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:

  1. ​assess the item and identify the most appropriate cleaning method
  2. recommend cleaning methods for items that cannot be wet washed  or dry cleaned
  3. identify and assess allergies and sensitivities of performers and the costume team to cleaning products
  4. assess and select the appropriate cleaning products
  5. source and use dry cleaning specialists when appropriate
  6. liaise with dry cleaners to confirm the timescale and budget
  7. clean costumes following care instructions
  8. clean and polish footwear and accessories following care instructions
  9. confirm continuity requirements and clean items accordingly
  10. identify, assess and remove stains
  11. identify stains and odors that cannot be removed via standard methods and make cleaning recommendations
  12. identify cleaning issues as they arise and liaise with the appropriate personnel
  13. consider how much of the costume is seen in each scene
  14. a cleaning schedule in line with the production schedule and sequence
  15. identify and source the necessary washing and drying facilities required within the budget
  16. follow COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations when cleaning products
  17. follow the productions confidentiality rules
  18. communicate clearly across production staff and other relevant departments
  19. follow health, safety and environmental legislation, policies and guidelines

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. ​the production requirements, budget and schedule
  2. the costumes to be cleaned taking into account continuity and the reason for cleaning
  3. allergies or sensitivities to cleaning products (of performers and costume team)
  4. the production budget
  5. different cleaning methods and cleaning products
  6. how to assess items and select appropriate cleaning methods and techniques
  7. how to handle and clean vintage / fragile items
  8. how to interpret care labels and symbols
  9. water temperatures and their impact
  10. how to use different cleaning products
  11. cleaning methods used for stubborn odours or stains such as ozone cabinet, odour eliminators, stain removers
  12. how to clean / polish footwear and accessories
  13. how to identify issues prior to or during cleaning and drying
  14. spot cleaning and stain removal techniques
  15. laundering techniques and equipment for delicate, vintage and specialist costumes
  16. drying techniques and equipment for delicate, vintage and specialist costumes
  17. suitable dry-cleaning specialists and cost
  18. the continuity requirements and how to maintain continuity
  19. the most appropriate time to carry out cleaning of items in line with the production schedule
  20. the appropriate and adequate cleaning facilities required and how to acquire and organise them
  21. the productions confidentiality rules
  22. production staff and departments involved and the communication protocol
  23. 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