Sequins are meant to catch the light and turn heads, but they can also be delicate. That dazzling surface requires special care. Throwing a sequined item into the wash without a second thought is a surefire way to end up with a tangled, dull, or bald garment.

But don’t worry—keeping your sequins sparkling doesn’t have to be a scary process. By following a few key steps, you can clean your sequined clothes safely and keep them party-ready for years to come.

Handle with care! Gentle cleaning is key for sequins.

 

First Things First: The Golden Rule of Sequins

Always check the care label. This is your most important step. The label will tell you the fabric of the base material (e.g., polyester, cotton, silk) and give you the manufacturer’s recommended washing instructions. Let this be your guide.

Pre-Cleaning Steps: The crucial inspection

Before any water touches your garment, do this:

  1. Check the Attachment: Are the sequins sewn on (you can see a thread at the center) or glued on? Sewn sequins are generally more durable, while glued sequins are more delicate and can loosen with heat and agitation.

  2. The Spot Test: Always test your cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of the garment (like an inside seam) first. This ensures the detergent won’t discolour the fabric or sequins.

  3. Turn It Inside Out: This is the single best thing you can do to protect the sequins during any wash. It minimizes direct contact and friction, which can cause sequins to snag, break, or fall off.

Method 1: Hand Washing (The Safest Option)

This is the preferred method for most sequined items, especially delicate ones or those with glued sequins.

You’ll need:

  • A basin or clean sink

  • Lukewarm water

  • A mild detergent (like Woolite) or a special detergent for delicates

  • A soft, clean microfiber cloth

  • A towel

Steps:

  1. Fill your basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.

  2. Submerge the inside-out garment and gently agitate it with your hands. Don’t scrub, twist, or wring the fabric.

  3. Focus on stains by dabbing them gently with a soft cloth dipped in the soapy water. Never use a brush!

  4. Rinse thoroughly by refilling the basin with clean, cool water until all soap suds are gone.

  5. Dry by laying the garment flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel up to gently press out excess water. Never wring it out. Reshape the garment and leave it flat to air dry, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Method 2: Machine Washing (Proceed with Caution!)

Only attempt this if the care label explicitly says it is safe and the garment is sturdy with well-secured sequins.

Steps:

  1. Turn the garment inside out.

  2. Place it in a mesh laundry bag for an extra layer of protection.

  3. Use a gentle, cold water cycle with a slow spin speed (or no spin).

  4. Use a mild detergent.

  5. Wash it alone or with other delicates of similar colour. Never wash sequins with zippers, hooks, or rough fabrics like denim that can snag and pull at them.

  6. Remove immediately after the cycle ends.

How to Dry Sequins: The Absolute Don’ts

Heat is the enemy of sequins! It can cause them to curl, melt, or loosen the adhesive holding them on.

  • NO clothes dryers.

  • NO irons (if you need to remove wrinkles, steam gently from the inside out without touching the sequins).

  • NO laying over a hot radiator.

Always air dry flat to help the garment keep its shape. Hanging a heavy, wet sequined item can cause it to stretch.

Quick Tips for Maintenance

  • After wearing, hang your sequined item up to let any wrinkles fall out and to avoid permanent creasing.

  • For small spills, spot clean with a damp cloth instead of washing the entire garment.

  • Store sequined items flat or hanging alone in a closet. Don’t let them rub against other clothes, as this can cause snags.

By treating your sequined pieces with a little extra care, you’ll ensure they stay dazzling and intact through many more nights of fun.