Embroidery is a beautiful way to decorate clothing and accessories. However, keeping embroidery looking its best requires some special care when washing and ironing. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly clean embroidered items.
Preparing to Wash Embroidery
Before washing embroidered clothes and accessories, follow these tips:
- Check the care label – Follow any washing instructions provided by the manufacturer. Embroidery thread can be delicate so take care with water temperature and washing cycles.
- Turn the item inside out – This prevents the needlework from rubbing against other items in the wash.
- Use a laundry bag – Placing embroidered items in a mesh bag adds a layer of protection during the wash.
- Do a spot test – If care instructions aren’t available, do a test wash on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Handwash when possible – For delicate embroidery, handwashing allows you to gently clean the item.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener – Harsh chemicals can damage embroidery thread and cause colors to fade.
Washing Machine Steps for Embroidery
If machine washing an embroidered item, follow these steps:
- Select the gentle or delicate cycle setting on your washing machine. The agitation should be minimal.
- Wash in cold water to prevent colors from running or bleeding. Lukewarm water is acceptable for sturdy cotton thread embroidery.
- Use a mild liquid detergent, never powdered. Powder detergent can get trapped in the stitches.
- Zip zippers, button buttons, and tie any sashes to prevent snagging the embroidery.
- Wash similar colors together to avoid any potential dye transfer issues.
- Air dry embroidered items flat to prevent stretching the stitches. Never put embroidery in the dryer.
Handwashing Embroidery
For delicate embroidery, handwashing is recommended. Here’s how:
- Fill a sink or tub with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Gently swish the embroidered item in the water, being careful not to vigorously scrub the stitches.
- Drain the dirty water and refill with clean cool water to rinse.
- Drain again and gently press water out. Do not wring or twist.
- Lay flat on a towel and reshape the item to original dimensions as it dries.
Ironing Embroidery
Ironing embroidered fabric requires extra care. Here are some tips:
- Always iron embroidery on the reverse side first. This avoids flattening the dimensional stitches.
- Iron using the steam setting according to fiber content guidelines for heat.
- Place a press cloth over the embroidery when ironing the front side. Never iron directly on embroidery.
- Iron delicately in an up and down motion. Avoid pulling at the stitches.
- For items prone to water spots like silk, cover with a dry cloth while steam ironing.
- Allow embroidery to dry completely before storing to prevent mildew.
How to Clean Embroidery Stains
To spot clean stained embroidery:
- Work from the backside when possible.
- Use a diluted, mild soap solution. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
- For oil-based stains, lightly dab with rubbing alcohol and rinse.
- For mud or dirt stains, allow to dry then gently brush away debris.
- Blot perspiration stains with a vinegar-water solution using a soft cloth.
- Avoid commercial stain removal sprays or bleach. Test first in an inconspicuous area.
Caring for Embroidered Accessories
Special care should also be taken when laundering embroidered accessories:
Hats – Turn inside out and use a hat wash bag. Air dry only.
Handkerchiefs – Handwash only with mild soap in cool water. Do not wring.
Towels – Wash on delicate cycle in cold water. Tumble dry low. Avoid fabric softener.
Backpacks – Turn inside out and machine wash cold, delicate cycle. Air dry.
Purses – Spot clean stains only. Use leather cleaner on leather bags.
Shoes – Handwash embroidery with mild soap and water. Stuff shoes with towels to retain shape while drying.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
For intricately embroidered items, professional dry cleaning may be required. Seek professional help for:
- Antique, fragile, or sentimental embroidery.
- Heavy beadwork or delicate metallic threads.
- Removing difficult stains from embroidery.
- Embroidery showing signs of damage or needing repair.
Conclusion
Caring for embroidered garments and accessories requires gentleness and attention when laundering. Always check care labels, turn items inside out, and use mild soap with cool water temperatures. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners. With the proper washing and ironing techniques, your cherished embroidered pieces can stay beautiful for many years to come. Handwashing and air drying are safest when possible. Seek professional help with rare or highly valuable embroidery requiring specialized cleaning.