Buzz
Rhinestones can enhance the glamour of clothing items such as costumes, bras, or bandanas. Due to the adhesive used to attach rhinestones, washing and drying them without damaging the stones or melting the glue can be challenging. Here are some gentle methods to keep your rhinestone clothing sparkling for years to come.
Steps
Using a Washing Machine
Turn your clothing inside out to protect the rhinestones. Pull the sleeves or legs through your clothing until they are inside out and protected. This will prevent the rhinestones from snagging on anything during the wash and dry cycles.
Avoid using pre-wash sprays as they may weaken the rhinestone glue. Some laundry sprays, such as stain removers or pre-treatments, can dissolve or damage the glue that holds your rhinestones to your clothes. It's best not to use any sprays before washing your garments to ensure the rhinestones remain secure.
Use a delicates bag for small items. Invest in a mesh bag designed for delicates like bras and underwear. Place small rhinestone garments such as bras, tank tops, or bandanas in this bag before washing them to prevent snagging and damage to the rhinestones.
Alternative: If you don't have a delicates bag, place your items in a clean pillowcase and tie it closed.
Wash your clothes on a delicate cycle with cold water. Select the 'delicate' or 'gentle' setting on your washing machine to protect the integrity of the rhinestones. Ensure the washer uses cold water to prevent the rhinestone glue from melting.
Hand Washing Method
Tip: For delicate or old garments, use a delicates bag before hand washing.
Prepare a bucket or sink with cold water and mild soap. Use a sufficiently large container to fully immerse your garment. Fill it halfway with cold water and add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of gentle laundry detergent.
Swirl your garment in the water for about 5 minutes. Submerge your garment in the soapy water and agitate it gently. Avoid squeezing or wringing it to prevent damage to the rhinestones.
Rinse the garment until the water is clear. Remove your clothing from the soapy water and rinse it under cold water until there are no more suds and the water runs clear.
Gently squeeze out excess water from your garment. Turn off the water and carefully press your garment between your hands to remove excess water and expedite drying. You can use a towel to pat it dry if needed.
Drying Rhinestone Clothing
Keep your rhinestone clothes inside out. After washing, keep your clothes inside out to prevent rhinestones from snagging. Only turn them right side out once they are completely dry.
Air dry delicate garments. Avoid using the dryer for delicate clothing items like dance or ice-skating costumes, which are often made of sensitive materials like spandex. Hang them up to dry and flip them periodically until fully dry.
Tip: If the care label has a circle with a red X, avoid tumble drying and opt for air drying instead.
Use a gentle cycle with low heat to dry your clothing. For fabrics like denim, cotton, or linen, place them inside out in the dryer. Select the gentle or delicates cycle with low heat to rejuvenate your rhinestone clothing in just a few hours.
Tips
Warnings
- Avoid dry cleaning garments with rhinestones as the chemicals used can dissolve the glue holding the rhinestones.
Things You’ll Need
Using a Washing Machine
- Mild detergent
- Delicates bag (optional)
Cleaning by Hand
- Bucket or sink
- Mild detergent
Drying Rhinestone Clothing
- Hangers or a clothes rack
