Hotfix rhinestone embellishments are a popular choice for adding sparkle and glamour to a variety of items from clothing, performance costumes and accessories to home décor, shoes and textiles. To ensure these embellished items retain their brilliance and are wearable for years to come, proper care and maintenance of the hotfix rhinestones is essential.

Understanding Hotfix Rhinestones

Hotfix rhinestones are small, sparkly embellishments, also known as iron on crystals, with a heat-activated adhesive on the back. They're commonly used for adding bling to various fabrics and materials. The glue which is incorporated into the foil backing of the rhinestone, means that no additional craft glue is required to attach it. This is where they differ from non hotfix rhinestones, which do require glue to stick.

The adhesive on the back of hotfix rhinestones melts when heated, creating a bond with the fabric or material. Once it cools and solidifies, the rhinestones stay in place. The bond is so strong that the heat fixing method is often favoured by costume designers and dress makers who need to rely on a durable application.

Cleaning Embellished Items

Gently brush your item with a soft-bristled brush to prevent dust and dirt accumulation. Or use a soft cloth or a sponge to carefully clean the rhinestone areas. This takes off any grease or glue residue left behind. The key is to be gentle to avoid dislodging any stones or damaging the adhesive.

Storing Embellished Items

• When storing embellished items, try to keep them wrapped in bubble wrap, a cotton bag or tissue paper to protect them from contact with hard surfaces.
• If the item is rhinestone clothing or costume, store it in a breathable bag to protect the stones from rubbing against other items, which could cause damage or tangling.
• Store away from sunlight to avoid colour fading.

Repairing Loose Rhinestones

Every so often, you should inspect your embellished item to check for loose or missing rhinestones. Loss of rhinestones is most likely to be caused by general wear and tear, overuse, mis-handling of item or over washing.

• Identify Damaged Area – Take note of any areas that are particularly damaged or have crystals missing. You may find a residue of glue left behind or some loose thread if it's a missing sew on stone.
• Removing Loose Rhinestones – Firstly, check for loose stones, you may as well replace these now so it saves you a job next time. Gently run your hands over the crystallised material and you will feel straight away if any are loose. You may be able to pull them off yourself, but if not, use a sharp tool like a craft knife to ease the stone off. Take care not to damage the surface.
• Replacing Non Hotfix Rhinestones – If you are embellishing with non hotfix rhinestones, we advise using Gem Tac or E6000 glue. Squeeze a small amount of glue (smaller than the size of your rhinestone) onto the item, allow a few seconds to get tacky, then pick up and place the rhinestone on top of the glue using a pick up tool. Push the rhinestone down with enough pressure to ensure the glue bonds, but not too much that the glue seeps out from the edges. Don't worry if it does seep, it will dry crystal clear.

Washing and Drying Tips

Regular maintenance and care of your rhinestone item will prolong its sparkle and lifespan.

• Washing - If the item is clothing or costume that needs to be washed, we always recommend hand washing, inside out if possible. Use only warm water with a small amount of detergent, and avoid fabric conditioner. Also avoid using a washing machine, dry cleaners or tumble dryer.

• Drying – Once you have glued all your rhinestones into place, it is important to allow plenty of time for them to dry, 24 hours if possible. If you handle the item, move it, or accidentally touch any of the drying rhinestones, it may cause them to move position or to come away. This will affect the bond between the glue and the surface material so is likely to come loose. Avoid placing them in direct heat or sunlight to speed up the drying process, as it can cause the adhesive to weaken and the rhinestones to lose their sparkle.

Avoiding Common Damages

To prevent damage to rhinestone embellished items, try to avoid the following:

Excessive Heat: Don't expose items to high temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods, this will risk melting the glue and fading the colour of the rhinestones.

Chemicals: Steer clear of harsh chemicals, including perfumes, hairsprays, and cleaning agents. These will ruin the effectiveness of the glue and may dull the sparkle of the rhinestones.

Friction: Avoid rubbing or scraping embellished areas against abrasive or hard surfaces, as this can result in scratches or chips to the stones, and may even loosen or remove the stones altogether.

Pressure: Do not stack or fold embellished items under heavy objects as this can cause damage to the rhinestones or shift some of the stones out of place.

Moisture: Keep items dry; moisture can weaken adhesive bonds.

To protect during wear and use:

Gentle Handling: Treat embellished items with care during wear to avoid snags and pulls.

Cover: Use a protective covering when ironing or storing to shield from dust and pressure.

Immediate Repair: Address loose stones promptly to prevent further damage.

Maintaining hotfix rhinestone embellishments is crucial for preserving their sparkle and durability. Proper care ensures that your embellished items continue to shine, enhancing their longevity and appearance. By following the outlined guidelines, you can protect your embellished items from damage, keeping them in pristine condition.