Caring for an Animatronic
Seasonal animatronic decorations have a lot of moving parts that can break down due to improper use or simply from normal wear and tear. However, caring for them the right way can minimize problems. Here are the most important tips to keep in mind when it comes to animatronic maintenance and storage.
1. Always Read Your User’s Manual
The tips we provide are intended to serve as a general overview of how to care for your Halloween animatronic decorations solely for informative purposes. Each animatronic will come with its own care and maintenance instructions. For example, some decorations may require periodically lubricating the joints to ensure smooth operation, or disassembly at the end of each running season. Always defer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific care instructions for your animatronic.
2. Inspect Your Decoration Before Setting It Up
Halloween animatronics include wires and other electrical components that can fail over time, so it’s important to inspect these components for signs of wear or damage at the beginning of each operating season, and periodically throughout the remainder of the season, for safety’s sake. Also, you should only plug your decorations into GFCI outlets, use only outdoor-rated extension cords and keep all electrical connections off the ground and covered to prevent moisture damage. If your animatronic is motion or sound-activated, check that its sensors are clean and free from obstructions, such as leaves or spider webs, which can interfere with its operation.
3. Display Your Animatronic in a Safe Location
Always display your decoration in a sheltered location if possible, such as under a porch or canopy, to protect it from rain, wind and direct sunlight. Even weather-resistant models benefit from being somewhat shielded from the elements. Secure your animatronic firmly to the ground using the included stakes or weights to prevent it from tipping over in a gust of wind.
4. Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
Regular maintenance of an outdoor animatronic decoration includes wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the paint or materials. If the animatronic has fabric elements like clothing or hair, consider applying a light coat of waterproofing spray to help them withstand damp conditions, if the manufacturer’s instructions say it’s safe to do so.
5. Pay Attention to Runtime
Allowing your decoration to run for too long could create a fire hazard or overextend the motor, shortening the lifespan of the product. Each animatronic will have its own recommended runtime. Check the user’s manual to see how long it’s safe to allow your decoration to run each day.
6. Store Your Decoration Properly
Safe storage of a Halloween animatronic is important for preserving its functionality and appearance. When Halloween is over, thoroughly dry the animatronic before storing it in a cool, dry place. Ideally, you should use the original packaging for storage or cover it with a breathable cloth to keep dust and pests away. Be sure to remove any batteries to help protect the terminals from corrosion during the off season.
Looking for More Halloween Décor Ideas?
Lowe’s has a variety of indoor and outdoor Halloween decorations to suit whatever theme you’ve got in mind. Head over to your local Lowe’s today and ask a Red Vest associate to guide you to the Halloween section to browse what’s in stock. Prefer shopping online? You can also look around on Lowe’s.com and use our convenient curbside pick-up service.
