How to Wash and Care for Clothes and Pillows With Sequins
Sep 21, 2024
Dazzling sequined clothes and home accessories need special care when washing to keep them shiny and bright. The way in which you should care for your sequined items depends on what type of fabric is under the sequins, how the sequins are attached, and how the garment is made. Always check the garment label to see what the manufacturer recommends. Some sequined clothes are hand- or machine-washable; others are dry clean only.
While the sequins themselves usually aren't harmed by gentle washing, it's possible that the base fabric can be ruined. For example, a sequined jacket has interfacings that give it structure, and if it gets wet, the jacket may lose its shape. It also depends on whether the sequins are attached with thread or glue. Knowing your base fabric and how the sequins are attached will help you to wash it without causing damage. Read on to learn how to wash and care for your sequined clothes and pillows safely.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Large sink or tub
Washing machine
Drying rack
Clothes steamer (optional)
Mesh laundry bag (optional)
Materials
Gentle detergent
Cool water
Dishwashing liquid (optional)
Cotton swabs (optional)
White cloths or paper towels (optional)
Instructions
| How to Clean and Care for Clothes and Pillows With Sequins | |
|---|---|
| Detergent | Gentle |
| Water Temperature | Cold |
| Cycle Type | Gentle |
| Drying Cycle Type | Air-dry only |
| Special Treatments | Hand-wash, dry-clean, mesh bag |
| Iron Settings | Do not iron |
| How Often to Wash | Only when visibly soiled |
Washing Clothes or Pillows With Sequins
Inspect and Prepare the Item
Look for surface stains on the clothing item or pillow. In prepping the material to clean, spot treat by dabbing a cotton swab dipped in a mixture of mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Try to get beneath the sequins with the swab, as well as clean any grime on the surface of the sequins.
Turn the item inside out for washing to prevent damage to the sequins and threads. For decorative pillows, unzip and remove the cover if possible, then turn the cover inside out to wash.
If you will be attempting to wash the item by machine, place the garment or pillow cover into a mesh laundry bag before washing.
Wash the Item by Hand or Machine
Hand-washing: This is the most gentle and reliable method for cleaning a sequined shirt, sweater, or pillow. Button or zip all closures, and turn the garment inside out. Fill a sink with cool water and one teaspoon of gentle detergent designed for hand-washing.
Completely submerge the item, and swish it through the water. Don't scrub vigorously or wring the garment tightly. Too much agitation can bend or break the sequins. Allow the item to soak for at least five minutes.
Drain the soapy water, and refill the basin with clean water. Rinse the sequined item until no suds remain. Gently squeeze out the water.
Machine-washing: If the item's care label allows for machine washing, select the gentle cycle and cold water temperature. Set the spin cycle on the lowest speed to prevent damage to the sequins. Add a gentle detergent, and don't use bleach or fabric softener. Button or zip the garment completely. Turn it inside out so that the sequins are protected, then place it in a mesh lingerie bag before starting the machine.
Air-Dry the Item
No matter how you wash your sequined item, skip the dryer. Never put freshly washed sequined garments or home accessories in a dryer because the sequins or glue could melt. If the garment is made from a woven fabric, it can be hung to air-dry, or laid flat on absorbent towels.
