Halloween is a time for creativity, fun, and, let’s be honest, absolute chaos in the form of glitter explosions, fake blood splatters, and mysterious face paint stains that appear in places they definitely shouldn’t be. If your DIY costume left a horror scene in your home, don’t worry—we’ve got the tricks to handle those treats (or, rather, the aftermath of them). Cleaning up doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you have the right approach. Whether your problem is sparkle-covered floors, stubborn red stains, or a mysterious smear of green face paint on the kitchen counter, these cleaning hacks will help restore order to your home faster than a ghost can vanish.

The Glitter Apocalypse: How to Remove the Unremovable

Glitter is the horror movie villain of craft supplies—it never truly dies. Weeks after Halloween, you’ll still find it clinging to your floors, furniture, and even your cat. But don’t panic! Here’s how to reclaim your home from the sparkle invasion:

• Lint Rollers Are Your Best Friend – Before you reach for the vacuum, grab a lint roller and go over surfaces like couches, tables, and even your clothes. The sticky sheets pick up glitter more effectively than dry wiping. If you don’t have a lint roller, masking tape wrapped around your hand can work as a DIY alternative.
• Damp Paper Towels or Rubber Gloves – Slightly damp paper towels or rubber gloves rubbed over surfaces will help collect the loose specks. The moisture helps grab the glitter without spreading it around. It’s a great trick for removing glitter from unexpected places like lampshades or pet fur, too.
• Vacuum with a HEPA Filter – If the glitter has made its way onto rugs or carpets, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap the tiny particles instead of blowing them back into the air. Go over the area multiple times, changing the vacuum direction to catch as much as possible.
• Tape Trick – For stubborn areas, wrap packing tape around your fingers, sticky side out, and press it onto the glitter. This works especially well on fabric surfaces where glitter seems determined to embed itself permanently.
• Fabric-Safe Adhesive Rollers – If your clothes are covered in glitter, use a fabric-safe roller or shake them out vigorously outside before laundering. Add a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle to help loosen the remaining glitter from the fabric.

Fake Blood: The Unholy Stain That Won’t Budge

Nothing screams Halloween like fake blood—until it’s screaming at you from your couch cushions or carpet. If you’ve had a vampire-esque spill, here’s how to tackle it:

• Act Fast! – The sooner you clean it, the better. Fake blood tends to set quickly, making it harder to remove. Try to blot up as much of the spill as possible before it soaks in and stains.
• Cold Water Rinse – For fabrics, rinse the stain with cold water first. Hot water can set the stain permanently. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this will only spread it further.
• Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide – Mix a small amount of dish soap with hydrogen peroxide and dab (don’t rub) the stain with a cloth. The peroxide helps break down the red dye without damaging most fabrics. If the stain is particularly stubborn, let the solution sit for a few minutes before blotting.
• Baking Soda Paste – For carpets or upholstery, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then, blot with a damp cloth. This helps lift the stain without spreading it further.
• Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Stains – If the stain persists, dab it with a bit of rubbing alcohol and blot until it lifts. For extra tough stains, try a mixture of white vinegar and dish soap before using a carpet cleaner.

Face Paint: Removing Those Mysterious Smudges from Everywhere

Face paint is great for transforming into a zombie or a witch—but not so great when it transfers onto walls, furniture, and, somehow, the refrigerator handle. Here’s how to remove those unexpected streaks:

• For Walls: Use a magic eraser or a damp cloth with a bit of dish soap. Be gentle to avoid damaging the paint. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, try a bit of baking soda and water paste to lift the pigment without ruining your walls.
• For Fabric: If the face paint is oil-based, blot it with dish soap before washing. Water-based paints can often be removed with regular detergent and a cold wash. For delicate fabrics, always test a small area first to prevent damage.
• For Skin: Baby wipes or coconut oil work wonders for removing stubborn paint from faces, hands, and any other body part that might have become an accidental canvas. You can also use micellar water, which is designed to break down makeup without irritating the skin.
• For Hard Surfaces: A bit of baking soda on a damp sponge can help lift paint from countertops, tile, or wood surfaces. If the paint has dried, try using a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth to break it down gently.

The Aftermath: Cleaning Up General Costume Mishaps

Costume creation often involves glue, spray paint, and various crafting materials that can leave your home looking like a Halloween crime scene. Here’s how to clean up other common DIY costume messes:

• Glue Spills: For hot glue, freeze it with an ice cube and then gently scrape it off. For craft glue, soak it with warm, soapy water before scrubbing. If glue residue remains, a dab of rubbing alcohol can help break it down.
• Spray Paint Overspray: Rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover can help lift stray spray paint from non-porous surfaces like tiles and glass. For fabric, try blotting with a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide before laundering.
• Feathers, Sequins, and Faux Fur: A broom or vacuum attachment can help collect these tiny costume remnants before they spread all over your house. Try shaking costumes outside first to reduce indoor cleanup.

Post-Halloween Deep Clean: Restoring Order

Once the initial disaster is under control, give your home a deep clean to banish any lingering evidence of your DIY masterpiece:

• Mop & Vacuum Thoroughly – After picking up the big messes, do a final vacuum and mop to catch anything you missed. Glitter and craft debris have a sneaky way of hiding in corners.
• Air Out the Space – Open windows to get rid of any strong smells from costume makeup, adhesives, or fake blood solutions. A little fresh air goes a long way in resetting your home.
• Wash Everything – If your couch or rugs got involved in your Halloween fun, consider steam cleaning or shampooing them. Costume fabrics should be washed separately to prevent dye transfer.
• Check for Hidden Messes – Look under furniture, behind doors, and on light switches—glitter and paint have a sneaky way of getting everywhere.

Conclusion

Halloween should be about fun, not about stressing over the mess. With these cleaning hacks, you can enjoy your DIY costume creativity without dreading the cleanup. So, go ahead—craft that elaborate, over-the-top costume. No matter how much glitter, paint, or fake blood it involves, you’ve got the cleanup covered!

For a stress-free post-Halloween clean, consider reaching out to Top Notch Cleaning in Medford, OR. We’ll handle the mess while you enjoy your leftover Halloween candy.