We all love a bit of sparkle, but knowing how to wash bedazzled clothes properly is just as important as creating them in the first place. There's nothing worse than spending time (and money) on a beautifully embellished garment, only for the crystals to fall off, scratch or lose their shine after one wash. The same goes for any bedazzled item – shoes, champagne bottles, handbags or home interiors, knowing how to wash items that have rhinestones, correctly, is an essential part of the process.
Whether it's a dance costume, a DIY upcycled jacket or a special occasion outfit, a little extra care goes a long way. In this guide, we'll share our top tips for washing rhinestone clothing and properly caring for bedazzled items so they stay looking their best. If you do have a garment with loose or missing rhinestones, take a quick look at our guide to repairing and maintaining embellished clothing for tips on how to fix it.
Handwashing is Always Best
If you're wondering how to wash bedazzled clothes safely, handwashing is your best option. Using a washing machine risks the rhinestones falling off or getting scratched.
- Fill a sink or basin with cold water
- Add a small amount of mild detergent if needed, but preferably no detergent.
- Gently swish the garment around
- Avoid scrubbing directly over the rhinestones
- Do not use fabric conditioner or any cleaning chemicals as this can cause rhinestones to come loose.
Once clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and lay flat to dry.
This method is the most reliable way of caring for rhinestone embellished items and keeping them in great condition.
Turn Your Garment Inside Out
This is a simple step that makes a big difference. Turning your clothing inside out before washing helps protect the rhinestones from rubbing against other fabrics or surfaces.
Less friction means less chance of scratching, dulling or loosening the stones – which is exactly what we want to avoid.
Choose a Gentle Detergent
Not all detergents are suitable for embellished clothing. Harsh chemicals can weaken the glue that holds the rhinestones in place. We would recommend just washing in plain water if the garment is not too dirty. But if you think it requires detergent, stick to a mild, gentle one designed for delicate fabrics. This will help maintain both the sparkle of the crystals and the structure of the garment.
Avoid Fabric Softeners and Harsh Products
It might be tempting to use fabric softener or stain removers, but these can actually do more harm than good.
They can break down the adhesive behind the stones, leading to loose or cloudy looking crystals. Instead, if you have a stain, gently spot clean using a soft cloth and mild soap.
Never Use a Tumble Dryer
Heat is one of the biggest causes of rhinestones falling off. Tumble dryers can weaken the glue and cause stones to come loose.
Instead, gently reshape your garment and lay it flat on a towel to air dry. It may take a bit longer, but it's well worth it.
Be Careful When Ironing
If your garment needs ironing, avoid direct heat on the rhinestones at all costs. This will melt the glue and cause movement within the stones.
Use a cool setting and place a cloth between the iron and the fabric. This protects both the crystals and the adhesive underneath.
Extra Care Tips for Long-Lasting Sparkle
When it comes to washing rhinestone clothing, it's not just about cleaning – it's about maintaining that sparkle over time. Read our guide to preserving rhinestone clothing for tips on how to achieve a long lasting shine.
Here are a few extra tips:
- Don't over wash – only clean when necessary
- Avoid harsh chemicals like perfume or cleaning sprays on the crystals
- Store garments carefully to prevent rubbing or scratching
- Always check for loose stones after washing
Learning how to wash rhinestone clothing properly will make all the difference in how long your garments last. With a bit of care and attention, your rhinestones will stay secure, shiny and looking as good as new.
Whether you're caring for bedazzled items for everyday wear or something special for the stage, these simple steps will help you protect your sparkle.
If you ever need advice on rhinestones, application or care, our team at Crystal Parade is always here to help.