Quick answer
To clean your Bumkins art smock, wipe off excess paint, rinse with cool water, then machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and air dry. Avoid heat and bleach to keep the waterproof coating intact.
Art time is a wonderful way for toddlers to explore creativity, but it often leaves behind colorful evidence on clothing. A quality art smock protects their clothes, but only if you care for it properly. Knowing how to clean an art smock correctly keeps it looking fresh and extends its life.
Bumkins art smocks are designed for easy cleanup, but a few simple habits can make a big difference. Follow these art smock care instructions to keep your smock waterproof, stain-resistant, and ready for the next masterpiece.
Before You Wash: Quick Prep Steps
The moment art time ends, give the smock a quick once-over. Shake off any dry paint or glitter, and turn it inside out to loosen trapped crumbs. If there's a wet glob of paint, scrape it off with a dull knife or spoon—this prevents it from spreading during the wash.
For water-based paints like tempera or acrylic, a quick rinse under cool water before washing helps lift the pigment. Hot water can set stains, so always start with cold. This simple pre-treatment is a key part of art smock care instructions and makes the final wash more effective.
- Check the care label for any specific instructions from the manufacturer.
Machine Washing Your Art Smock
Most Bumkins art smocks are machine washable, but the way you wash them matters. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, and a mild detergent free of bleach or fabric softeners. Fabric softeners can break down the waterproof coating, so skip them.
Place the smock in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging on zippers or Velcro. Wash it with similar colors to avoid dye transfer. After the cycle, remove it promptly to prevent wrinkles and mildew.
- Never use bleach or bleach alternatives—they can damage the fabric.
Drying and Storing
Air drying is the safest method for preserving your art smock's waterproof layer. Hang it on a clothesline or drying rack, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you're in a hurry, you can use a low-heat tumble dry setting, but high heat can warp the coating.
Once dry, store the smock flat or on a hanger. Avoid folding it tightly in a drawer where creases can weaken the fabric over time. Proper storage keeps it ready for the next art session.
- If the smock has a catch-all pocket, make sure it's fully dry before storing to prevent mildew.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Even with quick action, some paints leave a stubborn mark. For dried-on paint, try soaking the smock in cold water with a little mild detergent for 15–20 minutes before washing. Gently rub the stain with your fingers or a soft brush—avoid scrubbing too hard, as it can damage the fabric.
If you're dealing with oil-based paints, check the paint label for specific removal advice. In most cases, a pre-treatment with a stain remover designed for waterproof fabrics works well. Always test on a small, hidden area first.
- For tough stains, repeat the soak-and-wash process instead of using bleach.
Step-by-Step Art Smock Care
- Shake off dry debris: After art time, shake the smock outside to remove dry paint, glitter, or crumbs. Turn it inside out to dislodge anything stuck in the pocket or seams. Check the pocket for hidden crayons or markers before washing.
- Rinse with cool water: Rinse the smock under cold running water to remove fresh paint. Avoid hot water, which can set stains. If paint is already dry, skip this step and move to soaking.
- Pre-treat stubborn stains: For dried paint, soak the smock in cold water with a mild detergent for 15–20 minutes. Gently rub the stain with your fingers or a soft brush. Never use bleach or harsh chemicals—they can degrade the waterproof coating.
- Machine wash gentle: Place the smock in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and mild detergent. Skip fabric softeners. Wash with similar colors to avoid dye transfer.
- Air dry or low heat: Hang the smock to air dry away from direct sunlight. If using a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting. High heat can warp the waterproof layer, so air drying is safest.
Products That Make Art Smock Care Easier
- Silicone Starter Cup: Sage: The Bumkins Silicone Starter Cup is a two-ounce open cup for babies uniquely made to support the transition from bottles to big-kid cups. While not an art smock, this cup is part of Bumkins' mealtime lineup. Pairing it with your art smock routine means less mess overall—fewer spills during snack breaks mean less cleanup for you.
- Wet/Dry Clutch: Evil Eye: The clutch features the same waterproof fabric as our SuperBib and heat-sealed seams for true waterproof protection. Two compartments with smooth zippered closures keep wet and dry items separate. Use the wet/dry clutch to store a damp art smock after a messy session. The waterproof fabric keeps other items in your bag dry, and the two compartments let you separate a wet smock from clean clothes.
- Ultimate Gift Bundle: Ocean Life + Whale Tail: Little ones can start with a SuperBib® 3-Pack and move to a Sleeved Bib when they need more coverage for messy meals. Start serving solids in a Silicone First Feeder and then move to a Silicone Grip Dish as they add more to their menu. This bundle covers feeding and mealtime, which often goes hand-in-hand with art time. Having the right bibs and dishes reduces laundry and makes post-meal cleanup quicker, so you can focus on the art mess.
With these simple steps, your Bumkins art smock will stay clean, waterproof, and ready for years of creative play. Remember: gentle washing, cool water, and air drying are your best friends. Now let your little artist paint away!
