We prop manipulators are hard on our toys. We drop, scuff, and dirty them almost constantly. Here are some tips on getting your props as shiny as new and undoing some of the damage to your home.

Removing Goo and Gunk - WD-40
Hoops and staves covered in tape glue and old damaged stickers can be salvaged. WD-40 to the rescue. It can be used as a powerful solvent, removing paint, gum, glue, playa gunk, stickers and more. It's also one of those products most of us have in the garage somewhere. I use it often to get permanent marker off of white boards and mirrors, old stickers off show cases and for striping my hoops when they need to be re-taped.

Removing Scuffs From Walls - Mr Clean Magic Erase
If your house is like mine there are many rather noticeable scuff marks on the walls of any room big enough to use as a practice space. Good news, you don't have to repaint to have pristine walls again. Mr Clean Magic Erase is a water-activated sponge with micro-scrubbers that will take scuffs off any surface like... well magic.

Removing Soot Stains From Clothing - Vinegar and Detergent
Fire performance is a dirty business. For soot stains on clothing, first shake and beat as much of the soot out as possible. Dab at the stain with a liquid detergent and a clean white cloth. Sponge the detergent into the stain until the area is saturated, and try washing it normally in the washing machine with a 1/4 cup of vinegar. Wash the item alone, since soot can spread to other articles of clothing in the load. Also, do not put the clothes in the dryer without checking the stain. Vola, favorite spin costume saved!

Removing Soot Stains From Furniture and Carpet - Rubbing alcohol
Who hasn't carelessly left a soot mark on the sofa or carpet when unloading their fire toys. Don't sweat it. Make sure not to wet soot stains on carpets or furniture upholstery with water. Start by vacuuming the stain, working from the outside edges of the soot stain towards the center. Now use that handy dandy rubbing alcohol on any remaining grey marks after vacuuming. Rubbing alcohol should also be tested on an inconspicuous area before using. Put the rubbing alcohol onto a clean white cloth and dab at the soot stain. Remember not to rub, and do not pour the rubbing alcohol directly onto the soot stain.

Best Storage For Props - Clean and Dry
Wipe your toys with a clean, damp cloth before putting them away to avoid staining. Try to keep them away from moisture and wet places. Too much moisture can cause the tape to become unstuck or slip out of place.

Reshaping Tip For Hoops - Sun Bathing
If the hoop becomes bent out of shape, leave it on a flat surface out in the sun or in a warm room for a SHORT amount of time until it flattens. Avoid exposing the hoops to prolonged heat as it can loosen the adhesive on the tape

Repairing Loose Toys and Tape - Super Glue
In most cases a loose bolt or screw on any prop will just need to be retightened or replaced. You should be doing prop checks before every performance anyway to I recommend carrying a screw driver and hammer to make repairs on the go. If the tape on your hoop is coming off on one end, you can use a dab or super glue to get it through the performance.

Originally posted on http://www.firepedia.com/articles/10-toy-cleaning-tips/