How to Clean Corduroy at Home Without Losing Its Texture

Corduroy is a popular fabric known for its soft ridges and durability. From trousers to jackets, corduroy adds comfort and style to your wardrobe. But when it comes to cleaning, its ribbed texture needs a gentle approach. However, its raised surface can attract dust, lint, and stains, making it a bit tricky to clean properly.

Cleaning corduroy at home can be tricky if you want to preserve its texture and avoid wear. This guide explains simple and effective ways to remove stains from corduroy, helping you maintain its soft ridges and keep your garment looking fresh.

Before removing stains from corduroy, take a moment to read the care label. Some corduroy items may be dry-clean only, especially if they are lined or structured. This step preps the fabric for a deeper clean and reduces the chance of fibres matting during the wash, and makes it easy to clean corduroy at home.

If your item is safe to wash at home:

• Turn it inside out
• Use a lint roller or soft brush to remove surface debris
• Gently shake it out to loosen dust trapped in the pile

Corduroy needs a little extra attention when it comes to washing, especially if you want to keep its textured ridges soft and intact. From brushing off surface dirt to using the right wash settings, here’s how to remove stain from corduroy and clean it properly without losing its charm.

1. Spot Cleaning First

• For minor messes or isolated stains, spot treatment is the easiest way to get stains out of corduroy.
• Blot (don’t rub) the area with a clean cloth to soak up excess liquid or oil.
• For greasy stains, sprinkle a little talcum powder over the spot and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. This helps remove grease from corduroy by absorbing the oil.
• Brush off the powder and dab the area with a cloth soaked in diluted mild detergent.
• Rinse gently with a damp cloth.

2. Machine Washing Corduroy

If your corduroy item is machine-washable, add a couple of towels to balance the load and cushion the fabric during the wash.

• Use cold water and a mild detergent to remove stains from corduroy.
• Set the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle.
• Wash the item inside out to protect the pile from friction.
• Avoid overcrowding the drum; it can cause ridges to flatten.

3. Hand Washing for Extra Care

If you want to clean corduroy at home but are wary of machine damage, hand washing is your best bet.

• Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water.
• Add a small amount of mild detergent and stir to remove stains from corduroy.
• Submerge the garment and gently agitate it with your hands. It's an easy way to clean corduroy. Avoid twisting or scrubbing.
• Let it soak for 10–15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
• Pat the fabric gently to remove excess water and don’t squeeze hard.

How you dry corduroy is just as important as how you wash it. Heat can flatten the pile, and harsh wringing can misshape the fabric. This helps the ridges stay plush and prevents that dreaded crushed look.

• Lay the garment flat on a clean towel and roll it up to absorb water.
• Unroll and reshape the garment, then lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Once dry, gently brush the pile upwards using a soft-bristled clothes brush.

Sometimes, regular washing isn’t enough to remove stains from corduroy. Always patch-test home remedies for cleaning corduroy on an inner seam before applying to visible areas.

For stubborn stains:

• Mix equal parts baking soda and water, and dab onto the stained area.
• Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes before gently rinsing.
• For oil-based stains, a small dab of dishwashing liquid can break down the grease before rinsing.

To maintain your corduroy’s crisp appearance:

• Turn the garment inside out before ironing.
• Use a steam iron on the lowest heat setting, hovering just above the fabric without pressing down.
• Store corduroy items hung up, not folded, to avoid permanent creases in the ridges.

Corduroy is both durable and stylish, but it does require the right cleaning approach to stay in good condition. Whether you're trying to remove stains from corduroy, freshen it up, or give it a proper clean, the key is to handle the fabric gently and skip anything too rough or abrasive.

By using gentle methods and avoiding excess heat or scrubbing, you can clean corduroy at home effectively without damaging its texture. A bit of care goes a long way in keeping your corduroy items looking fresh and lasting longer.

Source:

https://www.beanbagsrus.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-clean-corduroy?srsltid=AfmBOop8PXomv1spjxjDofZKBRLfP80TdNTv4u_ZIRsjxZYZ9CV2gbgd