Keeping Your Dance Outfits in Top Condition

How to keep your Highland Dance outfits looking their best.

You never want to be asking yourself; “What are these holes in my outfits?” – (Let’s hope not)
There are many websites and lots of advice that can be found if you have a moth problem. These are suggestions as a preventative measure.
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Moths can be a risk to your highland dance outfits as they hang in your closet between competitions, recitals and public performances. They are prime breeding grounds for these pests as they are made of wool and synthetic products and, after dancing, will often have sweat and dead skin on them which are ideal for the moth larvae.  What can be done about it?

1. Keep your items clean and ensure you brush them off or shake them out before putting them away.
2. Use a garment bag to store them in. (These can be purchased at a dollar store so stock up)
3. If you do not use items regularly, shake them out or lay them out in the sun periodically. Another option is to have them cleaned and then store them in an air tight container.
4. Discourage moths
   • I do not recommend moth balls as these smell horrible and are unhealthy. Unless you want to keep racoons and the like off you your deck at a cottage, keep these out of your house.
   • Cedar blocks or balls smell good, remove musty smells, repel moths and work well. The balls can be put right in your garment bag while the blocks can be hung up in the closet. After some time, they can be sanded lightly to get them working again.
   • Keep the location dry. Moths do not like bright airy spaces.
5. Vacuum, vacuum and, yes vacuum.​