How to remove rhinestones from clothes

How To Remove Rhinestones From Clothes?

In terms of fashion, rhinestones on fabric are a popular choice. They are a hyped addition to clothing as it is a touch of glamour and sparkles to any outfit. However, over time, rhinestones can become loose and fall off, leaving unsightly holes in your favorite garments. On the other hand, the rhinestones on your dress might be misplaced so you want to remove them.

How to remove rhinestones from clothes? It can be a delicate process, as you want to avoid damaging the fabric. To do it successfully there are several methods for removing them from clothes safely and effectively. The whole procedure can be frustrating both for removing and falling ones. However, if you apply caution and follow the simple steps carefully without skipping them then you’ll achieve amazing results!

Key Takeaways

  • There are five effective ways to remove rhinestones from your clothes where the tools remain more or less the same.
  • Clean the adhesives from your dress after the removal. You don’t want patches of glue sticking to your clothes.
  • Know the reason why rhinestones fall off and how you can best avoid such a situation in the future.

5 Ways to Remove Rhinestones from Clothes

Out of abundant solutions, there are several effective ways that you can do that, depending on the material your clothes are made of and which stones are attached. No matter which methods you use but remember, once all of the rhinestones have been removed, wash the garment according to the care instructions on the label.

Tools You Will Need

Before you start removing rhinestones from clothes, you need to gather some tools. Here are the things you’ll need:

  • Cotton swabs
  • Heat gun or iron
  • Solvent (acetone or nail polish remover)
  • Razor blade or scraper
  • Tweezers
  • Rubber gloves

Preparing Your Clothes for Rhinestone Removal

However, before removing the rhinestones, it’s essential to prepare your clothes. So, first, turn your garment inside out to prevent the adhesive from melting onto the fabric. Then, use tweezers to remove any loose rhinestones gently. This will make the removal process easier and less likely to damage the fabric.

Method 1: Use Heat

One of the most common methods for removing rhinestones from clothes is using heat. To use this method, you’ll need a heat gun or an iron. Be careful not to apply too much heat, as this can damage the fabric. Also, avoid using this method on delicate fabrics such as silk or chiffon.

Use heat
Use heat

Here are the steps:

  1. Place the garment on a flat surface with the rhinestones facing up.
  2. Turn on your heat gun or iron to a low heat setting.
  3. Hold the heat gun or iron a few inches away from the rhinestone, and slowly move it around in a circular motion.
  4. As the adhesive melts, use a pair of tweezers to gently remove the rhinestone.

Method 2: Try Solvents

Removing rhinestones can leave your clothes with patches and worn out. To avoid this, you can use solvents that won’t affect the fabric and help in removing rhinestones without harming your fabric.

Try solvents
Try solvents
  1. Put on your rubber gloves to protect your skin.
  2. Apply a small amount of acetone or nail polish remover to a cotton swab.
  3. Rub the cotton swab over the rhinestone, saturating the adhesive with the solvent.
  4. Use a razor blade or scraper to gently lift the rhinestone away from the fabric.
  5. Be careful when using solvents, as they can damage some fabrics, particularly those made of synthetic materials.

Method 3: Apply Scraping

If the rhinestone is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a scraping method.

Here’s how to do it:

Apply Scraping
Apply Scraping
  1. Hold your garment flat with the rhinestone facing up.
  2. Use a razor blade or scraper to carefully scrape the rhinestone from the fabric.
  3. Be gentle and work slowly to avoid damaging the fabric.
  4. Use a cotton swab with solvent to remove any residual adhesive.
  5. Note that scraping should be used as a last resort, as it can damage the fabric and leave unsightly marks on the garment.

Method 4: Alcohol Works as well

Alcohol works as well
Alcohol works as well

Another method for removing rhinestones from clothing is to use rubbing alcohol.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. First, lay the garment flat on a hard surface, with the rhinestones facing up.
  2. Next, dip a cotton swab or cotton ball in rubbing alcohol.
  3. Rub the alcohol-soaked cotton swab or ball over the rhinestones, saturating them with the alcohol.
  4. Allow the alcohol to soak into the fabric for a few minutes.
  5. Using a dull knife or a pair of tweezers, gently pry up the rhinestones from the fabric. Be careful not to damage the fabric or leave any residue behind.
  6. Continue to repeat steps 2-5 until all of the rhinestones have been removed from the garment.

Removing Adhesive After Taking Off Rhinestone

Removing Adhesive
Removing Adhesive

After removing the rhinestones, you may find that there is still some adhesive left on the fabric.

To remove it, follow these steps:

  1. Apply a small amount of suitable solvent to a cotton swab.
  2. Rub the swab over the residual adhesive.
  3. Use a scraper or razor blade to scrape away the adhesive gently.
  4. Repeat this process until all the adhesive is removed.

Reasons Why Rhinestone Falls Off?

The most common reasons for rhinestones falling from clothes are:

  • Clean up
  • Slow down
  • Not that slow
  • Rhinestones shedding

1. Clean Up

In order for the glue to hold, your item must have a porous, dry surface. If any oil or other substance is on the surface, the glue may not hold.

Use the appropriate cleaner and let your item dry completely. After sanding, wipe your item to remove any dust so the hot fix glue has something to grip.

Sanding gives your item a textured surface that attracts the hotfix glue.

Clean up
Clean up

2. Don’t rush

Rushing when setting the rhinestones attributes to a lot of them falling off! You must melt the hot-fix glue completely.

Pick up the crystal with the right size tip, then turn it so the glue reveals itself. Apply the glue after the glue looks wet. Place the crystal lightly, then rotate the tip about 1/4 turn. Lift the tip and hold it on the crystal for three to four seconds.

The crystal will sometimes lift up slightly off the fabric when you lift the tip after placing it, allowing air to get between the surface of your item and the back of the crystal. The air is forced out of the crystal when the tip edge is placed on top of it.

Don't rush
Don’t rush

3. A little slower than expected

Tiny crystals melt right away, so place them quickly. If you keep the crystal in the tip too long, it will begin to dry. Watching the glue melt on the first few crystals allows me to determine how long it takes for the glue to melt, then I use that time frame for each crystal.

When applying crystals, I always recommend watching the back of the crystal and placing the crystal when the glue is still wet. Holding the tip too long or waiting too long can dry out the glue, so it won’t adhere.

Little slower than expected
Little slower than expected

4. Shedding of rhinestones

Any decorated item that is subjected to friction can develop this phenomenon, such as jeans seats and office chairs.

My favorite jeans’ back pockets are “molt.” They rub on car seats, and office chairs, and goof off. The only real solution is to avoid areas where you are going to constantly put stress on.

Shedding of rhinestones
Shedding of rhinestones

Tips for Preventing Rhinestones from Falling Off

Prevention is always better than cure, so here are some tips to prevent rhinestones from falling off your clothes:

  • Wash your rhinestone-studded clothes inside out on a delicate cycle.
  • Avoid using a dryer to dry your clothes, as the heat can cause the adhesive to melt.
  • Store your rhinestone-studded clothes flat or on a hanger to avoid putting pressure on the stones.
  • Apply a clear coat of nail polish over the rhinestones to help keep them in place.

FAQs

How do you make rhinestone clothes?

Rhinestone clothes are typically made by attaching rhinestones to fabric using an adhesive or a hot-fix tool. To create a design, the rhinestones are arranged in the desired pattern and then attached to the fabric.

Why is it called rhinestone?

The term “rhinestone” came to refer to any type of stone that resembles a diamond but is made from glass or other materials.

What are rhinestones good for?

Rhinestones are commonly used to add sparkle and embellishment to clothing, accessories, and jewelry. They can also be used in arts and crafts projects or as decorations for home decor items.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to struggle with removing rhinestones from clothing if you follow the steps outlined in this article. You can safely and effectively remove rhinestones without damaging your clothing. Always take your time and be gentle when removing rhinestones. However, once you remove them you must stick them back, right? In this case, you should know how to prevent them from falling off in the future if you don’t skip and scan along you’ll know the essentials and save your beloved fabric by taking preventative measures.

Author

Hey I’m Sherry Howes an expert in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. With a passion for fiber arts and a talent for crafting, I Have spent years improving my skills and sharing knowledge with others. Whether teaching a class or creating a new project, I’m always excited to share my love of crafting with the world. I like researching new techniques and trends in the crafting arts community.

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