Yes, you can wash corduroy, but you’ll want to handle it with care to keep its soft texture and vibrant color. Turn your garment inside out and choose a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Use mild detergent and avoid the dryer to prevent shrinking and damage to the fabric’s ridges. Air drying flat or on padded hangers works best. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find even more ways to care for your favorite corduroy pieces.
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Key Takeaways
Corduroy is washable but requires gentle care to maintain its soft texture and ridges.
Always check the garment label and turn it inside out before washing.
Use cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent on a gentle machine cycle or hand wash.
Avoid hot water and tumble drying to prevent shrinking and damage to the fabric.
Air dry flat or hang away from direct sunlight, then lightly brush to restore softness.
Understanding Corduroy Fabric
Corduroy is a unique fabric characterized by its raised, parallel ridges called wales. When you touch corduroy, you’ll notice its soft texture combined with a durable feel.
Those ridges are made from extra piles of cotton or a cotton blend woven into the fabric, giving corduroy its distinctive look and structure. The wale count, or the number of ridges per inch, varies—fine wale corduroy has more ridges, while wide wale has fewer, thicker ridges.
You should also know that corduroy comes in various weights, making it versatile for different clothing items, from lightweight shirts to heavy jackets.
Understanding these features helps you appreciate corduroy’s unique qualities and guides you in caring for your corduroy garments properly.
Preparing Corduroy for Washing
Before you toss your garment into the washing machine, it’s important to take a few steps to protect those delicate ridges and maintain the fabric’s texture. Proper preparation guarantees your corduroy stays soft and vibrant.
Check the label: Always read the care instructions on your corduroy item to confirm washing recommendations and water temperature.
Turn inside out: Flip your garment inside out to shield the pile from friction and fading during washing.
Secure buttons and zippers: Fasten any buttons or zippers to prevent snagging or damage to other clothing and the corduroy fabric itself.
Following these steps helps preserve your corduroy’s unique look and feel before you proceed with washing.
Machine Washing Corduroy: Dos and Don’ts
When machine washing corduroy, you’ll want to set your washer to a gentle cycle to protect the fabric’s texture.
Always use cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking or color fading.
These simple steps help keep your corduroy looking its best after every wash.
Temperature Settings
Although washing corduroy in high temperatures might seem like a quick way to clean it, you should avoid hot water to prevent shrinking and damage.
Instead, opt for cooler settings that protect the fabric’s texture and color. Here’s how to handle temperature settings effectively:
Use cold or lukewarm water (30°C or below) to maintain the fabric’s integrity.
Avoid hot water, as it can cause the fibers to contract and the color to fade.
If you’re unsure, check the care label for recommended temperature settings specific to your corduroy item.
Gentle Cycle Use
Since corduroy is a delicate fabric, you’ll want to use the gentle cycle on your washing machine to prevent excessive wear and preserve its texture.
This cycle uses slower agitation and shorter spin times, which helps maintain the fabric’s soft pile and prevents distortion. Before washing, turn your corduroy garment inside out to protect the outer surface.
Avoid overloading the machine; giving the fabric room to move reduces friction and potential damage. Use a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics to keep the fibers intact.
Skip the heavy-duty or regular cycles, as their rougher motions can crush the pile and cause premature fading. By sticking to the gentle cycle, you’ll keep your corduroy looking fresh and cozy longer.
Hand Washing Corduroy Garments
A gentle sink filled with cool water offers the perfect setting to hand wash your corduroy garment.
You’ll want to avoid harsh agitation to keep the fabric’s texture intact. Here’s how to do it right:
Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water and mix gently.
Submerge your corduroy piece and lightly swish it around for a few minutes, focusing on any stained areas.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water until no soap remains, then press out excess water carefully—never wring the fabric.
Drying Techniques to Preserve Corduroy
When you finish washing your corduroy, how you dry it plays an essential role in maintaining its softness and shape.
Avoid tossing it into a dryer, as high heat can shrink the fabric and crush the distinctive ridges. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing.
Skip the dryer to prevent shrinking and ridge damage; gently squeeze out water without wringing.
Lay your corduroy garment flat on a clean towel, reshaping it to its original form. If space is limited, you can hang it on a padded hanger, but keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Allow it to air dry completely, which helps preserve the texture and prevents stiffness. Once dry, you can lightly brush the fabric with a soft clothes brush to restore the nap’s softness.
Following these steps will keep your corduroy looking fresh and cozy.
Removing Stains From Corduroy
After drying your corduroy properly, you might still notice some stubborn stains that need attention.
Here’s how you can tackle them effectively:
1. Blot the Stain Immediately
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain, avoiding rubbing, which can damage the fabric’s pile.
2. Apply Mild Detergent Solution
Mix a small amount of gentle detergent with water. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and carefully work it into the stain.
3. Rinse and Air Dry
Dab the area with a clean damp cloth to remove detergent residue. Let the corduroy air dry completely, avoiding heat, which can set stains or shrink the fabric.
Ironing and Steaming Corduroy
How do you keep corduroy looking crisp without damaging its unique texture? Ironing corduroy requires care to avoid flattening the ridges.
Turn your garment inside out and use a low to medium heat setting on your iron. Place a pressing cloth or a clean towel between the iron and fabric to protect the pile. Avoid pressing too hard or leaving the iron in one spot for too long.
Alternatively, steaming is a gentler option. Hang your corduroy piece and use a handheld steamer to release wrinkles without direct contact. This method helps maintain the fabric’s softness and raised ribs.
Whether ironing or steaming, always test a small hidden area first to guarantee your corduroy stays smooth and vibrant.
Storing Corduroy to Maintain Fabric Quality
Properly storing your corduroy garments can greatly extend their lifespan and keep the fabric looking fresh.
To maintain the texture and avoid damage, follow these simple steps:
Hang or fold carefully: Use padded hangers to prevent creases or fold corduroy neatly to avoid permanent lines.
Keep in a cool, dry place: Store your corduroy away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent fading and mildew.
Avoid overcrowding: Give your corduroy enough space in your closet to reduce friction and piling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Corduroy Shrink After Washing?
Yes, corduroy can shrink after washing if you use hot water or high heat in the dryer. To prevent shrinking, wash it in cold water and air dry or use a low heat setting in your dryer.
Is Corduroy Suitable for Summer Clothing?
You want lightweight, breathable clothes; you want comfort, style, and ease. Corduroy, being thick and warm, isn’t ideal for summer. You’ll prefer lighter fabrics like cotton or linen that keep you cool and comfy.
Does Corduroy Fabric Attract Lint Easily?
Yes, corduroy can attract lint easily because of its textured surface. You’ll want to use a lint roller or brush regularly to keep it looking clean and fresh, especially if you wear it often.
Are Synthetic Corduroy Blends More Durable?
You’ll find synthetic corduroy blends more durable since they resist wear and tear better than pure cotton. They also handle washing well, maintaining shape and color longer, making them a practical choice for everyday use.
How Does Corduroy Compare to Velvet in Texture?
Imagine running your fingers over 11 vertical ribs in an inch—that’s corduroy’s texture. You’ll find it more rugged and structured than velvet, which feels smoother and softer, almost like touching a delicate, plush cloud.
Rohan is an entrepreneur and blogger that is an expert on fabrics. He has started and grown numerous businesses in the fabric industry. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge of fabrics with others and helping them find the perfect fabric for their needs. Rohan's blog provides valuable information on a variety of topics related to fabrics, including how to select the right fabric for a project, care for fabrics, and where to find the best deals on fabric.
