How to Clean Clothing That Has Beadwork

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By Regina Paul
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This is an example of a beaded item that you would probably want to dry clean rather than wash in the washing machine. As you can see, it looks very delicate.

If you've ever stopped yourself from purchasing clothing that had beadwork or sequins on it because you thought they would be too difficult or expensive to keep clean, you will no longer have to do so after reading this. The truth is keeping clothing with beadwork or sequins clean and intact really is not all that difficult. You just have to know what to do.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

An old, large, clean cotton pillow case
An electric washer
A gentle clothes detergent

Step 1

Take the beaded or sequined clothing item and turn it inside out. This helps to protect the beads and sequins.
Step 2

Put the item into the pillow case. Knot the pillow case closed.
Step 3

Place the pillowcase with the beaded or sequined item in the washing machine.
Step 4

Set the washer for the knit/gentle cycle, and only wash the item in cold water. Only use a clothes detergent that is made for delicate items.
Step 5

Put the beaded or sequined clothing item through one wash cycle.
Step 6

When the wash cycle has concluded, remove the pillow case, unknot it and take the item out.
Step 7

Turn the item right side out and hang it on a hanger to dry.

Tips & Warnings

Woolite is a good gentle detergent to use for beaded and sequined clothing items.
With beaded items, particularly commercial items you would purchase in a clothing store, you will want to test the coloring of the beads by getting your finger wet with a bit of water and wiping it across the beads to see if any color comes off. If it does, you will want to have the item dry cleaned only.
Under no circumstances should you add any sort of bleach product to the wash cycle. This includes clothes detergent with a bleach additive. It can fade the colors of beads and sequins. Also it can weaken the stitching that holds the beads and sequins on.
Never wash a beaded or sequined clothing item in any temperature other than cold as there is a chance that the colors on beads in particular could run, ruining your clothing item.
For beaded items where the beadwork is on leather or suede, do not use this method to clean the clothing item. You will destroy your piece if you do. Instead take such items to a dry cleaner that specializes in leather items.