How are those giant plushy costumes that team mascots/characters in theme parks cleaned? The characters at Disneyland look pretty fresh but the characters at local team event look down-right mangy…or is it just Fresno?
The one for our mascot (Tommy T-bird) comes apart for easy dry-cleaning.
I’ve been attending lots of local AAA baseball, soccer and A ballgames this summer and seem to be a mascot magnet. In many up-close and personal moments with these costumed creatures, I’ve noticed them to be pretty grubby. My boyfriend thinks it’s hilarious that I’m averse to being hugged by the Bear, Bull or Squirrel of the day, but ick.
Kevbabe works for the US forest service. As a result, I have occasionally been called upon to don a Smokey Bear costume for community outreach events.
From the evidence I have observed, using all five senses, they never get cleaned…yeah, ick.
They have a bunch of protocols for the costumes, appropriate behavior, etc. One is that you are only supposed to wear it for 15 minute shifts to avoid heat issues. You can’t really wear the the costume without sweating buckets. When I am at sporting events I marvel at the mascots that can stay in the things for an entire hockey or baseball game. I’m sure they take breaks, and must have ice-filled camel-backs and such, but dang that would kill me.
ETA: I bet the bigger sports teams have 2-3 mascots that take turns.
Its Fresno
Most of these outfits can be dry cleaned and or cleaned up with commonly available spot removers, 409, and or a little armor all depending on the surfaces involved. Brushing the fur on furry costumes also helps make them look much better.