Washing clothes with sequins requires gentle care to prevent damage. The safest and most common methods involve handwashing or dry cleaning, often indicated on the garment's care label.
Gentle Handwashing Method
If you choose to handwash a sequined garment, follow these steps to protect the delicate embellishments:
- Fill a basin or sink with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Place the sequined garment in the water.
- To clean the garment, lightly swish it in the cool water and detergent mixture.
- Avoid vigorously rubbing the sequins or twisting the fabric, as this can dislodge or scratch the sequins.
- Once clean, drain the soapy water.
- Refill the basin with clean, cool water and ensure all soap is rinsed thoroughly from the garment. Repeat rinsing until no soap remains.
- Gently press excess water out of the garment without wringing.
- Lay the item flat on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry. Avoid hanging, which can stretch the fabric and pull the weight of the wet sequins downwards.
Dry Cleaning Alternative
Many sequined clothes will have “handwash or dry clean only” on their care label. Based on expert advice, dry cleaning is often the most common and safest method for cleaning garments with sequins, especially for complex or heavily embellished items. A professional dry cleaner has the expertise and tools to clean such delicate items without causing damage. Always inform your cleaner about the sequin embellishments.
By following these gentle methods, you can help preserve the sparkle and longevity of your sequined garments.
