We all love a bit of sparkle, and having rhinestones on clothes is particularly popular in this era of upcycling, craft and DIY, and there's nothing more frustrating than rhinestones coming loose or losing their shine after washing. Whether it's a rhinestone dance costume, a crystal studded dress, rhinestone glassware or a pair of crystallised shoes, proper care when washing to is key to keeping them looking their best.

We're often asked how to keep rhinestones from falling off clothing, and one of the main reasons this happens is because the item of clothing hasn't been properly looked after. Crystals on clothes can often fall off, get scratched, or lose their shine if they've been washed too often or incorrectly. If you're wondering how to wash clothes with rhinestones, and other embellished items, without damaging them, we've got you covered. Follow our top tips to keep your sparkly pieces in perfect condition.

Washing rhinestone clothing

• Always Check the Label

Before you do anything, check the care label on your garment or item. Some fabrics and embellishments are more delicate than others, so it's best to follow any manufacturer recommendations. If in doubt, handwashing is always the safest option!

• Turn Inside Out

To protect the rhinestones from rubbing against other fabrics, always turn your item inside out before washing. This helps reduce friction and minimises the risk of stones getting scratched or falling off.

• Handwashing is Best

Handwashing is the safest way to clean rhinestone embellished garments. Fill a sink or basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Gently swish the fabric around, avoiding any harsh scrubbing on the rhinestones. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and lay flat to dry.

• Use a Gentle Detergent

Harsh chemicals can weaken the glue or settings holding the rhinestones in place. Stick to a mild detergent that's suitable for delicate fabrics to keep your garment and embellishments in top condition.

• Avoid Fabric Softeners & Prewash Sprays

Fabric softeners and stain removers might be great for everyday washing, but they can cause problems for rhinestones. These products can break down the adhesive, leading to loose or dull-looking crystals. Instead, spot clean stains with a soft cloth and gentle soap.

• If Machine Washing, Use a Laundry Bag

If you must use a washing machine, place your item in a mesh washing bag to reduce movement and friction. Always select a gentle cycle with cold water and a slow spin speed.

• Skip the Tumble Dryer

Heat is one of the biggest enemies of rhinestone embellishments! Tumble dryers can cause the adhesive to weaken and the rhinestones to fall off. Instead, lay your item flat on a towel and let it air dry naturally.

• Be Careful When Ironing

Never apply direct heat to rhinestones, as this can melt the glue or damage the crystals. If you need to remove creases, use a cool iron and place a cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect the embellishments.

Cleaning Rhinestone Shoes & Accessories

• Don't Use a Washing Machine

Avoid putting shoes with rhinestones in the wash altogether, the movement of the washing machine plus the weight of the shoe will cause scratches, chips or loosening of the stones.

• Stick to a Soft Cloth

Gently wipe over the rhinestones with a soft damp cloth, avoid any abrasive materials like kitchen sponges or scourers.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Use only water to clean the rhinestones, or for stubborn grease or dirt marks, use a mild soap.

Washing Crystallised Household Items

• Don't Use the Dishwasher

If you have glassware or crockery decorated with gems, avoid putting them in the dishwasher, this will cause scratches, chips or loosening of the stones.

• Stick to a Soft Cloth

Gently wipe over the rhinestones with a soft damp cloth, avoid any abrasive materials like kitchen sponges or scourers.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Use only water to clean the rhinestones, or for stubborn grease or dirt marks, use a mild soap.

• Handwashing is best

Washing gems on soft furnishings such as cushion covers is possible if you follow the same rules as clothing – handwash only if possible, and don't use fabric conditioner.

Cleaning Rhinestone Jewellery

Another question we're often asked is how to clean rhinestone jewellery:

• Gently wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
• Avoid soaking or using harsh chemicals, as water can weaken the glue holding the stones in place.
• For deeper cleaning, use a damp cotton bud or a soft brush to remove dirt, ensuring minimal moisture exposure.
• Always pat dry and let the jewellery air dry fully before storing it in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent scratches and tarnishing.
• To maintain its shine, keep rhinestone jewellery away from perfume, hairspray, and body lotions, as these can dull the sparkle and weaken adhesives.

Final Thoughts

With a little extra care and attention, you can keep your rhinestoned items looking as good as new. Whether it's a rhinestone performance costume, wedding dress, or a crystallised handbag, following these simple steps will help maintain the sparkle for longer.

For more expert advice on all things sparkly, check out our latest blogs or get in touch with the Crystal Parade team!