Professional Costume & Theatrical Wardrobe Cleaning
Citywide Cleaners provides specialized cleaning services for theater companies, costume shops, and performing arts organizations throughout Eastern Iowa. With 97+ years of experience caring for delicate fabrics and specialty garments, we’re the trusted partner for protecting your costume investments.
Complete Theatrical Wardrobe Services
Costume Cleaning & Maintenance
- Period Costumes: Gentle care for vintage and reproduction garments
- Character Wardrobes: Complete show wardrobe processing
- Dance Costumes: Cleaning for ballet, jazz, and theatrical dance attire
- Specialty Fabrics: Velvet, silk, satin, brocade, and delicate materials
- Embellished Garments: Safe cleaning for beaded, sequined, and decorated pieces
- Wigs & Hairpieces: Specialized cleaning upon consultation
Rental Inventory Management
- Pre-Rental Cleaning: Preparation of costumes for rental
- Post-Show Processing: Cleaning after performances and rentals
- Spot Cleaning: Between-show touch-ups for multi-week runs
- Season-End Processing: Deep cleaning and preparation for storage
Why Theater Professionals Choose Citywide Cleaners
Delicate Fabric Expertise
Theater costumes require specialized knowledge of historical fabrics, construction techniques, and embellishment handling. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of theatrical wardrobe:
- Hand-finishing for delicate trims and details
- Careful treatment of boning, corsets, and structured garments
- Preservation of fabric drape and movement
- Protection of vintage and antique textiles
Certified Sanitone Master Dry Cleaner
As the only Certified Sanitone Master Dry Cleaner in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area, we provide superior cleaning that restores texture and color while protecting fabric integrity—essential for extending costume lifespan.
Stain & Makeup Removal
Theater costumes face unique soiling challenges. We specialize in removing:
- Stage Makeup: Foundation, lipstick, and body makeup
- Perspiration: Intensive cleaning for performance wear
- Special Effects: Fake blood, dirt, and theatrical materials
- Adhesives: Double-sided tape and spirit gum residue
- Food & Beverage Props: Stage food and drink spills
Service Options for Theater Companies
Show Run Support
We provide ongoing support throughout your production run:
- Opening Week Rush Service: Emergency cleaning for dress rehearsal discoveries
- Mid-Run Refresh: Cleaning during longer runs to maintain appearance
- Strike Week Processing: Complete wardrobe cleaning after closing
- Flexible Scheduling: Weekend and evening drop-off/pickup options available
Pickup & Delivery
We provide pickup and delivery to theater venues throughout Eastern Iowa:
- Cedar Rapids Paramount Theatre and community theaters
- University of Iowa Theater Department (Iowa City)
- Coralville performance venues
- High school theater programs across Eastern Iowa
- Community theater organizations in Marion, Hiawatha, and rural communities
Costume Shop Inventory Support
Large-Volume Processing
Our Cedar Rapids facility handles substantial costume inventory loads:
- Complete show wardrobe processing (50+ pieces)
- Rental inventory preparation and turnover
- Season-end warehouse cleaning
- Festival and event costume batches
Storage Preparation
Proper cleaning before storage prevents fabric deterioration:
- Removal of makeup and perspiration that attract pests
- Professional pressing to minimize wrinkling during storage
- Inspection and damage reporting for repair prioritization
University & Educational Theater Programs
Academic Theater Support
We partner with educational institutions across Eastern Iowa:
- University Programs: Support for theater departments with multiple productions per season
- High School Drama: Affordable cleaning for school theater budgets
- Community Ed Programs: Service for youth theater and drama camps
Educational Discounts
Special pricing available for non-profit educational theater programs. Contact us to discuss volume discounts and subscription options tailored to academic budgets.
Specialty Theatrical Services
Historical & Period Garment Care
With 97 years of experience, including care for vintage and antique textiles, we understand the special requirements of period costumes:
- Victorian and Edwardian garments
- 1920s-1960s vintage pieces
- Reproduction historical costuming
- Museum-quality textile conservation practices
Quick-Change Costume Management
Multi-character shows require reliable quick-change costume care. We ensure all pieces are ready simultaneously for seamless costume plot execution.
Environmental Responsibility
Ozone Deodorizing Technology
Our advanced ozone deodorizing system is gentler on delicate theatrical fabrics while reducing environmental impact—important for organizations with sustainability commitments.
Partner with Eastern Iowa’s Theatrical Textile Experts
Citywide Cleaners has been protecting theatrical wardrobe investments since 1927. Our expertise, capacity, and understanding of costume care make us the preferred partner for the region’s performing arts community.
Get Started
Call: 319-364-6131 to discuss your show’s wardrobe needs
Visit: 1960 51st St NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
