Embroidered clothing can add a touch of charm and personality to your wardrobe, but washing them can take a bit of care to make sure that they stay looking their best.
Whether you’re starting an embroidery business, taking up a new hobby, or working out how to care for the newest addition to your closet, let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of how to wash embroidered clothing.
Hand-Washing vs. Machine Washing
When it comes to how to wash embroidered clothing, you have two main options: hand-washing or machine washing. Hand-washing is typically gentler and allows you to have more control over the process, which can help when it comes to delicate embroidery.
On the other hand, machine washing can drastically cut down on time and fit in with your busy lifestyle. However, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to avoid damaging the intricate embroidery when learning how to wash embroidered clothing in a washing machine.
How to Wash Embroidered Clothing
Check the Label
Before you start looking at how to wash embroidered clothes, always check the label for care instructions. This step is crucial, giving you valuable information on how to properly care for your garment.
Look for any specific recommendations for washing embroidered items, as they may have unique requirements compared to non-embroidered clothing. Pay close attention to temperature guidelines and any restrictions on the type of detergent that it calls for.
Following these simple guidelines will help your embroidered clothing maintain its quality and prolong its lifespan.
Use Cold Water
When it comes to how to wash hand embroidered clothes, opt for cold water. Why?
Well, cold water is kinder to the threads and helps maintain the integrity of the embroidery, preventing those vibrant colors from bleeding or fading. Plus, it’s perfect for those delicate fabrics often used in embroidery.
Turn It Inside Out
Before tossing your embroidered garment into the wash, give it a little inside-out twist.
This simple trick can work wonders. By turning your clothing inside out, you’re minimizing friction and protecting your beautiful embroidered design from the harsh environment of the washing machine.
This also reduces the risk of snagging or damaging the intricate threads, that make up an embroidered design and ensures your embroidery stays picture-perfect for longer.
Go on a Gentle Cycle
If you’re using a washing machine, make friends with the ‘gentle’ or ‘delicate’ cycle.
Selecting the gentle or delicate cycle avoids harsh spinning or agitation that could damage the embroidery, keeping your garment’s shape and quality intact wash after wash.
Use Mild Detergent
When it comes to which detergent to use while learning how to wash hand embroidered clothing, you want to choose the most gentle option possible.
Opt for a mild, pH-balanced detergent that won’t upset your embroidery threads. Avoid harsh chemicals at all costs—they can degrade those delicate threads faster than you can say “oops!”
And remember to rinse thoroughly so that you don’t end up wearing any lingering detergent residue.
Don’t Use Bleach!
Repeat after me: bleach and embroidery do not mix.
Bleach might be the superhero of stain removal, but it isn’t always kind to your fabrics. Behind its popularity lies a plethora of potential damage and it certainly is not a friend to your embroidered threads. It can break down their structural integrity and cause colors to fade instantly. So, when dealing with stubborn stains, opt for gentler stain-removing methods.
Air-Dry Only
When it’s time to dry your freshly washed embroidery, let Mother Nature do her thing.
Lay each piece flat or hang them up to air-dry—just say no to the dryer. Dryers can shrink or damage delicate fabrics – a disaster waiting to happen! Space out your clothes while drying to ensure proper airflow, avoiding any musty odors or mildew.
Optional: Iron Carefully
If your embroidered garment needs a little extra TLC in the wrinkle department, iron with caution. Use a low-heat setting or a pressing cloth to protect that intricate embroidery.
And whatever you do, avoid direct contact with the iron—it’s like kryptonite to delicate threads. If you need to iron, do so on the reverse side with gentle, upward motions to prevent any damage to your embroidery.
How to Care for Embroidered Clothing
Now you know how to wash embroidered clothing, here are our top tips for ensuring that your embroidered treasures stay in top-notch condition.
Store it in a Cool and Dry Place
Just like you would take good care of your embroidery machines, you should also give your embroidered designs the same treatment by storing them in a cool, dry place. Direct sunlight and moisture can have a devastating impact on your embroidery, causing colors to fade and inviting mold or mildew to take residence.
Keep them safe in a breathable garment bag or wrapped in acid-free tissue paper to prevent any unwanted surprises.
Spot Clean Minor Stains
Accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean your embroidery has to suffer. For minor stains, gently blot them with a clean, damp cloth.
Reach for a mild detergent or a stain remover specifically designed for embroidery to tackle those pesky spots. But before you commit, test it in a hidden spot to make sure it doesn’t harm your fabric.
Get it Professionally Cleaned for Stubborn Stains
Sometimes, learning how to wash embroidered clothing yourself just isn’t enough, and stains are stubborn guests that just won’t leave. When that happens, it’s time to call in the pros.
Find a dry cleaner who knows their way around embroidered garments and let them work their magic. Make sure to clue them in on the material and type of embroidery so they can handle it with the care it deserves. With their expertise, you can rest assured that tough stains will be handled without putting your embroidery at risk.
Create Your Own Embroidered Masterpieces with the Ricoma SWIFT!
Ready to take your embroidery game to the next level? Say hello to the Ricoma SWIFT single-head commercial embroidery machine! This powerhouse is your ticket to unleashing your creativity and bringing your embroidered dreams to life. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of embroidery, the SWIFT makes designing and customizing a breeze.
