Theatre is a venerable and remarkably passionate art form that has stood the test of time and delivered to the masses some of the most iconic tales in human history.
But it’s no picnic to put on a memorable show night after night. A successful production requires captivating sets, a talented cast, a hardworking crew and, last but certainly not least, eye-catching and elaborate costumes.
With excessive usage, costumes can become worn, tattered and, most importantly, odorous. In this blog post, we will explore the various challenges presented by theatre costume cleaning, and how an Ozone Cabinet can provide a cutting-edge solution to this age-old conundrum.
How does theatre costume cleaning normally work?
There are a number of solutions employed by theatres in order to keep costumes fresh, performance after performance. Larger companies are able to solve this with their own in-house system by which cleaning staff are able to wash and dry clothing in between performances or on a daily basis.
However, this method is costly and therefore inaccessible to smaller productions who might not have the resources for dedicated theatre costume cleaning. This is where some old tricks often come into play, as daily washing and drying is not only prohibitive to smaller productions, but can also cause deterioration to costumes or pieces with more intricate embellishments.
A common practice among theatre companies of all sizes and levels of renown is spraying costumes with vodka. This may sound like a bizarre ritual at first, but the practice has long been recognised as an effective method of killing germs and eradicating unwanted smells from garments.
While this solution has its apparent merits for theatre costume cleaning, it is far from perfect. Firstly, garments must be left to dry after being sprayed with the solution, meaning the actor cannot wear the costume again until it is fully dried. In addition, vodka can kill some bacteria, but it doesn’t eradicate them. The remaining bacteria can continue to grow and cause odours to return faster. Therefore, while it does have its uses, this method can now be replaced by more contemporary, effective practices.
What is an Ozone Cabinet and how can it help with theatre costume cleaning?
These innovative cabinets harness the power of Ozone gas (O3), a triatomic molecule of oxygen with potent deodorising properties. Unlike harsh chemicals or water-intensive washing, Ozone acts as a natural purifier, effectively eliminating bacteria, odour-causing microbes, and even some viruses that traditional washing might miss.
This is especially beneficial for theatre costumes, where close contact, sweat, and quick changes create a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, some costumes might be made from delicate fabrics that can’t withstand the rigours of washing machines or harsh detergents. This makes Ozone Cabinets a perfect solution for theatre costume cleaning.
Here’s a deeper dive into how Ozone Cabinets work their magic:
Preparation: Costumes are hung inside the cabinet on designated rails or laid flat on shelves, ensuring good air circulation for optimal Ozone penetration. Delicate fabrics can be placed in mesh laundry bags for added protection.
Ozone generation: The cabinet utilises an internal system to create Ozone gas from the surrounding air via an electrical discharge.
Effective deodorisation: The generated Ozone gas permeates the fabrics, attacking and neutralising odour-causing bacteria and microbes on a molecular level. This process doesn’t require moisture, making it ideal for delicate materials that can’t tolerate water-based cleaning.
Unlike traditional air fresheners that mask odours, Ozone breaks them down at the source. This ensures costumes are truly clean and smell fresh, free from lingering sweat, makeup, or stage dust.
Safe conversion: Once the cycle is complete, the Ozone gas safely converts back into regular oxygen through a conversion unit. This eliminates any potential health concerns and leaves no harmful residues on the costumes.
The benefits of using Ozone Cabinets extend beyond cleaning and deodorising:
Fabric preservation: Unlike harsh detergents or bleach, Ozone is gentle on fabrics. It won’t cause fading, shrinking, or damage to delicate materials like silk, velvet, or feathers, ensuring your costumes maintain their vibrant colours and intricate details for longer.
Reduced water usage: Compared to traditional washing methods, Ozone Cabinets use significantly less water. This not only conserves a valuable resource but also reduces the risk of shrinkage and colour bleeding that can occur with water-based cleaning.
Time efficiency: Ozone cycles are typically faster than washing and drying costumes, allowing for a more efficient workflow, especially during busy production periods.
Reduced chemical exposure: By eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and detergents, Ozone Cabinets create a safer work environment for theatre staff who might have allergies or sensitivities to cleaning products.
While the initial cost of an Ozone Cabinet might seem higher than a bottle of vodka, it’s a wise investment in the long run. These cabinets offer a safe, effective, and eco-friendly way to maintain your valuable costume collection, ensuring your theatrical productions continue to shine, one fresh and vibrant costume at a time.
Why choose Ozone Direct?
Our comprehensive range of premium Ozone products are designed and tested to deodorise across all manner of settings and industries. Theatre is most certainly one of these. Ditch the outdated methods and embrace the gentle power of Ozone to keep your costumes looking their best and smelling fresh, performance after performance.
Beyond theatre, our Ozone Cabinets are a state-of-the-art solution applicable to a vast plethora of sectors that require clean, fresh clothing regularly, including uniform suppliers, online retail stores, film studios and many more.
Contact us today to explore how our Ozone Cabinets can be the perfect addition to your theatre’s maintenance routine.
