Outfits with rhinestones will always look their best when properly cleaned and handled. Retaining the sparkles on the dress is sometimes the only way they can make a statement. Did you know that washing a dress with rhinestones wrongly can cause the embellishments to fall off or even look tardy? It’s frustrating, right? And no one wants that. We’ve all had that moment when a favorite rhinestone-studded shirt or dress starts to look worn out after just a few washes. But what if there was a way to care for rhinestone clothes without it becoming a headache? Over here are some techniques on how to wash clothes with rhinestones, so you can retain the studs and shine, wash after wash. Let’s dive in!
1. Read the Care Label
Start by checking the care label to find out if there are any specific washing or cleaning instructions. Some companies attach this care label to the side of the dress, and although we often overlook this tag, it can go a long way in preserving the dress’s quality. The rhinestone dresses at SunsetFashionLA, a clothing boutique for women always come with dress labels. On it, you can find out if the dress should be hand or machine-washed, the water temperature to use, and the cycle setting you need for the fabric to stay in its top condition. It also contains information on the dry cleaning recommendations or warnings against using a dryer or bleach, both of which can harm the rhinestones or adhesive.
2. Turn the Dress Inside Out and Use a Protective Bag
Before you clean rhinestone clothes, always turn the dress inside out to protect the rhinestones. Leaving the dress unturned will likely cause the studs to rub against each other and the walls of the machine causing the rhinestones to rub off, loosen, or become scratched. However, the inside of the dress is generally softer and doesn’t have rhinestones, so washing inside out reduces the risk of friction and damage.
After turning the dress, put it into a washcloth like a mesh laundry bag, or pillowcase. This prevents the rhinestone dress from making direct contact with other clothes. It also prevents other clothes from getting caught in between the studs. Whether you’re using a mesh bag or a pillowcase alternative, just ensure the bag is large enough to give the dress space to move around gently, without being too cramped.
3. Wash in Cold Water
Cold water is gentler on both the material and the rhinestones. Using hot water can break down the glue under the rhinestones and cause the studs to fall off. Cold water helps preserve the color and integrity of the fabric by preventing it from fading, shrinking, or warping (all of which may occur when the dress is exposed to high temperatures). Hand-washing in cold water is also more energy-efficient and practical for both the longevity of your rhinestones and your utility bills.
4. Air Dry
When you want to care for rhinestone clothes, the drying method is key to preserving it and air drying is the safest way for this. The heat and tumbling action from a dryer can be too harsh on both the fabric and rhinestones, especially for rhinestone dresses made with silk or mild cotton. Also, the high temperatures in the dryer can loosen the adhesives or cause the fabric to shrink or lose its shape. Instead, lay the dress out flat on a clean, dry surface or use a padded hanger when hanging to avoid stretching out the fabric. The ick here is that even with air drying, you have to keep the dress away from direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, as the excess heat can also damage the rhinestones or fade the fabric. If you must use a dry, turn the heat settings to low.
5. Use Gentle Detergent
Fabric softeners, bleach, and harsh detergents are not safe to clean rhinestone clothes. Their chemical ingredients can weaken the adhesive that holds rhinestones in place, which results in a tacky-looking dress. The chemicals may damage the fabric and a weak material makes the rhinestones more vulnerable to detachment. Always stick to mild, gentle detergents that won’t harm the rhinestones or fabric. These detergents are free of dyes and fragrances that can sometimes irritate sensitive fabrics or cause unwanted build-up around the rhinestones. They will also ensure that both the fabric and rhinestone studs stay in good condition for as long as you have them.
6. Store Carefully
When not in use, store your rhinestone dress in a way that the studs won’t be under so much pressure or be crushed in their storing conditions. Instead of cramming your rhinestone pieces into overcrowded drawers or closets, use a padded hanger to support the fabric and prevent any stretching when hanging them. Or you can use a cloth bag to store them while keeping dust away and ensuring they are in good condition. If the dress is particularly delicate, fold it neatly and flat in a drawer, away from other clothes, so they don’t rub against the rhinestones. Also, store rhinestone dresses away from direct sunlight and excess heat, as these elements can weaken adhesives.
Conclusion
We know keeping that shine from your rhinestone dress intact can be tricky, especially when it comes to washing. We detailed the tips on how to wash clothes with rhinestones and if you follow them, you can retain the studs in the shiniest form. Remember, “wash them wrong, and those sparkly embellishments can end up damaged or even fall off completely.” So take the time to stick with these easy tips and your rhinestone clothes will thank you wash after wash.
