How to wash clothes with sequins or beads?

 

Pre-Washing Preparation

 

• Inspect the garment: Carefully examine the sequins or beads for any loose or damaged pieces. Repair or secure them with fabric glue if necessary.
• Turn inside out: To protect the embellishments, always turn the garment inside out before washing.
• Pre-treat stains: Use a diluted solution of mild detergent to gently spot clean any stains before full washing.

 

Hand Washing vs Machine Washing

 

• Hand Washing: Fill a basin with lukewarm water, add a small amount of mild detergent, and gently agitate the garment by hand. Avoid scrubbing vigorously to protect the sequins or beads.
• Machine Washing: If the care label permits, place the garment in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. This minimizes friction and potential damage.

 

Washing Tips

 

• Water Temperature: Always choose lukewarm or cold water. Hot water can weaken adhesives and damage fabric and embellishments.
• Mild Detergent: Use a detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Avoid harsh chemicals that might harm the sequins or beads.
• Limited Soaking: Do not soak the garment for too long. A brief immersion is sufficient to loosen any dirt without risking detachment of embellishments.
• Gentle Agitation: When washing by hand, lightly swish the garment rather than rubbing or twisting it to avoid stress on the decorations.

 

Drying & Ironing

 

• Air Drying: Lay the garment flat on a soft towel in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading and to maintain the adhesive integrity of the sequins.
• Avoid Machine Drying: Do not use a dryer, as the heat and tumbling can damage the beads and sequins.
• Ironing: If ironing is necessary, place a thin cloth between the iron and the garment. Iron on the reverse side using a low heat setting, and avoid direct contact with the decorative elements.

 

Additional Precautions

 

• Follow care labels: Always refer to the garment's care instructions provided by the manufacturer; these guidelines are tailored for the specific materials used.
• Avoid Bleach and Fabric Softeners: These chemicals can compromise the adhesive quality of the embellishments and the fabric integrity.
• Test on a small area: If you are unsure how the garment will react, test the washing process on a small, less visible area first.