How do I clean a dragon dance costume?

Cleaning method depends on the material:

Dragon Body/Cloth

Use mild liquid detergent (pH neutral). Never use bleach. Turn inside out before washing to protect decorations.

Dragon/Lion Head

Never submerge in water. The bamboo frame, paper-mâché, and glued decorations will be destroyed by soaking.

• Wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth
• Use mild soap solution for stubborn stains
• Brush fur decorations with a soft pet brush
• Disinfect with light spray of 70% isopropyl alcohol (test first)
• Air dry completely — use a fan if needed (never direct heat)

How should I store dragon and lion dance costumes?

Proper storage is the single most important factor in costume longevity. Follow these guidelines:

Ideal Storage Conditions

• Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
• Humidity: Below 60% (ideally 40–50%)
• Light: Dark or low-light (UV causes fading)
• Ventilation: Adequate air circulation

Specific Storage Tips

• Lion/dragon heads: Store on padded hooks or in hard-shell cases. Never stack heads — weight causes deformation.
• Dragon bodies: Fold loosely (never tight rolls) and store in breathable cotton bags. Avoid creasing decorations.
• Northern lion fur suits: Hang on wide-shoulder hangers. Never fold — creases damage fur.
• Poles: Store vertically in a pole rack or horizontally on supports (never flat on floor — causes warping).
• Silica gel: Place 3–5 packets per costume piece in storage containers.
• Never use plastic bags: They trap moisture and cause mold. Use cotton or canvas storage bags.

How long do dragon and lion dance costumes last?

Key factors: Rental businesses typically see 30–40% shorter lifespans than private teams due to frequent use and varying performer care. Proper maintenance can extend any tier's lifespan by 50–100%.

How do I repair a damaged dragon or lion dance costume?

Common Repairs

We sell individual replacement parts (poles, fur trim, LED strips, batteries). For significant structural damage, contact us with photos — we can often refurbish heads at 30–50% of replacement cost.

How do I prevent mold on stored costumes?

Mold is the #1 enemy of stored dance costumes, especially in humid climates. Prevention checklist:

• ✅ Ensure costumes are completely dry before storage (air dry 24–48 hours after cleaning or performance)
• ✅ Store in breathable containers (cotton/canvas bags, ventilated boxes)
• ✅ Use silica gel packets (3–5 per costume piece, replace every 3 months)
• ✅ Maintain storage room below 60% humidity (use dehumidifier)
• ✅ Ensure air circulation (don't pack costumes tightly together)
• ✅ Inspect monthly for any signs of moisture or mold
• ❌ Never store in plastic bags
• ❌ Never store in basements or unconditioned attics
• ❌ Never store wet or damp costumes

If mold is discovered: isolate the affected item immediately, brush off visible mold outdoors, wipe with white vinegar solution (1:1 with water), air dry completely, and treat with a commercial anti-mold spray before returning to storage.

How do I maintain LED components?

• Remove batteries before storage — never store with batteries installed
• Storage charge level: 40–60% (never fully charged or fully depleted)
• Charge batteries every 3 months during storage to prevent capacity loss
• Inspect LED strips for loose connections or damaged wiring before each use
• Clean with dry cloth only — water damages LED circuitry
• Replace damaged strips immediately — faulty wiring is a fire risk
• Battery lifespan: 300–500 charge cycles (typically 2–3 years of regular use)