Clean costumes used in a production
URN: SKSQ19
Business Sectors (Suites): Costume for Film, TV and Theatre Productions
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on:
30 Mar 2021
Overview
This standard is about your ability to clean individual costumes used in a production.
This may involve assessing appropriate cleaning methods, dealing with specialist and delicate garments, awareness of the shooting location and production schedules, knowing the impact of the cleaning choice on fabrics and fibres, maintaining continuity when washing and drying costumes and assessing and working within limited resources and facilities.
This standard may be applicable to costume supervisors, costume assistants, costume standbys or wardrobe assistants.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- assess the item and identify the most appropriate cleaning method
- recommend cleaning methods for items that cannot be wet washed or dry cleaned
- identify and assess allergies and sensitivities of performers and the costume team to cleaning products
- assess and select the appropriate cleaning products
- source and use dry cleaning specialists when appropriate
- liaise with dry cleaners to confirm the timescale and budget
- clean costumes following care instructions
- clean and polish footwear and accessories following care instructions
- confirm continuity requirements and clean items accordingly
- identify, assess and remove stains
- identify stains and odors that cannot be removed via standard methods and make cleaning recommendations
- identify cleaning issues as they arise and liaise with the appropriate personnel
- consider how much of the costume is seen in each scene
- a cleaning schedule in line with the production schedule and sequence
- identify and source the necessary washing and drying facilities required within the budget
- follow COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations when cleaning products
- follow the productions confidentiality rules
- communicate clearly across production staff and other relevant departments
- follow health, safety and environmental legislation, policies and guidelines
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the production requirements, budget and schedule
- the costumes to be cleaned taking into account continuity and the reason for cleaning
- allergies or sensitivities to cleaning products (of performers and costume team)
- the production budget
- different cleaning methods and cleaning products
- how to assess items and select appropriate cleaning methods and techniques
- how to handle and clean vintage / fragile items
- how to interpret care labels and symbols
- water temperatures and their impact
- how to use different cleaning products
- cleaning methods used for stubborn odours or stains such as ozone cabinet, odour eliminators, stain removers
- how to clean / polish footwear and accessories
- how to identify issues prior to or during cleaning and drying
- spot cleaning and stain removal techniques
- laundering techniques and equipment for delicate, vintage and specialist costumes
- drying techniques and equipment for delicate, vintage and specialist costumes
- suitable dry-cleaning specialists and cost
- the continuity requirements and how to maintain continuity
- the most appropriate time to carry out cleaning of items in line with the production schedule
- the appropriate and adequate cleaning facilities required and how to acquire and organise them
- the productions confidentiality rules
- production staff and departments involved and the communication protocol
- statutory responsibilities under health, safety, COSHH and environmental legislation
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
Version Number
2
Indicative Review Date
30 Mar 2026
Validity
Current
Status
Original
Originating Organisation
ScreenSkills
Original URN
SKSQ23
Relevant Occupations
Arts, Media and Publishing, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations, Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Media and Communication, Media Associate Professionals, Performing Arts
SOC Code
3422
Keywords
costume; wardrobe; clean; production; garments; method; specialist; delicate; shooting; location; operating; equipment; fabrics; fibres; washing; drying; resources; facilities