Corsets are beautiful garments that shape your body and are valuable investments. But unlike regular clothes, they need special care—especially when cleaning them. The short answer to "Can you wash a corset?" is no—never soak it in water. This article explains why water can damage your corset and shares safe ways to keep it fresh, along with answers to common corset care questions.
Why Water Is a Corset’s Worst Enemy
Most corsets are constructed with steel boning, which is rarely made of stainless steel. As numerous seasoned wearers have stressed, “DON'T WASH IT!!! DONT EVER, EVER SUBMERGE IN WATER!” Soaking your corset, even with a gentle hand wash, can expose the steel bones to moisture, causing rust and permanent damage. Machine washing is also a bad idea, as the movement and bending can warp the boning, potentially damaging both your corset and your washing machine. Because of this, water-based cleaning methods should always be avoided.
The Safer Alternatives for Corset Cleaning
Preventative Measures
The best way to maintain your corset is to prevent it from getting overly soiled in the first place. Always wear a barrier, such as a thin cotton camisole, shapewear, or a dedicated corset liner, between your skin and the garment. This not only protects the fabric from body oils and sweat but also reduces the frequency with which you feel the need to clean it.
Spot Cleaning With Rubbing Alcohol
When your corset needs a quick refresh, spot cleaning is the way to go. Using a soft cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol, gently wipe the interior—and if the material allows, the exterior. This method, favored by many corset enthusiasts, helps eliminate odors and bacteria without exposing the steel boning to water. Some professionals even recommend a spray bottle filled with a high-concentration alcohol solution (or strong vodka, ensuring it’s around 60–70% alcohol) as a quick fix to neutralize smells. Just be sure not to saturate the fabric.
Dry Cleaning: The Professional Touch
For a deep clean, taking your corset to a professional dry cleaner is highly recommended. Corsets are essentially “dry clean only” garments, and many experts suggest scheduling a dry cleaning session every six months to a year. When you do this, inform the cleaner about the steel boning and the fabric composition so they can handle your corset with the necessary care.
What About Hand Washing?
In rare circumstances, if you feel your corset absolutely must be cleaned by hand—and only if it lacks steel boning—extreme caution is required. Remove any laces to prevent tangling or stretching. Use a mild detergent in cold water, and gently agitate only the areas that are visibly soiled. Never wring or twist the garment. Instead, press out the water carefully, then wrap it in a towel to absorb excess moisture before laying it flat to air dry. Even with this gentle approach, hand washing is risky and generally not advised for corsets with metal bones.
Drying and Storing Your Corset
Never, under any circumstance, put your corset in the dryer. The heat and tumbling can warp the structure and further jeopardize the integrity of the boning. Instead, after any cleaning (or even after just a day’s wear), allow your corset to air out fully. Hang it over a chair or on a dedicated hanger with the interior facing outward to ensure proper ventilation and to help remove any lingering odors.
Answering Common Questions on Corset Care
Many common questions arise when caring for corsets. For example, “Can corsets shrink in the wash?”—the answer is yes, if they are exposed to water, which is why avoiding wet cleaning methods is critical. Questions like “How do you get the smell out of a corset?” are best answered by spot cleaning with rubbing alcohol and ensuring proper air drying. Other concerns—such as whether it’s okay to wear a corset all day or overnight, what to wear underneath, or even how to safely wash a waist trainer—largely boil down to the same principle: prevent direct contact with sweat and oils and rely on professional cleaning methods rather than water-based ones.
For leather corsets or corset tops (like the Urban corset top), specialized care is needed. These pieces also should be handled with caution and, in many cases, taken to professionals who are experienced with delicate or unconventional materials.
Final Thoughts
The longevity of your corset depends on how well you care for it. The key takeaway is simple: never submerge your corset in water. By wearing a liner, opting for spot cleaning with rubbing alcohol, and scheduling regular dry cleaning, you can preserve the structural integrity and beauty of your corset for years to come.
Embrace these practices, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of your corset without the risk of rust or damage.