flitterbat - makers of all kinds of Fine and Fancy costumes for Aesthetes, Bohemians and Gothicks
Caring for Corsets
Wearing something under your corset helps to keep it clean, even if it is just a little vest top. This can easily be tucked out of sight if necessary.

These instructions apply to Flitterbat corsets only. If you have a corset from somewhere else you must check with the manufacturer.

Dry Cleaning
This is the preferred method of cleaning corsets. It is safe and shouldn’t affect any of the fabrics or applied decoration. HOWEVER there are exceptions, please check the information that came with your corset. Always use a reputable company.

Hand washing
Almost all my corsets can be hand washed. You will need to use a large sink and pure soap flakes. Remove the laces. Use warm water. Move the corset around in the water using your hands to rub over the surface. The inside can be scrubbed with a nail brush if necessary but do not scrub the outside. A new sponge can be used on the outside to spot treat stubborn marks. Rinse well in cool water. DO NOT WRING at any point. This may twist fabrics and bones out of shape which can’t be restored.

Roll the corset up in a towel to blot it. You may need to do this more than once. Dry away from direct sun light, flat if possible. Do not peg it on a washing line as the pegs may mark it. Your corset shouldn’t need ironing, any creases will disappear when you next wear it. If you do want to iron it, do it on the wrong side using a warm iron. Avoid pressing on any seams. If your iron has a vertical steam setting use it carefully on the outside, but do not touch the fabrics.

If your corset is velvet gently brush it and use vertical steam but do not iron it!

The laces can be washed in the same way. If you have ribbons with your corset, they too can be hand washed and usually ironed with a warm iron, but do check with your instructions as some are not suitable for ironing.

Storing
Your corset will be delivered wrapped in tissue in a cloth bag, this is the best place for it, laid flat in a drawer.
 
FAQs   Terms & Conditions   Costume Information   Links