Although your suit will show wear and tear over the years, it is still important to take proper care of it to keep it looking as new and fresh as possible. Here are some tips to ensure your suit lives a long life.
Before suiting:
When suiting:
After suiting:
Cleaning the head may be more difficult but don't fret, it is possible! To deep clean your fursuit head, put paper towels in the eyes to avoid getting them wet.
If your suit does NOT have LEDS: Fill the bathtub with up to an inch of cool water (do not submerge it). Place the head into the water and add a very small amount of detergent as if you're washing one single shirt in the washing machine. Use a cloth to gently dampen and scrub the head. You can use the same cloth to wipe the inside of the head as well but be careful not to scrub the eyes. Once soapy, get fresh water and gently rinse the soap off using the cloth. Once done, gently squeeze squeezable places such as the ears, neck, horns, etc. to get out as much water as possible. Brush it, lay it on a towel and put a fan on it. Every hour or 2, come back and give it a good brushing. Keep doing this until it's completely dry. Note that you may have to turn the head so that the fan is able to dry it all the way around (or you can use multiple fans). Small things like tongues and eyelids can be washed in a sink using soap and water.
If your suit DOES have LEDS: Do NOT soak it in water. Instead, fill a bucket with cool water and add a very small amount of detergent as if you're washing one single shirt in the washing machine. Use a cloth to gently dampen and scrub the head. You can use the same cloth to wipe the inside of the head as well but be careful not to scrub the eyes. Once soapy, get fresh water and carefully rinse the soap off using the cloth. Once done, gently squeeze squeezable places such as the ears, neck, horns, etc. to get out as much water as possible. Brush it, lay it on a towel and put a fan on it. Every hour or 2, come back and give it a good brushing. Keep doing this until it's completely dry. Note that you may have to turn the head so that the fan is able to dry it all the way around (or you can use multiple fans). Small things like tongues and eyelids can be washed in a sink using soap and water.
This is personally my way of cleaning my fursuits but there are hundreds of videos on YouTube that you could also follow. Please note that none of my suits are machine washable/dryable nor are they able to be turned inside out, so be wary.
Before suiting:
- Practice good hygiene. Bathe yourself thoroughly, use deodorant and antiperspirants. Avoid using strong perfumes or other artificial smells
- Wear a bavaclava to protect your suit from sweat
- Brush your suit before suiting to make it look fresh
- Inspect your surrounds before suiting. Take note of any puddles, food, unknown substances, open flames, etc as you won't be able to notice these hazards as easily in suit
When suiting:
- Avoid dirty areas and surfaces
- Try not to roll on the ground especially if your suit is mainly white or some other light color
- Avoid dirty people (people who may be sweaty, have paint or fake blood on them, kids that have dirty or sticky hands, etc)
- If you have a floor dragging tail, be aware of your surroundings to avoid dragging it in something nasty! I do not currently make them but you can buy tail covers to protect your tail
- If you're suiting for long periods at a time, brush your suit frequently to keep the fur looking neat
After suiting:
- If you've suited for a short period of time then all you need to do is spray the outside and the inside of your suit with fursuit disinfectant spray, be cautious around the eyes! Do NOT use Lysol or any other brands like it as the chemicals will harm your suit. You can make your own fursuit friendly disinfectant spray using water, rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of essential oils. Fill a spray bottle with 60% water and %40 rubbing alcohol. Add about 4 drops of your favorite essential oil and mix it. Spray on the inside and outside of the suit, while being cautious around the eyes, brush it, and you're done!
- If you've suited for a long period of time whether it be outside or at a convention, it's best to deep clean your fursuit. You can clean the paws and tail using COLD water and a very small amount of detergent. Do not use hot water or anything with heat as it will MELT the fur! Keep in mind that faux fur is plastic! Use a cloth to gently scrub the paws and tail, rinse them, and hang them to dry. You can speed the process by putting a fan on them. Make sure you come back often to brush the fur.
Cleaning the head may be more difficult but don't fret, it is possible! To deep clean your fursuit head, put paper towels in the eyes to avoid getting them wet.
If your suit does NOT have LEDS: Fill the bathtub with up to an inch of cool water (do not submerge it). Place the head into the water and add a very small amount of detergent as if you're washing one single shirt in the washing machine. Use a cloth to gently dampen and scrub the head. You can use the same cloth to wipe the inside of the head as well but be careful not to scrub the eyes. Once soapy, get fresh water and gently rinse the soap off using the cloth. Once done, gently squeeze squeezable places such as the ears, neck, horns, etc. to get out as much water as possible. Brush it, lay it on a towel and put a fan on it. Every hour or 2, come back and give it a good brushing. Keep doing this until it's completely dry. Note that you may have to turn the head so that the fan is able to dry it all the way around (or you can use multiple fans). Small things like tongues and eyelids can be washed in a sink using soap and water.
If your suit DOES have LEDS: Do NOT soak it in water. Instead, fill a bucket with cool water and add a very small amount of detergent as if you're washing one single shirt in the washing machine. Use a cloth to gently dampen and scrub the head. You can use the same cloth to wipe the inside of the head as well but be careful not to scrub the eyes. Once soapy, get fresh water and carefully rinse the soap off using the cloth. Once done, gently squeeze squeezable places such as the ears, neck, horns, etc. to get out as much water as possible. Brush it, lay it on a towel and put a fan on it. Every hour or 2, come back and give it a good brushing. Keep doing this until it's completely dry. Note that you may have to turn the head so that the fan is able to dry it all the way around (or you can use multiple fans). Small things like tongues and eyelids can be washed in a sink using soap and water.
This is personally my way of cleaning my fursuits but there are hundreds of videos on YouTube that you could also follow. Please note that none of my suits are machine washable/dryable nor are they able to be turned inside out, so be wary.
