Mascots can play a significant role in your marketing strategy, increasing brand awareness and brand recall, helping to develop lasting relationships with your customers and personifying your brand.
To ensure you get the most out of your investment, it’s important that you take care of it. That’s why BAM Mascots has created eight tips that your organization can use to extend the life of your mascot for years to come.
1. Take it off carefully
Ensure your mascot performer takes the time to respectfully remove your mascot costume after a day of wearing it. Be gentle with the costume. Unfasten it with care, and be sure to remove the head by lifting it with both hands. Avoid tugging on the whiskers, ears or other features as these are more fragile.
2. Dry it out
Performing all day can produce a lot of sweat and moisture inside your mascot costume. Before putting the costume in storage until the next event, wipe down the head and shoes (or main body, depending on what type of costume you have) to remove as much moisture as possible and lay it out so that it has time to dry. Wash any parts of the costume that are machine washable (gloves, inner body padding, etc.) and hang dry. Not only will this extend the life of your custom mascot costume, but it will also keep it fresh for its next use.
3. Store it properly
Be sure to store your mascot in a clean and dry environment. Subjecting your mascot to extreme temperature changes and moisture will degrade the materials and even cause mould and mildew. Investing in a dehumidifier or any other piece of equipment that helps to reduce moisture is helpful in increasing the lifespan of your costume.
4. Clean it with care
Occasionally, you will want to give your mascot a good cleaning. Fur, fleece, foam - each material needs special care, so be sure to consult the Care and Maintenance Manual created especially for your particular costume. Always avoid harsh chemicals that can break down and destroy the materials.
5. Deal with mold right away
Mold can quickly become a big problem. While we know you care for your mascot to prevent mold at all costs, sometimes it happens. If mold does appear on your mascot, make it a top priority and get it dealt with.
6. Repair damage
Like mold, you want to deal with damage immediately. A small break or tear can become a big problem if you wait too long. If you see something wrong, reach out to your mascot’s designer and find out how to get it fixed.
7. Be alert when performing
When your mascot performer is wearing the costume, it’s essential that they are aware of their surroundings to ensure they don’t do damage to the costume. Having someone out of the costume to help guide your performer away from potential dangers is an excellent way to do this.
8. Read the manual
Your mascot care guide will have all of the instructions you need to keep your mascot in good condition. Take the time to learn it and share it with your performers and anybody else handling the costume. This simple act will help to ensure the longevity of your mascot costume.
For more information on caring for your mascot, or to start designing today, contact us! We can’t wait to get started!
