As the EtereShop team, founded by former circus performers who spent years on stage, we understand that performance requires a costume that is not only spectacular but also durable and easy to maintain. For performers, a clean, fresh costume before every show is vital. This deep understanding of stage life is why we design all our mirror and LED garments with simplicity of care as a core principle. We strive to ensure your investment stays in its initial condition for as long as possible.
I. Keeping it Fresh: Washing and Hygiene
Performance environments, especially the stage, are intense, and performers sweat heavily. This is why we prioritize washability over relying solely on dry cleaning.
Mirror products
- Do not machine wash the mirror shell.
- Rinsing the Mirror Shell: our tight-fitting, full-body mirror costumes are engineered to be easily washed. Soak or rinse the suit in cold water with mild soap or a baking soda solution, rinse, and dry thoroughly. This allows the costume to be quickly refreshed and ready for the next performance.
- Detachable Linings: many of our basic mirror suits, such as the Mirror Man and Mirror Lady outfits, feature a removable internal lining. It can be unfastened and washed separately, including in a washing machine.
- Dry cleaning is an option if hand washing does not fully meet your needs.
LED products
- Before cleaning, turn off the LEDs and disconnect the batteries.
- Water-resistant costumes: gently hand-wash sections with mild soap and water. Do not submerge completely.
- Non-water-resistant costumes: dry cleaning only.
- The linings of our LED jackets are removable and can be washed separately.
For all products
- Odour removal: mix 1 part vodka with 3 parts water, add a few drops of essential oil (e.g. lavender or eucalyptus), spray lightly and let it air dry.
- Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, gasoline or acetone: they damage electronics, glue and reflective materials.
II. Drying
- Never tumble dry and keep the costume away from any heat source (hair dryers, heaters, radiators). Heat can melt the adhesive that secures the mirror elements.
- Never dry in direct sunlight. Heat and intense UV rays can loosen the mirrors and cause components to fade or burn out.
- Mirror products: dry them flat (horizontally). The mirrors are relatively heavy and can stretch the fabric if the costume hangs while wet.
- LED products: air dry flat or on a hanger, avoiding sharp bends that stress seams and wiring.
- Before reconnecting any power source, make sure an LED product is completely dry. Check all connectors and ports to confirm there is no residual water, to prevent a short circuit.
Cleaning Mirrors
- Always use gloves to avoid fingerprints.
- Use a non-alcoholic glass cleaner.
- Apply cleaner to a soft cloth, not directly on the mirror.
- Avoid abrasive materials like rough cloths or brushes.
- Never use solvents or harsh chemicals: they can damage the mirror surface.
III. Storage and Transport
Storage
- Store the costume in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Never leave the costume in sub-zero temperatures. Many elements of the costume structure are sensitive and will not withstand prolonged cold.
- Mirror products: store them folded, not hung, so the weight of the mirrors does not stretch the fabric. Do not place heavy objects on top.
- LED products: always turn off the LEDs first (press and hold any controller button for 2 seconds), then disconnect and remove the batteries. Coil cables gently to avoid stress.
- Use garment bags or boxes designed for delicate items. Avoid storing in plastic bags for long periods, as they trap humidity.
Transport
- Use padded cases or garment bags and avoid pressure or impact.
- Place a soft material between the mirrored layers so they do not scratch each other.
- Disconnect the batteries of LED products before transport, and wrap LED strips and wires loosely, not tightly.
Regular check-ups
- Inspect mirror products regularly for loose mirror tiles and reattach them with a suitable adhesive.
- For intricate pieces, consider professional cleaning services.
IV. Electronics, Batteries and Charging
Our illuminated costumes are complex pieces of technology, and safety must come first.
- Batteries are not included with our LED products. Which batteries to use, how to charge them and how to store them is explained in our battery guide: All about batteries.
- Battery Specification: use only the batteries and the charger specified for your product. Using alternative batteries or installing them incorrectly can lead to a short circuit, which poses a risk to the performer and the product itself.
- Charging: avoid overcharging and never charge unattended. Use high-quality batteries.
- Battery storage: store batteries at room temperature. If they are not used for a while, recharge them every 2–3 months.
- Moisture and temperature: avoid extreme temperatures. If the product is exposed to moisture, dry it immediately with a soft cloth.
- No Unauthorized Modifications: do not cut or modify any electronic component yourself without our prior written consent. If you experience an issue, contact our support team. If necessary, you can send the costume back to us and we will rework or repair it.
V. Handling Our Mirror Products
Our mirrored pieces, such as the Gold Mirror Stilt Walker or a custom Silver Mirror Costume, are designed to be robust enough for dynamic stage work, yet they require the same level of care as any delicate prop.
- General Care: treat your costume with care: do not pull, tear or strike the material. While we design our pieces to withstand various on-stage acrobatic tricks, all materials have a defined operational lifespan.
- Protecting the Finish: wear our mirror costumes carefully. Avoid rubbing the mirrors against walls or floors, as this can easily scratch and damage the reflective surface.
Questions and Support
If you have any questions about the operation or care of your costume, write to us at sales@etereshop.com or on WhatsApp +48 665 486 586, and we will get back to you promptly. You can also find this guide on our GitHub: Care and Storage Guide.
By following these simple care instructions, you ensure that our mirror and LED costumes will continue to deliver unforgettable performances and keep their brilliant appearance show after show.