Hello,
I'd like to sew electroluminescent wire to a leggings, so after some time of wearing it needs to be washed.
Would it be possible to use a soft wool cleaning program in the washing machine? Or would at least hand wash be fine? Is there more that I can do to protect the inner EL part than applying some varnish spray at both ends so seal?
Kind regards
Marten
Washing Electroluminescent (EL) Wire
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- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88086
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Washing Electroluminescent (EL) Wire
Definitely hand-wash and air-dry. Obviously you will want to disconnect all batteries & inverters first.
To prevent damage to the wire itself, I'd seal all you connections with heat-shrink. If you have any exposed cut-ends, you can seal them with a dab of silicone and maybe some heat-shrink over that for protection.
To prevent damage to the wire itself, I'd seal all you connections with heat-shrink. If you have any exposed cut-ends, you can seal them with a dab of silicone and maybe some heat-shrink over that for protection.
- joshuabardwell
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2013 2:09 pm
Re: Washing Electroluminescent (EL) Wire
EL wire is very robust, but if water gets in the ends, it can damage the phosphor. Generally, EL wire is best for clothes that are not going to need washing, like hats or belts, or that will only be dry cleaned. If you want to wet-wash your EL wire, make absolutely sure your ends are water-tight and hand-wash only.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.