Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
When washing clothes with wooden buttons, use a moderate temperature (usually up to 30–40 °C), a delicate programme, fastened buttons and a garment turned inside out. Avoid prolonged soaking, bleach and a tumble dryer on a high setting. Lacquered buttons withstand washing better than natural ones, and when ironing the iron should not pass directly over them.
How moisture and heat affect wood
Wood is a natural material that absorbs and releases moisture. When it gets wet it swells slightly, and when it dries it shrinks. If this happens quickly and repeatedly – for example with a hot wash followed by a tumble dryer – cracks, warping or loss of colour can appear. Lacquer and oil reduce water penetration but do not make wood completely waterproof. That is why correct washing is a question of both temperature and the length of contact with water.
Washing clothes with wooden buttons – step by step
- Fasten the buttons and turn the garment inside out so the buttons do not knock against the drum.
- Choose a delicate programme or a wool programme, at a low temperature.
- Use a laundry bag for knitwear and thin fabrics.
- Reduce the spin – strong spinning presses the buttons against the drum.
- Do not soak the garment for long, and do not leave it wet in the machine after the programme ends.
- Dry naturally, on a flat surface or a hanger, away from radiators and direct sunlight.
Natural, oiled or lacquered buttons
| Finish | Behaviour in the wash | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | absorbs the most moisture, can fade or become rough | hand wash or dry cleaning |
| Oil or wax | better protection, but the oil gradually washes out | delicate wash, periodic renewal on handmade items |
| Lacquer | best protection against moisture | delicate machine wash |
| Dyed and lacquered | the colour is protected, but a colour-bleed test is needed | wash with similar colours |
Ironing
Wood does not melt like some plastics, but high temperatures and steam dry it out and can damage the lacquer. Iron the garment inside out, going around the buttons, or place a cloth between the iron and the buttons. On shirts and dresses, use the tip of the iron between the buttons instead of passing over them.
Dry cleaning
Coats and jackets with wooden buttons are often dry-cleaned. Solvents can affect some lacquers and dyes, so it is sensible to tell the dry cleaner about the buttons. With valuable or natural unlacquered buttons, specialists sometimes cover them with foil or remove them temporarily. For the manufacturer, it is important to test a garment sample with the intended cleaning method before the series.
What to put on the care label
The garment manufacturer determines the care symbols according to the most sensitive component – fabric, lining or accessories. If the wooden buttons do not tolerate high temperatures, this must be reflected in the symbols under ISO 3758: a lower washing temperature, a delicate programme, no tumble drying or a low ironing setting. The instructions are placed on the care and composition label together with the fabric composition. If the buttons should be removed before washing, this can also be stated in text.
How to extend the life of wooden buttons
- Wash the garment less often – airing and spot cleaning are often enough for coats and knitwear.
- Wipe stains on the button with a slightly damp cloth and dry it immediately.
- Do not leave the garment wet or in a plastic bag for long.
- Natural buttons can be periodically treated with a drop of colourless wood oil, unless the manufacturer has stated otherwise.
- If a button cracks, replace it in time, before the sharp edge cuts the thread or the fabric.
If the garment will be washed often
For garments with intensive care – children's clothing, uniforms, kitchen textiles – choose lacquered buttons in a dense wood such as beech or olive. If you want a natural look but greater wash resistance, compare wood with corozo buttons, which are also a natural material but behave differently with moisture and heat.
Hand washing
If the label requires hand washing, use lukewarm water and a mild detergent for delicate fabrics. Do not rub the buttons and do not leave them in the water longer than necessary – a few minutes are usually enough. Rinse, press the garment in a towel instead of wringing it, and leave it to dry flat. If the buttons are wet, pat them dry separately with a cloth.
Storage
Store garments with wooden buttons in a dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid plastic covers for long periods, because they trap moisture. When putting clothes away for the season, make sure the garment is completely dry. Do not press knitwear with wooden buttons under heavy piles of clothes – the pressure can deform the knit around the buttons.
Advice for manufacturers
Before releasing a series, carry out a washing and drying test on a sample of the finished garment, following the programme you will state on the label. Check that the buttons keep their colour and shape, that the lacquer remains intact and that the dye does not stain the fabric around the button. The test results are the basis for correct care instructions and protect against complaints.
Wooden buttons from Polkom
Polkom offers wooden buttons with natural, oiled, lacquered and dyed finishes, selected according to how the garment will be cared for. We will help you choose a model that matches your label. Send an inquiry for samples.
