning decision matrix: solubility, shrinkage, structure, and label interpretationChoose wet or dry cleaning systematically. Analyse fibre makeup, build, solubility risks, shrinkage, and label reliability, then craft decision guides suited to theatre timelines and funds.
Reading and questioning care labels criticallyTesting for dye bleed and finish sensitivityEvaluating shrinkage and distortion risksWhen spot-cleaning replaces full cleaningBuilding a show-specific cleaning matrix
