Clean Mascot Head Guide
This guide gives the care rules for a mascot head. The rules come from the care sheet for each costume build and from our maker's latest guidance. Follow them exactly. If a step is not listed here, do not do it. For the body, mitts and feet, see our Cleaning & Care Guide.
Our costumes come in two builds, and each build has its own rules. Check the care sheet that came with your costume to see which build you own. If you are not sure, contact us before you clean anything.
Warranty: The warranty covers only clean, un-abused costumes. If you do not follow these care instructions, you may void the warranty.
Stock mascot heads (and color-changed stock mascots)
The head is made of a semi-rigid foam rubber between two layers of natural latex rubber. This gives the head a solid structure that keeps its shape, with enough flexibility to prevent breakage if the head is dropped.
After every wearing
- Wipe any moisture from inside the head with a clean cloth.
- If the neck or chin areas inside the head are soiled, you may also spray a mild cleaner like Simple Green or Formula 409 on the inside of the head. This helps keep it fresh for your next wearing.
- Then lightly powder the inside of the head with talcum powder. This helps keep moisture from damaging the head.
Deep cleaning the inside
- Wipe the inside of the head with a cloth and soap and water.
- Then spray it with an antibacterial spray, like Lysol.
- Let the head air dry for 24 hours before you wear it, so the fumes clear.
The built-in fan
- The fan is built in, on the inside top of the head.
- Do not wet or clog the fan.
- It runs on a 9-volt battery that lasts about an hour. Replace the battery as needed.
- The fan has no switch. It turns on when you plug in the 9-volt battery, and the battery slot holds the fan in place.
- The fan wires run on the outside of the foam, under the fur.
The outside of the head
- To spot clean, spray Resolve stain remover (the green bottle) on a white cloth, then dab the spot. Use a white cloth only. A colored cloth can transfer dye to the costume.
- Heads with a painted "skin" face (mostly human characters): if the face gets dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth. The face uses flexible paint. Do not rub or scratch the surface too hard.
- Fur-covered areas of the head: you can clean them with a mild rug or upholstery cleaner.
- Keep the cleaner off all painted areas of the head, including any part of the fur on the face that is painted.
Dry cleaning
- Stock heads can be dry cleaned. For an expensive costume, dry cleaning is the recommended route.
Custom sheet foam heads
- The face has an airbrushed coat. You cannot wash the facial portions of the character.
- Brush the fur regularly. Keep it clean with a soft sponge and mild detergent.
- You may use upholstery cleaner on fur-covered areas only. Keep it off the airbrushed areas.
- You may use a spray disinfectant on the inside of the costume to remove unpleasant odors.
- Never store it while it is damp. Do not put it in a dryer. Do not dry clean it.
- Keep the costume suspended on a stand or on a shelf. Store it in a well ventilated area away from excessive temperatures and humidity.
- Do not store it in a box or case. A box or case may crush the facial features.
Putting on the head
- Every head has two straps at the bottom. Pull the straps out and wear them under your armpits.
- Put the head on before the costume arms. The straps keep the head from falling off.
- On shorter heads you see through the eyes. On taller heads you see through the mouth.
- Thermolite heads are plastic with no frame. They are much thinner and lighter than foam heads, and still sturdy. They have the same fan and strap layout.
Safety
- Our mascots are made for adults 18 years of age or older. They are not made to be worn by children.
- Never wear the costume near fire or while smoking.
- Your peripheral vision and hearing are impaired in the costume. Do not wear it while driving or operating dangerous equipment.
Questions about caring for your mascot head? Contact our team.