How to wash embellished clothing
December 10th, 2007The December issue of Lucky Magazine shared an interesting laundry trick. You can wash beaded and sequined pieces at home instead of traipsing them off to the cleaners if you follow a few simple steps. I tested the method on one of my own sequined cardigans and altered the process a little.
Here’s what to do:
- Check that your washing machine has an ultra delicate “hand wash” cycle. If so, that’s the cycle to use. Use cold water and mild detergent (Woolite will do the trick).
- Turn the embellished piece inside out and pop it into an old pastel or white pillow case (you don’t want the dye of the pillow case to run). Close the pillow case with a tight knot and proceed to wash.
- Hang the damp garment over a rack or chair to dry, or flat-dry on a towel.
- Steam if necessary.
I took the chance with this piece because I felt I had nothing to lose. The last time I took an embellished piece of knitwear to the cleaners, it came back a size smaller. Dry cleaning can also cause sequins to melt. Some items do deserve to be professionally laundered (I wouldn’t risk using Lucky Magazine’s laundry method with my partially sequined mesh and satin party dress, for example). My embellished skirt, on the other hand, is soon to befriend a damp pillowcase.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:20 am
So, is this how I should wash my Christmas Sweater with the reindeer applique? Tee hee…
December 10th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Thank you for the tip! I’ve been putting off taking a t-shirt embellished with sequins that I have to the drycleaners, just because it is such a cheap item that I feel should just be washed at home, but I’ve been scared to hand wash it since the sequins are so delicate! Now I know exactly what to do!
December 10th, 2007 at 8:51 am
The pillowcase is a great idea!!
I usually wash my embellished jeans inside out in a laundry bag for delicates and hang to dry. But when I do a beaded sweater, I shape it and dry flat on a sweater dryer
December 10th, 2007 at 9:34 am
Arrggg - Woolite is not the best for hand washables. Baby shampoo or castile is much better. Despite its claims - Woolite is rather harsh. For hand washing I use castile soap (available at Trader Joes and plenty of places) and for machine washing use Dreft - which is landry detergent manufactured with no bleach ingredients designed for baby clothes.
December 10th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
What a brilliant idea Wendy. I didn’t know items such as these were available to flat dry knitwear.
Good to know Maris. I shall switch to castile soap.
December 12th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
excellent advice. dry cleaning is often NOT the best option - for your clothes or the environment
December 23rd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
[…] your gentle cycle! Your wardrobe may see a few of these this season so learn how to care for them here! Thanks for the tip Angie! Dec 11 Share This […]
December 30th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Being in the business of selling vintage clothing, dry cleaning bills can kill your bottom line. I wash (in the gentle cycle) so many things I would never have . thought of washing before. I found this site while trying to find out if I can wash taffeta. Anybody out there who would know the answer? Also, how about acetate? Thanks, I’ll check back. Linda
December 30th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Linda, have you tried hand washing taffeta in cold water, hang drying and steaming afterwards?
Acetate comes in all forms…..you’ll need to be more specific about the garment. Is it a knit or a woven?
December 31st, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Hi and thank you. I washed the taffeta dress in cold water but on the delicate cycle and it came out beautifully. Of course I hung to dry and will steam when all is dry. The acetate I usually acquire is a woven silky or taffeta like fabric. Thanks so very much. Linda
January 1st, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Great advice. We certainly will use it as we are introducing an exclusive collection of embellished jeans this Spring. To preview our fabulous designs, go to:
www.sourceoftreasure.com