How to Clean and Maintain Corduroy for Durability and Shape Retention

Nothing captures the essence of chilly weather quite like snug corduroy jackets and pants. This sturdy material is crafted by intertwining three fibers—typically a blend of cotton and polyester—and then cutting the surface fibers to form the signature soft ridges, or 'wales.' These wales can vary in width, giving the fabric a rich, velvet-like texture. Discover how to properly wash corduroy to extend its life, preserve its softness, and reduce lint accumulation.

Important Points to Consider Before Starting

Corduroy fabric has a napped surface that tends to attract lint, making it tough to remove once it’s stuck. To avoid this, always separate your laundry and never wash corduroy with cotton towels, robes, fleece, or any other lint-producing fabric.

Always check the care instructions on a corduroy garment's label. If the label reads 'Dry Clean Only,' trust it and take the garment to a dry cleaner. This is particularly crucial for structured corduroy jackets. While the outer fabric can usually be machine washed, the internal components that provide structure to the shoulders and lapels may not be washable, which could result in a loss of shape after washing.

What You’ll Need

Materials

Step-by-Step Guide

Organize Your Laundry

• Separate your laundry to avoid mixing lint-producing fabrics with corduroy items.
• Group laundry by color to prevent dark corduroy from being washed with lighter fabrics.

Treat Stains Before Washing

• Apply an enzyme-based stain remover to any visible stains or dirt, especially on collars and cuffs.
• Gently work the stain remover or a quality laundry detergent into the stain using your fingers.
• Let the garment sit for at least 10 minutes so the stain remover can break down the stain’s bond with the fabric.

Prepare the Garment

• Fasten all zippers and button any open buttons.
• Turn the garment inside out to minimize lint buildup and prevent excessive friction with other fabrics in the laundry.

Adjust Washer Settings

• Set the washing machine to a cold or warm water cycle (cold is recommended for dark-colored items).
• Choose the gentle cycle and use your regular laundry detergent.

Launder the Garment

• Place the corduroy garment inside out in an automatic dryer set to a low heat and tumble for five minutes to reduce wrinkles.
• Take the garment out of the dryer and turn it right side out. Gently shake it to smooth the fabric.
• Hang it on a strong clothes hanger to air dry completely.

How to Wash Corduroy by Hand

When hand washing corduroy, it’s important to wash each item separately.

• Pre-treat any stains before washing.
• Fill a large sink with cool water and use a mild detergent.
• Submerge the garment and allow it to soak for 15 minutes, avoiding excessive scrubbing.
• Drain the sink and refill with fresh water.
• Rinse until no more suds are visible. Do not wring or twist the fabric!
• Hang on a sturdy hanger to drip dry.

8 Tips to Make Your Corduroy Last Longer and Stay Looking Sharp

1. To minimize lint buildup on corduroy, avoid overloading your washing machine. Crowding the machine can cause lint to redeposit since there won’t be enough water to rinse it away.
2. Add fabric softener during the final rinse to help the fibers relax and release lint more easily.
3. For wrinkle-free corduroy, place the garment in a tumble dryer with a damp microfiber towel and a couple of wool dryer balls. Dry on low heat for about five minutes, shake the garment out, and hang it up to dry.
4. A clothes steamer is great for lifting crushed fibers. Keep the steamer about four inches from the fabric and use a clothes brush to lift and smooth the wales.
5. When ironing corduroy, always turn it inside out and iron the wrong side using a steam iron.
6. When using a lint brush, always brush in the direction of the fabric’s nap.
7. Always hang corduroy garments to prevent creases from forming in the wales, which can be difficult to remove.
8. Avoid hanging corduroy near items like sweaters or bathrobes that shed lint.