How to Wash Embroidery Clothes? DIY Tips For Safe Washing

Just bought a custom embroidery hat, hoodie, jacket, or shirt?

If yes, your biggest worry now would be how to wash it without ruining the embroidery. 

This isn’t just you. A lot of people get nervous before washing embroidered clothes for the first time.

And it makes sense. After all, you’ve spent a lot of time, money, and emotions to get that embroidered apparel, and you don’t want it to shrink or get damaged while washing. .

Now, the good part is, embroidered clothing is actually much easier to care for than you might think.

In fact, once you understand a few basic washing techniques, you can keep your embroidered clothes looking clean, fresh, and long-lasting without damaging the stitching.

In this blog, I will walk you through exactly how to wash embroidery clothes step by step in a simple way. You’ll know:

• How to wash embroidery safely
• Whether hand washing or machine washing is better
• What products to avoid
• How to dry embroidered clothes properly
• Common mistakes that damage embroidery

So, let’s get started.

Key takeaways

• Yes, embroidery can absolutely be washed safely
• Cold water and mild detergent work best for embroidered clothes
• Turning garments inside out helps protect embroidery
• Hand washing is the safest option for delicate embroidery
• Machine washing is possible if done carefully
• Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, and high heat
• Air drying helps embroidery last longer
• Always test delicate or handmade embroidery before washing fully

Before you wash embroidery clothes, here’s what you should know

Embroidery is different from regular printed clothing. That’s because embroidered garments contain stitched threads sitting on top of the fabric instead of ink printed into the fabric.

This means embroidery is more sensitive to heat, rough washing cycles, strong detergents, and excessive friction. 

Now don’t worry. This doesn’t mean embroidered clothes are difficult to maintain.

It simply means they need a little more care during washing and drying.

Here’s what affects the durability of embroidered apparel the most:

Can embroidery be washed?

Yes, absolutely.

In fact, most embroidered clothing is designed to handle regular washing when cared for properly.

However, the washing method matters a lot.

You see, embroidery threads and backing materials can react differently to washing depending on fabric type, thread quality, stitching density, washing temperature, and detergent strength. For instance:

• Machine embroidery on hoodies and jackets is more durable
• Hand embroidery needs gentler washing
• Metallic or specialty threads require even more extra care

That’s why there isn’t just one universal washing method for every embroidered garment. You need to understand what type of embroidery you’re dealing with and washing it accordingly.

Can hand embroidery be washed safely?

Yes, hand-made custom embroidery can definitely be washed safely.

But hand embroidery needs more gentle handling compared to machine embroidery. That’s because hand-embroidered pieces use delicate threadwork, looser stitching, specialty fabrics, and handmade detailing

In most cases, hand washing is the safest cleaning method for hand embroidery.

That said, washing is not complicated at all. A gentle wash with cold water and mild detergent is enough to clean hand embroidery safely without damaging the stitches.

There are just a few things you should avoid while washing, such as scrubbing aggressively, twisting the fabric, using hot water, or harsh cleaning products. 

Here are all the supplies you’ll need before washing embroidery clothes: 

Here’s how to wash embroidery clothes step-by-step

Okay, now let’s get into the practical part, i.e., how to wash embroidery clothes yourself without damaging the stitching, fading the colors, or ruining the fabric.. 

To begin with, your goal here isn’t just cleaning the garment. It is also making sure the embroidery stays intact for a long time.

Here’s exactly how you can do so: 

Step 1. Check the care label first

Before you do anything, always check the care label on your embroidered clothing. This is important because different fabrics behave differently when washed.

For instance, if the label says dry clean only, it’s best to follow that instruction, especially for expensive or delicate embroidery.

This simple step can save you from accidental damage.

Step 2. Turn the garment inside out

This is one of the easiest but most important steps in how to wash embroidery.

You should always turn your embroidered clothing inside out before washing. That’s because it reduces direct friction on the embroidery surface.

You see, clothes rub against each other during washing. And that friction can loosen threads, cause snagging, or fade embroidery details over time. 

So, turning it inside out acts like a protective layer for your design. It is a small step, but it makes a big difference.

Step 3. Do a quick color bleeding test (for new embroidery)

If your embroidered clothing is new or handmade, it is a good idea to check if the colors bleed.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Take a small damp cloth
• Gently press it on a hidden embroidered area
• Check if any color transfers

Now, if you notice fabric color bleeding, wash it separately the first few times. This is especially important for bright or multi-colored embroidery designs.

Step 4. Choose between hand wash or machine wash

Now comes the big decision, where you choose whether to use the machine or wash the embroidered apparel with your hands. Both methods work, but the right one depends on your garment.

Let me break it down simply:

Here’s how to hand wash embroidery clothes:

• Fill a clean basin with cold water
• Add a small amount of mild detergent
• Submerge the garment gently
• Let it soak for 5-10 minutes
• Lightly move it around (no scrubbing)
• Rinse thoroughly with cold water

Now, never twist or wring embroidered clothing as this can stretch the fabric and damage the stitching. 

Instead, gently press out excess water, lay it flat on a towel, and roll it lightly to absorb moisture. This keeps the embroidery safe and intact.

Here’s how to machine wash embroidery clothes: 

• Turn the garment inside out
• Place it in a mesh laundry bag
• Use cold water setting
• Select a gentle or delicate cycle
• Use mild detergent only
• Avoid bleach or fabric softeners

Also, try not to wash embroidered clothes with heavy items like jeans or towels as those create unnecessary friction.

Note: if you’re unsure which washing method to use, always choose hand washing. Yes, it is slower, but it gives you full control over the process.

Step 5. Dry embroidery clothes the right way

Drying is just as important as washing. That’s because improper drying can damage embroidery even if the washing was done perfectly.

Here’s what you should do:

• Lay the garment flat on a clean towel
• Shape it back to its original form
• Let it air dry naturally
• Keep it away from direct sunlight

Also avoid using a dryer whenever possible as high heat can shrink fabric, weaken threads, and distort embroidery shape. 

Air drying is always the safest option.

Step 6. Iron embroidery carefully

If your embroidered clothes look wrinkled after washing, you can iron them, but carefully.

Here’s the safe way to iron:

• Turn the garment inside out
• Place a thin cloth over the embroidery
• Use low heat setting
• Avoid direct heat on stitched areas

Never press the iron directly on embroidery as this can flatten or damage the design permanently.

Step 7. Store embroidered clothes properly

Once your embroidered clothing is clean and dry, proper storage is essential.

Here’s what you can do to keep embroidery in good shape:

• Fold instead of hanging heavy pieces
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Avoid overcrowding in drawers
• Keep away from moisture

Proper storage helps preserve both fabric and stitching quality over time.

In short, here’s how to wash embroidery clothes: 

Bonus: Here’s how to remove stains from embroidery clothes

Sometimes stains happen, and that’s okay. But you need to handle them gently.

Here’s what you can do:

• Dab (don’t rub) the stained area
• Use a mild detergent solution
• Gently blot with a soft cloth
• Rinse with cold water

Avoid strong stain removers, and use embroidery-friendly and fabric-safe stain removers. Also, don’t rub the fabric very hard, as rubbing too hard is one of the quickest ways to damage embroidery.

Some common mistakes to avoid when washing embroidery clothes

Even if you follow the right steps, there are a few small mistakes that can still damage embroidery over time.

The tricky part is that most of these mistakes don’t feel like big errors while you’re doing them. But they slowly affect the fabric and stitching.

So let’s quickly go through the most common ones so you can avoid them.

1. Using hot water

This is one of the biggest mistakes people make.

You see, hot water can weaken embroidery threads, cause colors to fade, shrink the base fabric, and loosen stitching over time. 

Even if the garment looks fine after one wash, repeated hot washes can reduce embroidery quality.

This is why cold water is always the safer choice, especially if you’re still learning how to wash embroidery clothes.

2. Using harsh detergents or bleach

Strong cleaning chemicals are not embroidery-friendly. They might clean stains quickly, but they can also fade thread colors, damage delicate fibers, and make embroidery look dull over time. 

Bleach is especially risky because it breaks down both fabric and thread structure.

A mild detergent is always enough for embroidered clothing.

3. Scrubbing embroidery directly

A lot of people try to scrub stains aggressively on embroidered areas. But this is a mistake as scrubbing can loosen threads, distort the stitch pattern, and cause fraying around edges. 

So instead of scrubbing, always gently dab or blot the area.

4. Using a dryer on high heat

Tumble dryers might feel convenient, but they are not ideal for embroidery. That’s because they use high heat which can shrink fabric unevenly, warp stitched designs, or weaken thread tension. 

If you absolutely must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting possible. But ideally, air drying is always the safest option.

5. Washing embroidered clothes with heavy items

Throwing embroidered garments in with heavy clothes like jeans, towels, or jackets with zippers can create unnecessary friction.

That friction is what leads to snagging, thread pulling, and surface wear. So always try to wash embroidered items separately or with light fabrics.

6. Ignoring small damages early

If you notice a loose thread, slight pulling, or minor fraying, don’t ignore it. That’s because small issues can become bigger problems after repeated washes.

Fixing or trimming loose threads early will help you maintain the design long-term.

In short, here are the mistakes to avoid when washing embroidery clothes: 

Pro tips to keep embroidery looking new for longer

If you want your embroidered clothes to last longer and stay fresh-looking, here are a few small habits you can follow.

1. Wash only when needed

You don’t need to wash embroidered clothes after every single wear unless they are visibly dirty. Overwashing can slowly wear down threads.

2. Air dry whenever possible

This is one of the simplest ways to extend embroidery life. Natural drying is always gentler than heat drying.

3. Store clothes properly

Avoid stuffing embroidered garments into tight spaces. Let them stay folded loosely so the stitching doesn’t get compressed.

4. Handle stains immediately

The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove safely. Quick gentle cleaning is always better than aggressive scrubbing later.

5. Turn clothes inside out every time

Even if you’re in a hurry, this one step always helps protect embroidery during washing cycles.

Final words

By now, I am sure you know how to wash embroidery clothes yourself even with little to no experience.

And as you can see, this is really not as complicated as it seems at first. In fact, once you understand the few basic rules, you can safely clean almost any embroidered garment.

So whether you’re dealing with casual embroidered hoodies or detailed hand-stitched designs, the idea stays the same: Go slow, stay gentle, and avoid harsh treatment.

Got more questions or want custom apparel printing in Shingle Springs?

You can get in touch with us!

At Five Star Apparel, we are seasoned custom apparel makers with decades of local expertise serving schools, universities, businesses, and organizations. And we’ve got all your apparel printing needs covered on a budget. 

FAQs about how to wash embroidery clothes

Can embroidery be washed?

Yes, embroidery can be washed safely as long as you use cold water, mild detergent, and gentle handling methods.

Can hand embroidery be washed?

Yes, but hand embroidery should ideally be hand washed with extra care to avoid damaging delicate stitches.

Can I wash embroidery in a washing machine?

Yes, machine embroidery can be washed in a washing machine using a gentle cycle and cold water, preferably inside a mesh laundry bag.

How to wash embroidery without damaging it?

The safest method is to turn the garment inside out, use cold water, mild detergent, and air dry it flat.

Can embroidery go in the dryer?

It’s not recommended. High heat can damage threads and distort embroidery. Air drying is the safer option.

How often should I wash embroidered clothes?

Only when necessary. Overwashing can reduce the lifespan of embroidery over time.