Taking care of corsets: dos and don'ts

In the following sections:

• DONT'S
• Dry cleaning
• Home cleaning: information on spot cleaning and handwashing
• Tips for minimizing the frequency of washing
• Getting rid of odors (sweat, smoke)
• Faux, real leather and vinyl corsets
• What to do after taking a corset off 

This is a question every corset owner faces: how should one care for it?

First and foremost, let's start with what you absolutely should not do: never wash your corset in a washing machine like regular clothing. Never! No machine wash, no tumble dry. That will destroy both the corset and the washing machine itself. Bent and broken boning, a damaged busk (which can easily break inside the washing machine), a heightened risk of rusting, not to mention the alteration of the fabric's original properties - these are all potential consequences of such washing. Ironing corsets is not recommended or necessary.

The most thorough, professional, and at the same time safe cleaning of a corset can be done at a dry cleaner's, but even here, there are a few things to keep in mind:

When it comes to cleaning corsets at home, it is possible if you are careful. I recommend my clients perform spot cleaning on their corsets at home if there are small and not too complicated stains (such as oily stains). Handwashing is also possible with utmost care (only for single-layer non-silk corsets), and now we'll discuss this process as well as how to eliminate unpleasant odors. Please note that complete handwashing of a coutil corset using the method described below may lead to permanent wrinkles on fabric.

Disclaimer: corset constructions vary between types, and the method described below is not universal applicable to all of them. Despite the provided instructions and warnings, full hand washing is always done at your own risk if you choose to proceed with this method. The Boudoir Key is not responsible for any potential negative consequences.

First of all, start by removing the laces completely. Use a gentle soap in cold or lukewarm water and be sure to rinse thoroughly to eliminate all soap residue . Never use bleach! After that, carefully press out excess water without twisting or wringing the fabric, as this can damage the material. No wringing water out typically applies to delicate fabrics or items, such as corsets, where maintaining shape and structure is important. Lay the corset flat on a towel, placing each side separately, fold the towel over, and then gently roll it from top to bottom (vertically, from the busk to the grommets) to help the towel absorb the water without bending the boning. Let it sit rolled up for a few minutes, then unroll and hang the corset near a fan or dehumidifier to dry. It's important not to let the corset stay wet for too long to prevent rusting of the boning. Keep in mind that corsets aren't meant to be washed often, if at all, so this should be done as infrequently as possible. Dry cleaning is still strongly recommended.

In that case, is there any way to minimize the need to wash a corset to an absolute minimum?

Yes, there are several ways to minimize the need to wash your corset:

1. Wear a liner: A corset liner (bamboo tops work wonders for that when historical accuracy is unimportant) or a lightweight camisole worn underneath your corset will help protect it from direct contact with your skin. This will prevent sweat and oils from being absorbed, significantly reducing the need for cleaning. Historically, cotton and linen chemises (and later combinations) were worn underneath, and linen was the best material, especially for summer or in a hot climate: that's because linen wicks moisture away from your body and lets it evaporate, while cotton absorbs and holds moisture longer.

2. Air the corset out regularly: After each use, hang your corset in a well-ventilated area or near a fan to let it air out and dry from any moisture. This will also help prevent unpleasant odors.

3. Avoid stains: Keep your corset away from food, makeup, lotions, and other cosmetic products that could cause staining.

4. Spot clean: When small stains do appear, clean them immediately with a soft cloth and gentle soap, avoiding a full wash.

By following these tips you can significantly extend the life of your corset without frequent washing. If you wear a corset regularly, it's good to have a few on hand so they can have more time to air out between wears.

How does one get rid of odors? There is a user-friendly method.

In certain cases letting your corset air out for a day or two may be enough to remove odor. If you want to clean a corset that has been sweated in or contains odors such as cigarette smoke, you can lightly spray it with vodka and let air dry. Using isopropyl alcohol is another option, one can dilute 100% isopropyl alcohol to suit any purpose - to effectively destroy bacteria, we need 60-70% alcohol. In comparison, vodka has a standard alcohol concentration of 40%. Both help kill odors, as well as Everclear not mentioned before.

Taking care of leather (faux or real) and vinyl corsets.

Although our store does not carry corsets made of vinyl or any type of leather, it would be remiss not to address these materials specifically, as their care methods differ significantly from those described above. The information will be quite brief because I typically don't work with these materials. The most common issue with faux leather and vinyl is cracking and peeling, sometimes occurring after just a few months of use - real (full grain) leather should not peel or crack; however vinyl, bonded leather and faux leather do. If you are dealing with real leather and it is becoming dry and cracked, lanolin works wonders - it's readily available in the baby products section of many department stores. For real leather care, you can use saddle soap to gently clean it if it gets dirty, and a high-quality leather conditioner will keep it supple and happy. Leather conditioner should be used every few weeks, but make sure it isn't a waterproofing type (waterproof is fine for boots, but not shapewear) - otherwise it will mean your skin can't breathe.

These materials tend to crack when worn or left in the sun - please keep that in mind.

Leather and vinyl corsets must be dry cleaned when a complete cleaning is necessary, and you have to inquire if a dry cleaning company has had experience with vinyl or leather prior to using their service. 

When at home, use a damp, soft cloth to wipe down your faux feather or vinyl corset. Avoid soaking it, as excessive moisture can damage the material. For stubborn stains you can use a mild soap diluted in water, but be sure to wipe away any soap residue thoroughly. Refrain from using harsh cleaning agents, solvents, or abrasives on your faux leather or vinyl corset, as these can cause the material to crack or peel. After cleaning, gently pat the corset with a dry, soft cloth to remove excess moisture. Allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight, which can warp or degrade the material.
Store your corset in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding or creasing it; instead, hang it on a padded hanger to maintain its shape and prevent permanent indentations. Keep your corset away from excessive heat, cold, or humidity, as these conditions can affect the material’s flexibility and appearance. Be cautious around sharp or rough surfaces that might scratch or puncture the vinyl or faux leather. Periodically inspect the corset for signs of wear and tear, such as peeling or cracking, and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

What to do after taking a corset off? And how to store it?

After removing the corset from your body, it is crucial to allow it to dry completely before putting it away in the closet. As with washing, lay the corset flat on a smooth surface or hang it over a chair to dry. Once the corset is dry, carefully roll it up without bending the boning or busk, wrap the laces around it for compactness, and store it in the closet. It is extremely important to keep corsets in a dry place or in a room with a dehumidifier in high humidity conditions to prevent mold growth.